High School Student Outstanding Achievers - 2014

2014

HIGH SCHOOL

OUTSTANDING STUDENT

ACHIEVERS

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CAPITAL GAZETTE COMMUNICATIONS  ANNAPOLIS AND ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2 — capital gazette high school OUTSTANDING STUDENT ACHIEVERS 2014

2014

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OUTSTANDING STUDENT

ACHIEVERS

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About this publication

Celebrating exceptional students

S

ome swim. Others act. Many volunteer for charitable causes.

While their extracurricular activities are varied, the 56 students selected for the Capital Gazette Communications’ inaugural Outstanding Student Achiever Awards all shine in the classroom.

This publication is a celebration of academic performance and outstanding citizenship in Anne Arundel County. Each of the principals at Anne Arundel’s public and private schools was asked to nominate three students.

The award winners excel in one or more academic areas, the visual or performing arts, or have taken a leadership role within the school

and surrounding community.

We honor student leaders such as Annapolis High’s Ty’Cuon Harris, whose art has hung in the Walters Art Gallery in Baltimore; Indian Creek’s Stirling Argabright, who is working to clean up the Chesapeake Bay; and North County’s Camilla Shanley, who has been offered a congressional internship with Colorado congressman Jared Polis.

We hope you will join us in celebrating these exceptional students and the contributions they are making at their schools and in their communities.

Pat Richardson Publisher, Capital Gazette Communications

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Index

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ACHIEVERS

2 Note from the publisher 6 Overview 7 Annapolis 8 Annapolis Area Christian 9 Archbishop Spalding 10 Arundel 11 Broadneck 12 Chesapeake 13 Glen Burnie 16-17, 30 Awards ceremony 18 Indian Creek

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19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Meade North County Northeast Old Mill Rockbridge St. Mary’s Severn Severna Park South River Southern The Harbour School

SECTION CREDITS Editor: Jimmy Debutts Layout and design: Greg Nucifora Photography: Matthew Cole, Paul W. Gillespie and Joshua McKerrow

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Overview

Setting the pace

C

By Lauren Faber Correspondent ecily Zecca-Naples could barely walk for most of 2012.

She couldn’t play sports. She didn’t attend St. Mary’s High School regularly.

Cecily’s life changed the day the Jeep she and her friends were riding in was hit by another car and flipped.

She lost consciousness. When she was finally pulled through the windshield, she was covered with cuts and deep bruises. She had facial fractures with two right orbital breaks below her right eye. She suffered from post-concussion syndrome.

Before the accident, Cecily was a varsity swimmer and on the cross-country team. After the accident, she was prohibited from playing sports and confined to bedside tutoring during her first year of high school.

Three months later, she was back in school, with her mother pushing her wheelchair. She relearned to walk, and her schedule now includes a full day of classes, followed by two hours of swimming practice, then three hours of homework.

Cecily’s dedication earned her a spot on the inaugural Capital Gazette High School Outstanding Student Achiever Awards list. Fifty-six students from across the county were selected by teachers and administrators. Each public and private high school could select three students.

St. Mary’s High School Junior Cecily ZeccaNaples is a lifeguard at the Arundel Olympic Swim Center in Annapolis.

By Paul W. Gillespie, Staff

Chesapeake High School junior Alexis Duncan, a Pasadena resident, displays a few of the awards she has received.

County students excel while juggling academics, extracurriculars and athletics

Making her way back

By Matthew Cole, Staff

When Cecily returned to school, she was confined to a wheelchair. Other students had a hard time adjusting.

“They had trouble knowing how to approach me after the accident. When I returned to school, the teachers understood my accident more than the students did,” Cecily said. “It has put a curtain between me and my peers.”

When the final school bell of the day rings, Cecily is off to the pool where she swims laps for two hours. The pool is her comfort zone, where she can relax and unwind a bit before heading home.

Cecily will graduate next year with her sights set for Boston University. She is on the cross country team, has a part-time job as a lifeguard on weekends, and is excelling in (See success, Page 14)

By Joshua McKerrow, Staff

South River student Grace MacMillan poses for a portrait in a science lab.

By Joshua McKerrow, Staff

Logan Gerhardt, a junior at Old Mill High School, in his JAVA programming class.

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Annapolis

2014

HIGH SCHOOL

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ACHIEVERS David Bauer

Brennan Kizer Ball Brennan has worked on fundraising events for the Light House shelter, volunteered at the county library for the summer reading program, mentored younger band members and designed the image for the program and promotional materials for the school Drama Company’s production of “Pride and Prejudice.”

He is a member of the Chesapeake Regional Association of Student Councils and is involved in the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Student Leadership Program. Brennan also carries a rigorous course load in the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Program at Annapolis High School.

Courtesy photos

David Bauer, center, alongside his two best friends, Brennan Kizer Ball, left, and Ty Harris. Brennan received the award for citizenship, Ty for performing and visual arts and David for academic excellence. All three are juniors at Annapolis High School.

David is in the International Baccalaureate Program at Annapolis High School. He is taking eight IB classes this year and is a student athlete.

He has won the “Minds in Motion” award five times as an outstanding student athlete.

He is equally talented in math/science and the humanities.

Ty’Cuon Harris Ty is an artist whose work has been displayed in the Walters Art Gallery and at the Mitchell Gallery at St. John’s College. He curated a show at the Chaney Gallery at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts.

In ninth grade, Ty attended the Baltimore School for the Arts. He is now involved in the Visual Arts program, part of the PVA Magnet Program at Annapolis High.

Ty sold one of his paintings at a silent auction to raise money for the school’s music department. He is involved in the building of an environmental art piece for the documentary “Chasing Ice.” He will be lead designer for an art installation piece in York, England, in May.

Ty’Cuon Harris is involved with the Visual Arts Program at Annapolis High.

Brennan Kizer Ball finds time for music amid his busy schedule.

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Annapolis Area Christian Josiah Peterson

Brooke Bloomquist Brooke has performed professionally in “A Christmas Carol” at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. At Annapolis Area Christian, she has played Elsa Schraeder in “The Sound of Music,” Elizabeth Proctor in “The Crucible,” Marmee March in “Little Women” and Amber Von Tussle in “Hairspray.”

Brooke has served as the Drama Club’s class representative for the past two years and is a member of the International Thespian Honor Society. Brooke leads students in worship at chapel and is part of Madrigals, one of the top choirs at the Upper School of Annapolis Area Christian.

Josiah’s leadership on the Student Council was essential to the success of a number of schoolwide programs, including all of this year’s Homecoming Week events.

Josiah also played a key leadership role in orchestrating the school’s annual canned food drive.

Just before Christmas, Josiah helped with the school’s annual gift distribution to more than 50 local families through the Walk the Walk Foundation.

Courtesy photos

Brooke Bloomquist, center, in a production of “Little Women.”

Josiah Peterson runs cross-country for Annapolis Area Christian School and is involved in numerous extracurricular activities.

Kimberly Wilson Kimberly is taking AP English, Spanish and US history as a junior. She also stands out in her role on the Tech Team for the Kerr Center for the Performing Arts.

She serves as the lead tech helping with sound, video and lighting for nearly every school chapel and assembly, and many of the special functions in the Kerr Center. Her analytical mind and quick problemsolving abilities serve the school well in this capacity.

Kimberly Wilson.

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capital gazette high school OUTSTANDING STUDENT ACHIEVERS 2014 —

Sean Martin

2014

Archbishop Spalding

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Lauren Shin Sean has a tremendous mind for studying history.

He has demonstrated the ability to put himself into the moment, and view the events and debates of history from the standpoint of the people who lived through it.

Most importantly, Sean asks great questions that reflect his ability to critically analyze the relationship between social, political and intellectual trends in our past, and create concrete connections to today.

Lauren is experimenting with a number of mediums including oil paint, acrylic, watercolor, graphite pencil, charcoal and India ink using brush and calligraphy pen.

She is able to to produce accomplished works such as portraits, landscape and still life, as well as more conceptual art. Lauren is planning to complete an AP Drawing Portfolio next year to submit to the College Board.

Lauren is showing her work “Glass No.1” at the gallery at Quiet Waters Park in the countywide “Art-tastic!” Show.

Nick Henault Nick has been a member of the Student Government Association Executive Board for the past two years. He has served as the treasurer of the SGA for the past two academic years.

Nick was instrumental in planning Spirit Week for a student body of 1,200 and coordinating Adopt-A-Family to aid more than 50 families in Baltimore during the holidays.

Courtesy photos

Lauren Shin is showing her work “Glass No. 1” at the Quiet Waters Park art gallery.

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ACHIEVERS

Arundel

Julia Poeschel

Chloe Hill

2014

HIGH SCHOOL

OUTSTANDING STUDENT

Julia’s teachers describe her as a “disciplined student whose work is always of the highest quality.

Her artistic expression flows naturally from her in every way.”

They said she is a “true artist in her creation of two-dimension and three-dimensional tangible items. She possesses a curiosity and desire to learn, especially in the areas of arts and humanities.”

Chloe’s teachers say she understands that good leaders model good citizenship.

She is co-founder of a social entrepreneur project called “Growing Global” that provides leadership training to elementary school children.

Chloe also is president on the People’s Health Teen Council, volunteers on weekends with Happy Helpers for the Homeless and tutors through the National Honors Society and Arundel’s H2 program.

Courtesy photos

Chloe Hill does a lot of volunteer work with children and the community.

Taylor Joyce Taylor Joyce is on pace to complete three Advanced Placement and 13 honors courses by the end of his junior year. He balances academics with his athletic endeavors — he is a varsity football and basketball player.

Taylor is an usher at his church.

His plans include starting his own real estate business.

Taylor Joyce, left, blocks a Chesapeake opponent.

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Broadneck

2014

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ACHIEVERS

Katherine Hines

Courtesy photos

In addition to her full schedule of academic and extracurricular activities, Katherine Hines finds time to serve as a volunteer firefighter.

Jeanne Luning Prak

Paxton Paganelli

Jeanne is in the midst of writing two novels, is a member of the school’s swim team and assisted in two saves as a lifeguard last summer at Bay Hills Swim Club.

She has made county, regional and state championships each year she has been on the swim team.

Jeanne participates in the Book Club and is a member of the National Honor Society. On Sundays, she lectures at her church, and every third Sunday, she hosts a study group at her home.

As an aspiring neurosurgeon, Paxton created and is the president of the Broadneck Brain Club. He is president of the Future Doctors Organization. The FDO allows students with aspirations in the medical field to explore the medical profession through discussions with doctors and health care workers in various medical facilities.

Paxton is a varsity swimmer, holding state times in several races including the mile.

Since 2010, he has been the

Jeanne Luning Prak is working on two novels.

Katherine is a member of student government, the National Honor Society and the Environmental Club. She rows with Annapolis Junior Rowing club and is a volunteer firefighter and EMT at Cape St. Claire Volunteer Fire Company.

What makes Katherine particularly exceptional is her dedication to hundreds of hours of training to gain certifications as well as responding to emergency calls with ambulance and fire crews.

She hopes this experience will be valuable for a career in the Army Medical Corps.

Birthday Card Coordinator for the Wellness House of Annapolis — a nonprofit organization that helps survivors, caregivers and their families cope with cancer.

Paxton is vice president of the Class of 2015. He is a member of the Spanish Honor Society, National Science Honor Society and the National Honor Society.

In 2013, he volunteered at Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Surgery Discharge Unit and volunteers as a Youth and Peer Minister at St. Andrew by the Bay Church.

Paxton Paganelli with Dr. Marc Brassard, an orthopedic surgeon who has provided many medical opportunities for the Future Doctors Organization.

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ACHIEVERS

Chesapeake

Emily Duan

Alexis Duncan

Emily uses her fluency in Mandarin Chinese to be involved in cultural activities. She has performed in the Confucius Ceremony at the Martin L. King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C., and the Dragon Dance Performance for the Chinese New Year at the Lakeforest Mall in Gaithersburg.

She has been a volunteer with events such as clothing drives, the Polar Bear Plunge, Girl Scouts and the First Tee Annual Golf Tournament. Her most rewarding experiences have been volunteering for the Cheery Marketing Service Co. and JFC International Inc. promoting Japanese and other Asian food products, in English and Mandarin Chinese, while recording customer opinions and inventories.

Emily also is active in the National Honor Society, Key Club, and the Future Business Leaders of America.

She is an accomplished pianist and has competed throughout Maryland.

Alexis goes out of her way to volunteer her time in school and in the community. She spent summers in Frostburg working with Camp Hope to repair homes.

Her energy and upbeat personality are contagious and an inspiration to others. She works with special education students while playing on the CHS Unified Bowling Team.

She also has participated in many yard cleanups and food delivery services for the homeless through her church. Alexis is president of Students Against Destructive Decisions, and is a member of Key Club, Interact and the National Honor Society.

2014

HIGH SCHOOL

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Courtesy photos

Alexis Duncan repairs a deck at Camp Hope in Frostburg.

Molly Sherman

Courtesy photo

Molly Sherman, sixth from left, played Frenchy in the Chesapeake High School Theatre Group’s production of “Grease.”

Emily Duan.

A love of musicals plays an important role in Molly’s life. She is a member of Chesapeake’s Vocal Ensemble, A cappella Pop Choir, Concert Choir, Women’s Choir, and Orchestra.

Molly excels as a musician and studies voice privately.

She also was selected to the 2014 Maryland All State Chorus. Molly pursues her love of performance as a member of Chesapeake’s Theatre Group. She portrayed Frenchy in Chesapeake’s production of “Grease.”

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Glen Burnie

2014

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ACHIEVERS

Desmond Beggarly

By Paul W. Gillespie, Staff

Desmond Beggarly, 16, won the state Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year award and competed in the regionals in New York. Desmond is a top student and plays football at Glen Burnie.

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Desmond is an aspiring engineer and looks forward to being the first person in his family to attend college. He is co-captain of the football team and president of the Keystone Community Service Group.

In 2013, he was awarded Anne Arundel County Youth of the Year and Maryland Youth of the Year awards. He has also earned the Taco Bell Aspiring Youth Scholarship and the Boys to Men Tutor award.

Desmond is recognized by his teachers as an insightful, communicative and humble student. He is always willing to help others and maintains composure, even in stressful situations.

Nadine Peake

DaShawn Snowden

Nadine has been recognized for her talents at playing the flute and saxophone by being accepted into the All-County Orchestra and the All-County Band.

She has been nominated by her music teacher to compete in the State Solo/ Ensemble Competition. She is also a member of Tri-M (Modern Music Masters), the National Honors Society for Music, in which she volunteers her time to perform at various school and community events.

Nadine has participated in charitable events including the Polar Bear Plunge and Relay for Life. She is part of the executive staff for the Chesapeake Regional School Counsel, a division of the Maryland Association of School Counsel, where she has lobbied for issues relevant to students’ well-being.

She volunteers her time to perform for local middle school students and churches. Nadine has also facilitated workshops to end bullying.

DaShawn is a Function Life Skills student who has attended Glen Burnie High School for five years. He has earned straight A’s every semester he has been enrolled at GBHS. His teachers say he “has tackled many artistic challenges with tenacity and a creativity that are well beyond his years. He has a natural sense of three-dimensional form and composition.”

DaShawn is enrolled in an Advanced Placement Studio Art class.

DaShawn, who has autism, is very friendly and personable, and a dependable worker on the school’s Green Crew. DaShawn is also a valued member of the GBHS Unified Bowling Team.

He will graduate in 2015.

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Overview

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success

(Continued from Page 6)

her honors French class.

“You get to experience something fundamentally different from what you’re used to. (Speaking a foreign language) lets you step into someone else’s world,” she said.

Cecily’s mother, Denise Zecca-George, is inspired by her daughter’s achievements.

“Whatever she has been determined at, she got done,” Denise said.

Cecily attributes her success in school to discipline and a good upbringing.

“At the end of the day, (my parents) don’t pressure me to be the best. They pressure me to do my best.”

A thespian and a volunteer

By Matthew Cole, Staff

Alexis Duncan, 16, of Pasadena, looks through her AP Psychology book at her home.

While other teenagers might spend their summer break at home playing video games, Alexis Duncan spends her free time volunteering in Frostburg with Camp Hope, renovating houses.

“If it’s just helping someone rake leaves when they ordinarily couldn’t, it makes a difference,” Alexis said.

She also volunteers for food delivery service for the homeless at her church.

“I enjoy volunteering because I feel like I can help somebody,” Alexis said.

Alexis’ coursework is rigorous at Chesapeake High School, where she is a National Honors Society member.

She plans to major in psychology in college.

Her parents support her in her volunteer, extracurricular and academic activities. That means chaperoning events including a church retreat with her mother, Pamela.

The Duncan family has always valued education.

“Ever since she was little, it was ingrained in her that school comes first,” Pamela Duncan said.

In her free time, Alexis is an actress in her high school drama club four nights a week.

“We form a family. At the end of the season you have something to show your hard work,” Alexis said.

Balancing act Liane MacMillan is impressed by her daughter Grace’s ability to juggle a schedule that includes athletics, volunteering and maintaining a 4.5 GPA. Grace is on South River’s soccer and tennis teams, and takes honors and AP classes.

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capital gazette high school OUTSTANDING STUDENT ACHIEVERS 2014 —

Overview

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“It is really important to budget your time with sports and academics,” Grace said.

History and chemistry are her favorite subjects, and she wants to pursue a medical degree.

South River history teacher Wes Baker said Grace’s maturity and reliability separate her from her peers.

“She is one of the hardest workers that I have ever encountered,” Baker said. “If I had children, I would want them to be like her.”

Grace began volunteering in the sixth grade with organizations such as the Polar Bear Plunge, the Light House shelter and the Salvation Army. She also works with students with disabilities at South River with the Student Leadership Program, and volunteers with Central Special School.

“It’s nice to feel like a different part of society,” Grace said. “I find it really rewarding to help others.”

Building a future Logan Gerhardt receives by giving. The Old Mill High School student volunteers at Ruth Parker Eason School, a special needs school, where he plays with and helps the students.

Logan helps special needs kids through Old

Courtesy photo

Logan Gerhardt, right, is pictured with partner Athanasios Lazarou of Greece at last summer’s Johns Hopkins University Engineering Innovation course. The duo placed third in the bridge-building competition.

Mill’s Key Club.

“I’m making their day, even if it’s just playing a board game with them,” he said.

Logan also volunteers through his church and at the supportive housing program, Sarah’s House.

His other passion is engineering. Logan won third place in the bridge building competition during Johns Hopkins University Engineering Innovation course in the summer of 2013.

Logan hopes to study engineering at the Naval Academy.

Joshua Molmar, Logan’s BC calculus teacher, said Logan is a hard worker who can achieve whatever he sets his sights on.

“He will go to whatever school he wants to go to,” Molmar said.

Logan also participates in the Boy Scouts while squeezing in practice with the Severn Athletic Club baseball team.

“Working hard now will pay off in the future with getting a career,” he said.

His parents support his endeavors.

“You just have to be an active part in anything they are involved in,” said Logan’s mother, Brenda.

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CAPITAL GAZETTE HIGH SCHOOL OUTSTANDING STUDENT ACHIEVERS 2014 —

2014

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F

uture doctors, engineers and artists gathered at Anne Arundel Community College’s Pascal Center on March 6 to be honored for their civic and academic achievements.

Fifty-six students from Anne Arundel County’s public and private schools were recognized during the first Capital Gazette High School Outstanding Student Achievers program. Each high school principal nominated three students who combine academic performance and outstanding citizenship.

The county’s best and brightest students offered a diverse collection of talents. Some participate in theater. Others are leaders in student government. Many were recognized for their volunteer efforts.

Severna Park High School’s Josh Wade with Principal Patrick Bathras at the awards event.

(See more photos, Page 30) Photos by Matthew Cole, Staff

ABOVE: A crowd of students, parents and school officials came to Anne Arundel Community College’s Pascal Center on March 6 for the inaugural Capital Gazette 2014 High School Outstanding Student Achievers event.

Arundel High School’s Julia Poeschel, right, with Principal Sharon Stratton.

Severn School’s Alexander Jacob “A.J.” Gersh and his mother, Dr. Diane Lebedeff, converse with Severn School’s Sarah Markhovsky.

Old Line Bank’s Director of Marketing Jeanette Vaughn, left, and Branch Manager Melinda Gibbons pick up name tags. Old Line was a sponsor for the event.

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capital gazette high school OUTSTANDING STUDENT ACHIEVERS 2014 —

Ceremony

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Severna Park High School’s Josh Wade with Principal Patrick Bathras at the awards event.

(See more photos, Page 30) Photos by Matthew Cole, Staff

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Indian Creek

2014

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Stirling Argabright

Travis Belt

Stirling is a member of Model United Nations and active in the Admission Office. His passion is science. He has been a student in the Indian Creek School STEM program for the last three years.

He is experimenting with ways to clean up the Chesapeake Bay using mangrove trees in a laboratory setting, as well as researching ways to use dinoflagellate’s bioluminescence as an alternative light source for Third World countries.

Stirling has been a member of the Science Olympiad Team and helped it reach third place in the state competition for 2013.

He works with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Smithsonian Institute on ecological preservation. Last summer, Stirling worked as an intern at the National Aquarium and he has been accepted to participate in a Brown University in Costa Rica program this summer.

Stirling is a member of the lacrosse and cross-country teams.

Travis came to Indian Creek through the school’s (Students Taking Academic Responsibilities program in middle school.

He was a captain of this season’s Indian Creek MIAA championship varsity basketball team. He played varsity lacrosse as a sophomore.

Travis is active in student government, serving as president of his class the past three years. He is a leader in and out of class — helping others with homework and running with a teammate who was last in sprints. Travis had the lead role in the school’s production of “Fences.” He attracted 20 other African-Americans and first-time actors to audition for the play.

In 2012, Travis was one of two students selected to represent Indian Creek at the NAIS Student Diversity & Student Leadership Conference in Houston.

Courtesy photo

Travis Belt was a captain for Indian Creek’s MIAA championship team.

Hannah Elliott

Courtesy photo

Stirling Argabright is a member of the Indian Creek crosscountry and lacrosse teams.

Hannah is a leader on and off the stage at Indian Creek.

She has played a number of leading roles including: Brooke Windham in “Legally Blonde”; Peppermint Patty in “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown”; and most recently of Amber Von Tussle in the upcoming spring musical, “Hairspray.”

In 2013, Hannah won the “Best Rising Critic” (the award that goes to the best new student critic) in the Baltimore chapter of the Cappies — a national organization recognizing excellence in high school theater — which held its 2013 Awards Gala at the Hippodrome.

Off stage, Hannah is an active member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society (treasurer). In 2013, Hannah won the Poetry Out Loud award.

She is a member of the Chamber Music Ensemble as flauCourtesy photo tist and sings in the school chorus and solo choir. Hannah Hannah Elliott in the Indian is active in B’nai Brith Youth Group and has appeared in Creek production of “West Side numerous community theater productions.

Story.”

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HIGH SCHOOL

2014

Meade

OUTSTANDING STUDENT

ACHIEVERS Jacob Seitz

David Foster David participates in Meade’s International Baccalaureate magnet program. He regularly performs in Meade High’s Drama Club and has been nominated for a Cappies award.

(The Cappies is a national organization recognizing excellence in high school theater.)

David is a class officer in student government and is a deputy head chorister in the Maryland State Boy Choir, in which he not only performs, but also helps teach youngsters to love and appreciate music.

While David is still unsure about his plans past high school, he has a goal to make it as a sports entertainer in the wrestling industry.

Courtesy photos

David Foster as Demetrius Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Alison Vincitore Alison balances the demands of the International Baccalaureate program with the responsibilities of the school’s drama club.

She has participated in theater classes at Chesapeake Arts Center as well as Single Carrot Theatre in Baltimore.

Alison studied at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts Summer High School for Dramatic Writing, a month-long program in which she wrote scripts and monologues for the stage and screen.

Alison is a member of the International Thespian Society.

In high school, she has performed in three shows and was assistant director of one. Alison represents Meade in the Cappies of Baltimore program. She also plays trumpet and is a member of Tri-M Music Honor Society.

She hopes to study theater in college, with a focus on playwriting. She aspires to become a writer for stage and television.

in

Shakespeare’s

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Jacob Seitz has completed advance training in JROTC. Jacob has risen through the ranks in JROTC by showing exceptional leadership capabilities. In Hawaii, as a sophomore, Jacob completed advanced leadership training for JROTC. He was one of 2,000 high school students across the nation nominated to participate in the Congress Of Future Medical Leaders. After college, Jacob plans to attend medical school.

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North County

Chloe Diggs Chloe was inspired to further her community service involvement after attending the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Seminar last spring.

Chloe has a goal of performing 100 community service hours. She helps others through North County’s National Honor Society.

She is an officer in the Future Business Leaders of America, is a Key Club member, a Model United Nations delegate and Junior Dance Company member.

Chloe Diggs, left, was a delegate to the Model United Nations conference.

Courtesy photos

Camilla Shanley Camilla has been offered a congressional internship with Jared Polis of the 4th District of Colorado. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor, chapter president of the Model United Nations, Maryland State president of the Technology Student Association and an active member of the youth group leadership council of her church.

Camilla is in the STEM program, and is on track to earn a STEM diploma in 2015. She has completed three AP courses. She also is a member of the Key and Environmental clubs.

She represented NCHS at the 2013 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference and shadowed John Hammond, Anne Arundel County budget officer, during the AAC Model Government Program.

Elizabeth C. Langlois Elizabeth’s teachers say she has a passion for art. She is highly skilled not only in observational drawing but also in her ability to think imaginatively, abstractly and intuitively.

Her work ethic, creativity and desire to experiment with a variety of drawing and painting media are exceptional.

Her teachers say “in AP Drawing, she consistently demonstrates mastery of lighting and composition.”

capital gazette high school OUTSTANDING STUDENT ACHIEVERS 2014 —

Northeast

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Jazmin Arce Jazmin has been elected president of her class since the sixth grade. She represents Northeast on the Superintendent’s Advisory Council.

As a sophomore, she was invited to join the Northeast National Honor Society. She is ranked in the top 5 percent of her class.

Jazmin is a teacher’s assistant at Sunset Elementary and George Fox Middle. A black belt in karate, she has taught youngsters th martial art for the past 10 years.

Courtesy of Pam Paulis

From left, Jazmin Arce, Becky Paulis and Casey Tarman, members of Northeast High School’s Senior Dance Company, perform “At Last,” choreographed by Casey Dovell.

Ambria Hartman

Kenneth M. Weisensel

Ambria plays the cello, sings and writes her own music. She also taught herself how to play guitar.

Her artwork was submitted for display at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis. Ambria is exploring her interest in helping others by taking AP Psychology and researching careers in counseling.

Ambria’s art teacher describes her as “extremely talented, bright, ambitious, focused, possessing of artistic vision and a pleasure to teach.”

He recently submitted Ambria’s artwork for display at Quiet Waters.

She has played the cello since fourth grade.

Kenneth began taking high school honors level classes in the seventh and eighth grades. He has taken 11 honors classes and two Advanced Placement classes and is currently taking two additional honors classes and four AP classes.

In his sophomore year, he decided to graduate from high school in his junior year and begin college a year early. Kenneth has a passion for writing and has released two virtual poetry albums online.

Kenneth plans to pursue a degree in experimental psychology at the University of Wisconsin, where he is scheduled to enroll in the fall of 2014.

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Old Mill Megan Ladabouche

Logan Gerhardt

Megan has maintained A’s in all of her coursework since middle school. She is applying for the National Security Agency internship for her senior year.

She is taking three AP courses this year. Her teachers say she is not only a bright student who represents “Patriot Pride” at the school, but is personable, positive and mature.

Megan will be entering her fourth year on the soccer team.

Logan volunteers through the school’s Key Club, the Boy Scouts of America, his youth group at First Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Christian Assistance Program, which runs a food pantry.

He has earned the Life Scout ranking and is working on his Eagle Scout project.

Logan participated in the Johns Hopkins University Engineering Innovation course last summer and won third place in the bridge-building competition.

Logan plans a career in engineering.

Courtesy photos

Chris Umanzor Chris helped start StudentTo-Student program for new students, which is emailed to give new students tours. He is a National Honor Society tutor and a member of the Student Government Association.

He is planning a threeschool IB Social to include food, dancing and games. He helped plan homecoming this year. Chris is a member of the cross-country, swimming and outdoor track teams.

Chris also participates in Model UN and Mock Trial.

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capital gazette high school OUTSTANDING STUDENT ACHIEVERS 2014 —

Nicole Ault

HIGH SCHOOL

2014

Rockbridge Academy

OUTSTANDING STUDENT

ACHIEVERS

Solveig Moe

Confident, poised and joyful, Nicole was selected to tutor students with significant academic problems. Her ability to invest in others and improve their academic skills is unparalleled.

Nicole is extremely perceptive and insightful. She is a great friend to the students at school, both younger and older, and serves others tirelessly.

In addition to investing in the people around her in extremely meaningful and important ways, she invests tremendously in her skills as an artist. Nicole is able to capture an image and give it life, depth, feeling and emotion.

Her artistic skills are superior and reflect the quality she devotes to every project she accomplishes.

Nicole is extremely active in her church and lives in a way that speaks volumes about her faith, character and what is important in life.

Courtesy photos

Solveig Moe presents her Veterans of Foreign Wars winning speech, “Why I’m Optimistic About Our Nation’s Future,” at the academy’s fifth annual Veterans Day ceremony.

Jay Wallen Jay is a student leader of the school’s Science Olympiad team which earned first place in the Maryland State AA Competition the past two years. He is the top artist in the school’s advanced painting elective, and plays trombone in the orchestra.

Jay also mentors other students and was selected captain of the soccer and basketball teams.

He is a straight student. His positive attitude and drive to excel are accompanied by good humor, grace and kindness.

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Solveig is a bright, creative, enthusiastic and motivated student who excels in math and science. She received a Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth Award for High Honors: International Mathematics and Verbal Talent Search.

She quickly and accurately solves problems, draws insightful conclusions and poses questions that move the entire class toward a deeper and more nuanced understanding of difficult principles and concepts.

Solveig led her debate team as a sophomore to a second-place finish in the Mid-Atlantic Christian Debate League tournament.

Solveig is a well-rounded student who seeks to constantly expand her horizons. She had leading roles in two recent productions with the Annapolis Shakespeare Company as well as in Rockbridge Academy’s musical. Solveig also is active in the community, having volunteered at the Maryland Therapeutic Riding Center and at her church.

Solveig studies her lines for “Pride and Prejudice” during rehearsal at Heritage Baptist Church.

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St. Mary’s

David Alvanez

Hannah Coughlin

David has recorded more than 300 hours of community service. He has served the poor, needy, handicapped and his fellow students.

He also has volunteered to help serve the Hispanic community in Annapolis.

David raised money to purchase gifts for the poor and needy, organized students to wrap them, hand-delivered them and dressed up as Santa to greet the children.

David spent a week refurbishing houses and taking care of the poor and elderly with Catholic Heart Work Camp.

Hannah is a talented actress, singer and dancer. At St. Mary’s she has participated in various singing ensembles — including the “Nothing But Treble,” a cappella group — and several starring roles, including Dorothy in the “Wizard of Oz” and Peter in “Peter Pan.” Hannah also is an honors-level student, and a young woman of deep personal faith. She is active in the student life at St. Mary’s High School, particularly with Campus Ministry events.

She is a core singer at school and parish liturgies, and she has attended both local and national youth activism events.

Cecily Zecca-Naples Cecily barely escaped death as a passenger in a serious accident during her freshman year. She returned to school in a wheelchair, wearing sunglasses to prevent severe migraines.

She not only kept up with her studies, she thrived — receiving the highest grade in all her Honors French classes. She now is the only junior in French V — a senior course.

By Joshua McKerrow Staff

Hannah Coughlin, playing Dorothy, has her ruby slippers fitted by campus minister Ginny Dauses during a rehearsal for the “Wizard of Oz” at St. Mary’s.

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Severn

2014

HIGH SCHOOL

OUTSTANDING STUDENT

ACHIEVERS

Alexander Jacob Gersh

Jacob Sheldon

A.J. has been featured in several musicals Severn has produced, with leading roles in “Footloose” as a freshman and “Godspell” as a sophomore.

When Severn hosted singer/songwriter Matt Scannell for the Dylan Moran Musician in Residence program last year, A.J. participated in a master class with the musician and was chosen to perform his original song “I’m Leaving Tomorrow” as a warm-up to the concert.

A.J. is often a featured soloist in the school’s vocal ensembles. He hones his craft by singing and playing his guitar during open mic nights at local coffeehouses and music concerts.

After serving as class vice president in ninth grade, Jake was elected president by his peers the next two years. Jake serves on Severn’s Honor Court.

His teachers say the “maturity and moral fiber required to hear cases are traits that ensure Jake will deliberate fairly and uphold Severn’s academic integrity.” He is a member of the National Honor Society and Severn’s Math Team.

Jake also volunteers for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and officiates youth basketball games when he’s not playing on the school’s soccer and tennis teams.

Courtesy photos

Alexander Jacob Gersh’s talents have been on display from musicals to vocal performances.

Katharine Hansen Reed Kate’s passion is language. She is a standout student in English and Spanish. After completing AP Spanish as a sophomore, Kate is engaged in an independent study of “Don Quixote.”

She earned gold awards on the National Spanish exam as a freshman and a sophomore. Kate also is a stellar student of calculus, physics and history, having earned Severn’s AP European History award last year.

Kate has taken advantage of every academic opportunity available to her at Severn, reaching the top-level classes in the curriculum.

By Matthew Cole, Staff

Severn School’s Katharine Hansen Reed, center, with Director of College Counseling Sarah Markhovsky, left, and Administrator Beatrice Fuller at the Capital Gazette 2014 High School Outstanding Student Achievers event.

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Severna Park

Philippe Dolimier

Rebekah Frater

Philippe is enrolled in Project Lead the Way. His courses include honors and Advanced Placement, and his electives include Digital Electronics, Honors Engineering and Design, and Honors French 4. As a member of the Green Club, he takes an active role in creating a positive climate in the school community. He has served as treasurer and vice president of the club.

Phillipe is a member of the cross-country team.

Rebekah is an outstanding student and is a leader among her peers. Her cheerleading coach says she is an inspiration to her teammates.

Rebekah is credited with having a strong work ethic.

Josh Wade Josh has a great interest in government, politics and the environment.

He serves on the superintendent’s advisory board this year.

He takes time to find out the concerns of his peers so he can bring those concerns to the superintendent’s attention. Josh is a member of the wrestling team and is considered a leader among his peers.

Courtesy photos

Rebekah Frater is an inspiration to her Severna Park teammates, her coach says.

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South River

2014

HIGH SCHOOL

OUTSTANDING STUDENT

ACHIEVERS

Nicole Gonzalez

Nicole Gonzalez, far right, joined National Art Honor Society members who delivered food, toys and other items, along with a check for $364.95, to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Anne Arundel County in December. The supplies were put to use right away. National Art Honor Society members Zi Znou, left, Anna Fusick, Shaun Moore, faculty adviser Sharon Littig and Gonzalez pose with Musa, a dog looking for a home.

Nicole is an active member of the National Arts Honor Society. She assisted in the designing and painting of a mural at the school.

Nicole also has worked with children at the Boys and Girls Club of Annapolis to create a mural at the club. Her work has been displayed in the school and in local library shows.

Grace MacMillan

Olivia Wates

Grace is passionate about helping others in need and has taken part in the Polar Bear Plunge and worked with charities including the Light House shelter and the Salvation Army.

She also has worked with students who have disabilities at South River through the Student Leadership program and has volunteered at Central Special School. Grace also has played on South River’s soccer and tennis teams.

Grace has taken all Honors and AP classes throughout her academic career and been nominated for Student of the Month by the Science Department. She is a member of the National Honors Society and Science National Honors Society.

Olivia plays trumpet for the marching band, concert band and symphony project. Olivia also sings and performs with South River High’s Theatre Company.

She won second place in the Poetry Outloud schoolwide tournament.

She helps the service club Interact with its many projects and fundraisers. She also volunteers with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and is treasurer of her Girls Scouts troop.

Olivia is a member of the National Honors Society, the TriM Music Honors Society, the National Arts Honors Society. She is vice president of the National Science Honors Society.

Courtesy photos

Soccer and tennis are among Grace MacMillan’s passions, along with participating in numerous charitable events.

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Southern

Hannah Larney

Kelly Poe

Hannah is just the third junior in Southern’s history to become a National Art Honor Society officer. She is treasurer.

Hannah also is one of 36 selected members of the Anne Arundel County Gifted Visual Arts Program.

Participants are chosen based on their portfolio process.

Last year she spent a month with other art students creating a mural at the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks south county center.

She helped organize and create 50 handmade sketchbooks to donate to the women and children of the Los Angeles Good Shepherd Domestic Violence Shelter.

Kelly volunteers with a therapeutic horseback riding program and is involved with a hospice program. She is an active member of the school’s Future Farmers of America program and has served as vice president.

She was named Miss Anne Arundel County Farm Bureau at the Maryland State Fair completion in 2013 and will attend Farm Bureau events as she represents agriculture within our county. Kelly has won national horse judging competitions.

Karoline Russek Karoline’s teachers say “she is someone that you want 50 of in your class” and a standout in the school’s celebrated art department. Her course load this semester includes six AP classes.

“The best artists at Southern are also our highest academic achievers.

Karoline is a perfect example of this,” said Michael Bell, the art department chairman.

Samples of Hannah Larney’s artwork.

By Matthew Cole, Staff

Karoline Russek at the Capital Gazette 2014 High School Outstanding Student Achievers event.

Courtesy images

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capital gazette high school OUTSTANDING STUDENT ACHIEVERS 2014 —

Darryl Gale

Julie Holt

Darryl is the manager of Bay Books at The Harbour School. As manager, he leads the other employees of the business throughout their day and works cooperatively with other business managers.

Julie works with the school’s Mentor Program, helping younger female students. She is active in the Harbour School’s theater arts program.

Julie has appeared on stage many times, even singing a solo in the latest performance, “In Our Village.”

Julie writes an advice column for Bay Buzz, the school newspaper.

2014

The Harbour School

HIGH SCHOOL

OUTSTANDING STUDENT

ACHIEVERS

Julie Holt from the Harbour School, Annapolis Campus, working on her computer writing fan fiction, one of her favorite hobbies.

Courtesy photo

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2014

Awards Ceremony

OUTSTANDING STUDENT

ACHIEVERS

More awards recipients

By Matthew Cole, Staff Photos by Matthew Cole, Staff

Arundel High School’s Taylor Joyce with Principal Sharon Stratton at the Capital Gazette 2014 High School Outstanding Student Achievers event.

Andrea Kane, associate superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools, with Chesapeake High School’s Emily Duan.

Archbishop Spalding’s Principal Lewis Van Wambeke with student Nick Henault.

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