At the March 24 school board meeting, four York County School Division students were recognized for exceptional contributions to their schools and to the community. Students at Williamsburg Christian Academy used baked goods to help fund a math endeavor.
YCSD Seniors of the Month
Every month, the York County School Division recognizes teens from each of the county’s high schools who have shown outstanding merit in academic performance and school involvement to receive the Senior of the Month Award. The February Seniors of the Month are:
Kassie Abbinanti from Bruton High School
Abbinanti currently serves as president of her school’s Student Council Association, but manages to find time outside of presidential duties to be a leader in other organizations and a standout athlete.
She is vice president of the Key Club and treasurer of National Honor Society, as well as active in Model United Nations, Chemistry Honor Society and the York County Youth Commission. While maintaining a 4.7 GPA, Abbinanti volunteers at Sentara Hospital during the summer and at Camp Peary with youth activities.
Abbinanti also shines on the field, as an all-conference and all-region field hockey player, and three-year member of Bruton’s girls’ soccer team.
Margaret “Meg” Hinote from Tabb High School
Daughter of a military member with three high schools on her résumé, Hinote has a passion for community service.
She transferred to Tabb High as a junior, and quickly became involved with Key Club and active in her church. Hinote has been on three different weeklong mission trips, as well as a two-week service trip to Honduras in both her junior and senior years.
An Advanced Placement student and member of three honor societies, Hinote has also been involved with musical theater at her previous schools and at Tabb.
Benjamin Kempton from York High School
Student-athlete Kempton has been active on the Falcon swimming and cross-country teams for all four of his high school years. His junior year, Kempton was nominated by faculty to attend the American Legion Boys State program for his leadership, creativity and teamwork skills.
An outdoorsman who enjoys sailing, archery and biking, Kempton has also earned the rank of Eagle Scout for his commitment to the community.
Kempton hopes to attend the University of Maryland next year.
Hee Sang Yoo from Grafton High School
A high academic achiever, Yoo is president and the Math Honor Society and a member of National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society.
Yoo spends his free time as vice president of both the Peninsula Korean Youth Orchestra and the Kendo Martial Arts Club.
He also has a strong commitment to service. Yoo has received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award and the Call to Service Award for 4,000 volunteer hours. He also earned the 100 Hours of Service Award from his time at the Virginia Living Museum.
Williamsburg Christian Academy Math Group Earns Grant to Attend National Convention
The newly formed chapter of the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society at Williamsburg Christian Academy is gearing up for a summer trip to Orlando, Fla.
The group will be attending the 44th annual Mu Alpha Theta National Convention in July thanks to a grant from the national office. The award covers registration for three students and a faculty sponsor, with additional funds for discounted registration for other students and travel expenses.
Six WCA students are planning to attend the conference, which includes math competitions in calculus, pre-calculus, algebra II and geometry.
The group raised money for the balance of the trip with a week of pie-themed activities leading up to “Pi Day” on March 14. Mu Alpha Theta members sold pies, held pie-eating contests and a “pie-a-friend” event.
Mu Alpha Theta was founded at WCA last fall, with 11 full members currently involved. Selection is determined by math grades and completion of basic courses.
