York County students were recognized at the April 28 board meeting for their outstanding contributions to their schools and to the community, while seniors at Hampton Roads Academy had a chance to show off their independent study projects from the year. Walsingham Academy has announced a new scholarship program to cover costs for four years at the school. Local veterans honored a Williamsburg Christian Academy instructor for instilling patriotic values in her pupils.
YCSD Seniors of the Month
Each month, the York County School Division recognizes teens from each of the county’s high schools who have shown exceptional merit in academic performance and school involvement to receive the Senior of the Month Award. The April Seniors of the Month are:
Jessica Chandrasekhar from York High School
Chandrasekhar, who maintains a strong academic record is a candidate for the International Baccalaureate Diploma, serves as vice president of the Student Council Association. In addition to playing a number of sports, she founded the NATASHA House Club at York High School, which raises awareness and funds for transitional space for homeless women and children.
Outside of school, Chandrasekhar is an active member of Habitat for Humanity and is the current chairman of the York County Youth Commission. She hopes to someday work for Doctors without Borders.
Alexis Ferebee from Bruton High School
Ferebee has received academic high honors for all her years at Bruton, and been recognized for her achievements in a number of subjects. A leader in Mu Alpha Theta Math Club, National Honor Society and Key Club, she has also spent four years on the cross-country team and three years running indoor and outdoor track.
An Advanced Placement Scholar and Scholar with Distinction, Ferebee will attend the University of Virginia in the fall.
Benjamin Howe from Tabb High School
Ranked 16th in his senior class, Howe is a member of four honor societies and has competed with both the indoor and outdoor track teams at the varsity level. He was named a co-captain for his junior and senior years.
Howe leads the school’s National Naval Defense Cadet Corps program as the commanding officer. He is involved with the program outside of the classroom as well at community events, in addition to volunteering his time at his church and for charity.
Elizabeth Peratt from Grafton High School
In four years of high school grading periods, Peratt has never missed the All-A Honor Roll. She is a member of multiple honor organizations and also was a member of the swim team.
A musical leader as well, Peratt has served two years as Drum Major of the Grafton Marching Band and as president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.
Peratt will attend the University of Virginia next year and plans to study human biology.
WCA Teacher Recognized by VFW
On April 25, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4639 of Williamsburg named Dr. Dianna Lindsay as Teacher of the Year. The award honors an educator who helps students develop a strong understanding of patriotic values through projects, field trips and interacting with veterans.
Lindsay serves at Head of High School at WCA, and also teaches a journalism class. In March, three of her students earned a top prize from C-SPAN for their short documentary on the state of America’s roads. The class has another project that takes them regularly to Washington, D.C., to film a series on the nation’s monuments.
New Walsingham Scholarship Program
A new merit scholarship program at Walsingham Academy will give two rising ninth-graders a full ride for their high school years at the school.
The scholarships are in honor of of Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, Catherine McAuley Distinguished Scholars Program at Walsingham assists those who have distinguished themselves as outstanding leaders and scholars within their communities.
To be eligible for the award, applicants must be in the top 10 percent in national standardized tests, have a minimum 3.7 GPA and meet Walsingham’s standard admission requirements.
“I have been inspired by the young scholar applicants I have had the opportunity to meet and interview through our selection process,” says Richard Plank, director of admissions, in a news release. “In all of my years of experience in independent school admissions and merit-based scholarships, this is by far the strongest group of student applicants I have worked with.”
This year’s award winners are Julia Grimson from Walsingham and Gregory Peterson from Sigonella Middle/High School in Italy. Grimson has received many honors for academic excellence from Walsingham in the past, and is also a multi-sport athlete and Key Club member.
The school is accepting applications for recipients of the 2015 Catherine McAuley Distinguished Scholars Program. Students can apply online here or contact Richard Plank at 259-1430 or [email protected] with questions.
HRA Seniors Present Year-Long Projects
At an annual event, students at Hampton Roads Academy presented the fruits of their senior independent study projects.
Senior projects included learning how to make organic soap, designing clothing, constructing custom surfboards and restoring a motorcycle. Students also designed books, performed songs, learned how to cook and organized a bone marrow registry drive.
“Students may be inspired by classroom learning, but the Senior Project allows them to pursueinterests that go beyond what they already know,” said Head of Upper School Karen Gillespie in a news release.
