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Brooke Wilson, a fourth-grade student at William Ramsay Elementary School, received the 2006-2007 Outstanding American Automobile Association (AAA) School Safety Patrol Award for Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) during a recent luncheon ceremony held by the Mid-Atlantic Foundation For Safety and Education. She received a plaque, a savings bond and a certificate.
Katherine Clark, a student at T.C. Williams High School, was selected to be a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. The society recognized the top scholars in the nation and invites only those students who have achieved superior academic excellence.
Four Bishop Ireton High School juniors were honored with awards presented at The 2007 Award for Excellence Ceremony by The National Society of Arts and Letters Washington Chapter in collaboration with The Kennedy Center. Andrew Ohlert, Certificate of Merit, Art; Charlotte Maalouf, Award for Excellence, Musical Theater; Giselle Spahr, Certificate of Merit, Creative Writing; and Audrey Hueg, Certificate of Merit, Music.
Alexandria Country Day School graduated its 23rd class of 8th grade students on June 7. As a class they accomplished much over the course of the year including raising funds for neurofibromatosis; participating in the exchange program with a sister school in Mexico; and traveling to the American Southwest to experience the cultural and geographic diversity of their own country. Also, this class boasts a first place speech at the Optimist Club (Peter Fanone), a second place speech in the Optimist Club (Kelly McGrath), a Virginia Senate intern (Max Blackman), and a recipient of an honorable mention from the Model UN program in Mexico City (Claire Neimann).
The Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities (ACPD) awarded Angelica Bravo, from Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, its 2007 Gerry Bertier Scholarship. Bravo's persistence over challenges, academic accomplishments, and passion for learning made her a unanimous choice for this year's award. Bravo will attend George Mason University this fall. The Gerry Bertier Scholarship is awarded on the basis of merit to a student with a disability who is seeking post-secondary education.
This summer more than 30 students will serve around the world, working alongside Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Global Missions field personnel and Fellowship partners. Allison Lee-Villanueva, of Alexandria, will serve in Great Falls, Va. Lee-Villanueva will serve at Camp Fraser in Great Falls. Camp Fraser offers various outdoor activities such as rafting, camping and climbing for inner city children. Lee-Villanueva will work with youth, leading worship, devotion, serving meals and participating in many sport activities.
The Alexandria Human Rights Commission awarded the Ethiopian-Eritrean Student Association of T.C. Williams High School the Commission's 2007 Student Human Rights Award. The Commission established the Human Rights Awards six years ago to recognize students who have contributed significantly toward improving basic human rights and fairness for all in the City. The club participated in the 2000 Millennium Campaign with the Ethiopian/African 2000 Group, raising money for efforts to unite the people of Africa toward unity and peace. Michael Diggins is the teacher sponsor at T. C. Williams High School. Each year the group sponsors an Essence Night in Alexandria, showcasing fashion, dance and talent, while promoting diversity.
Christopher Nolan, the son of Cheri Nolan of Alexandria, graduated from Randolph-Macon Academy on June 2. While at R-MA, Christopher was active in the academy flight program, played both soccer and lacrosse, and was a member of the French National Honor Society. He was named to the dean’s list and received the American Citizenship Award. Christopher plans to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University of Florida, where he received a $4,000 scholarship. He had received a total of $9,000 in scholarship offers.
Cristina Yolanda Ortiz, the daughter of Jacob and Yolanda Ortiz of Alexandria, graduated from Randolph-Macon Academy on June 2. While at R-MA, Cristina was active in the chorus and on the tennis team. She received the Tennis Coach's Award at the end of the school year. Cristina plans to attend Northern Virginia Community College - Alexandria Campus.
Shardia Kiara Thomas, the daughter of Saundra Turner of Alexandria, and Ralph Thomas of Washington D.C., graduated from Randolph-Macon Academy on June 2. While at R-MA, Shardia was active in the cadre, the student leadership of the Air Force JROTC program, holding the rank of Cadet Major. Her leadership, positive attitude, integrity, loyalty and perseverance were acknowledged when she was presented both the Purple Heart Award and the James M. Mills Award at the end of the school year. She represented the academy as a "Princess" during the annual Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, VA. Shardia plans to attend Mary Baldwin College, where she received a $28,000 scholarship. She had received a total of $38,000 in scholarship offers.