The 2013 awards ceremony was held May 9 in the theatre, recognizing students from all grade levels for their academic, athletic, and community achievement.
“[The awards ceremony] causes me to reflect on what I can do differently and better as a principal. [These students] represent excellence and it challenges me on how I support them and their teachers,” principal Mr. Tim McCarthy said.
The evening began with the Principal’s Presentations, including the National Merit Recognition, National Achievement Scholarship, Missouri Scholars 100, ACT and SAT Recognition, and the Missouri Scholars Academy. Senior Deanna Patelis was one of the recipients of the National Achievement Scholarship, an award dedicated to recognizing outstanding African American students.
“[Receiving the award] is a humbling experience,” Patelis said.
While the night is typically one for honoring upperclassmen, sophomore and freshman students received awards as well. Sophomore Julie Nguyen was among the sophomore recipients, receiving an All-State orchestra recognition, Scholastic Arts and Writing recognition, Ran McNally American the Beautiful semi-finalist recognition, and the sophomore Wordmasters champion.
“It was really surprising,” Nguyen said. “It was nice to see all of my hard work pay off.”
Other awards included leadership, athletic, extra-curricular, and academic recognition. Senior Katie McKinstry won awards in a variety of activities, including the Colt Award for vocals, an honorable mention in the Scholastic Arts and Writing contest, and all-state dive award.
“[I try to balance different activities] through a lot of time management,” McKinstry said. “I didn’t want to focus on just one thing throughout high school.”
The recipients of the various awards are determined in different ways. Many of the awards are already established and just require the department or a special committee to nominate the student. Some scholarship awards are given based on a application process.
“My favorite part of the evening is getting to see students stand in front of the stage and listen to the description [of themselves and their award],” McCarthy said. “Some stand tall and proud, while others stand uncomfortably, just because they are humble people. I think it’s really neat to sea an individual or a group stand and be recognized.”
