York County high school seniors received recognition for their academic and community excellence, and the winners of a regional PTA art contest were recently announced. Four scholarships are available for high school students, Williamsburg Christian Academy got a visit from a local chef and York County School Division’s School Board members gave tribute to Dr. Seuss with striped hats. Read on for more in this week’s Get Schooled.
YCSD Seniors of the Month
Each month, the York County School Board honors high school seniors who have shown outstanding involvement in their schools and communities. Read on for the senior of the month winners for January.
Jonice Jackson of Bruton High
Jonice Jackson now serves as news editor of the Panther Press, secretary of her class, historian of the National Honor Society and treasurer of the International Thespian Society.
Jackson is also a member of four organizations: the Future Business Leaders of America, the debate team, Model UN and Drama Club. She has received several awards, including the NAACP ACT-SO Award, the International Thespian Society Induction Award, the Committee for Minority Affairs Award and the World History I award for academics.
While she is involved in so many extra-curricular activities, Jackson has found time to maintain a 4.1 GPA, volunteer at the Williamsburg Regional Library, Williamsburg Italian Festival and National Alzheimer’s Association. She is also nearing completion of an internship at the Capital Kiwanian.
Alice Grace Cherry of Grafton High
Alice Grace serves as the vice president of Grafton’s National Honor Society and a member of the Math and Tri-M Music Honor Societies. During her four years at Grafton, she could also be found playing on the field as a starter for the field hockey team, where she served as senior captain.
She has earned several honors while playing on the team: First Team All-Region and First Team All-Conference honors, Second Team All-District honors and the Coach’s Leadership Award. She was also the U.S. Field Hockey Association National Futures Tournament selectee.
Grace also served as the vice chairman of the York County Youth Commission and volunteered for both “Gowns and Hounds” and PORT Homeless Shelter. Despite her busy schedule, she has maintained a 4.04 GPA.
Samuel Murri of Tabb High
While Samuel Murri is an Eagle Scout, the vice president of the Bibliophiles club and competes on the Odyssey of the Mind team, he is also a heavily involved musician serving as the only Drum Major for the Competition Marching band and the only lead Drum Major of three for the Halftime Marching Band.
For his musical talent, Murri was selected for All-District band during his junior year. He also played for the Pit Orchestra during his sophomore year, is active in his church youth group and volunteered with the Catholic Heart Workcamp. Murri has maintained a 4.01 GPA.
Shi Jia Wang of York High
Wang is at the top of his class and a candidate for the International Baccalaureate diploma. He has earned several awards during his time at York, including first- and second-place awards at the Science and Engineering Fair, first place in Business Calculations state for FBLA, the National AP Scholar award and Top Scorer in the American Mathematics Competition.
Wang is a the president of Mu Alpha Theta and a current member of the National Honor Society and French National Honor Society. He has participated in the Scholastic Bowl, Debate Team, Outdoor Track and Field and he is currently a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist.
National PTA Reflections District Winners
Each year, millions of students around the nation participate in an art competition that has been around for more than 40 years called National PTA Reflections. Under this year’s theme, “Believe, Dream, Inspire,” students submitted art from six different mediums: dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography and visual arts.
There are four divisions of the contest based on grade – primary, intermediate, middle and high school. Each year, children compete in their divisions starting at the individual school level, moving to a division-wide contest, regional contest and on to a state-wide competition.
The winners of the regional contest, called the “district” competition, were recently announced. Here’s a list of local students who moved on to the state competition. The winners of the state contest are expected to be announced in late February or early March.
Dance
- Sydney Holbrook from the intermediate division
- Lauren Holbrook from the middle division
- Madison Mudahy from the primary division
Film
- Brady Holcomb from the high school division
- Romyn Law from the Primary division
Literature
- Kayla Fowler from the intermediate division
- Alicia Miecznikowski from the middle division
Music
- Timothy Matthews from the high school division
- Ciara Rosario from the intermediate division
Photography
- Mackenzie Carino from the middle division
- Mary Barrett from the primary division
Visual Arts
- Trinity Choice from the high school division
- Syndey Crocetta from the intermediate division
- Carl Stauffer from the primary division
YCYC Scholarships
The York County Youth Commission, in conjunction with the York County Board of Supervisors, offers four $500 scholarships to high school students in York County each year. The scholarships are given to those nominated in the categories of community service, compassion, courage and overall achievement.
Community members of all ages can nominate the students for the scholarships, but the nominee must show proof he or she is enrolled in college or trade school before receiving the money. The selection committee for the scholarships comprises two YCYC members, a county supervisor and a member of the YCSD School Board.
Nominations are due Feb. 26 and nomination forms can be found here in pdf format. Hard copies are also available at the Yorktown, Tabb, Williamsburg Regional and James City County libraries, and the Parks and Recreation Office at 100 County Drive in Yorktown.
Chef Florimonte visits WCA
Executive Chef Mark Florimonte, food and beverage director at Ford’s Colony Country Club, visited Williamsburg Christian Acadamy on Feb. 21. He shared culinary art techniques with students in a 3D design class.
York School Board Members Don Seuss Hats
During Monday’s York County School Board meeting, school board members donned red and white striped top hats to honor Dr. Seuss’ upcoming March 2 birthday and to dedicate March 3 as Read Across America day. The hats were provided by the York Education Association.
