Mrs. Kimberly McDermott, principal of Central Cambria High School and Mrs. Michelle Shirk, National Honor Society advisor, today jointly announced the nominations, which places Sam, Punjari, and Steven in the National Competition. This year the program will award more than $200,000 in college scholarships. Special recognition and additional awards will be presented to state and regional winners. One national recipient will receive a $13,000 award.
Mrs. Kim McDermott stated enthusiastically, “if I needed to create a list of character traits that
would exemplify the ideal student, I would picture these three young adults and their contributions to Central Cambria School District. Each one has impressed me with countless examples through their actions and words that would create the following list: articulate, considerate, dependable, self-confident, courageous, empathetic, creative, reliable, courteous, intelligent, compassionate, studious, and thoughtful. Punjari, Steve, and Sam are action figures that young children should use as role models!” Central Cambria was able to nominate three exemplary senior NHS members. Nominees are selected on the basis of their leadership skills, participation in service organizations and clubs; achievements in the arts and sciences; and general academic record. “The NHS Scholarship program highlights the importance of a well-rounded education and gives Central Cambria a medium for highlighting and rewarding our truly outstanding students,” stated NHS advisor, Mrs. Shirk.
While enrolled at Central Cambria Pujari Vyas, according to school guidance counselor, Susan Dixon, “works very diligently to earn her grades and has not hesitated to select difficult, weighted course work in high school.” Mr. Wilson, also a guidance counselor at Central Cambria, had this to say about Punjari, “I have known Punjari for the past six years not only as a teacher, but also a coach. When I think of Punjari, the word determination automatically comes to mind. Punjari’s determination is what has allowed her to be successful as both a student and an athlete. She has mastered the study skills, time management and test taking skills that will be needed at the next level…she currently ranks in the top two percent of her class.”
Punjari will continue a difficult academic track as she plans to attend PSU or Pitt where she will pursue a pre-med degree. Not only does Punjari excel in her classes, she also has been a pillar in her school’s Student Council organization, class, and her local National Honor Society where she holds offices in each. She is the Student Council and the senior class secretary as well as the National Honor Society President. This year, with the help of her fellow student council members, Punjari organized the Central Cambria blood drive. Student Council faculty advisor, Mrs. Woodruff states, “Punjari is a hard-working self-starter that always understands exactly what needs to be done and how to get it done promptly and successfully. During her years in Student Council, I can never think of a time when she missed an important deadline. She functions well as a leader when required, and she also works effectively as a team member.” According to NHS Advisor Mrs. Shirk, “Punjari can always be counted on to complete the task at hand. I am also struck by the sincerity of this student who genuinely cares about others and consistently displays this through her actions.” Mr. Wilson seems to agree with Mrs. Shirk when he added, “she always wears a smile, has a kind word for someone who might be down, and is never too busy for anyone.” Punjari appreciatively added, “I’m so grateful for receiving this award and am so thankful for the faculty for choosing me, it is quite an honor.”
Sam Stevens, another CC nominee for the NASSP award, is a multi-year letterman and member of the CCHS golf team. He personally helped lead the CC team to its first District 6 Championship, a feat repeated in 2012. “Sam, although a fierce competitor, is a true gentleman, in every sense of the term, both on and off the golf course. Without question, he was the emotional and inspirational soul of our golf team. He not only challenged his teammates to play to their highest ability but helped relieve their tensions before and during the matches with his humor,” stated golf coach, Mr. Tom Aurandt. “Academically, Sam was very conscientious about his studies throughout the golf season - this in spite of the fact that he not only practiced and competed during the week days, but he also held a job at Ebensburg Country Club, working evenings after practices as well as the weekends.”
Sam Stevens clearly excels in his studies and athletics, but most teachers were taken back not by his vigor in the classroom which they have come to expect from him, but by his character. Mr. Tim Miller, technology teacher, stated, “In using an education reference, Sam is the 3 R’s of education: Recognizable-Sam is known throughout the Central Cambria community; Respectful- I have the utmost admiration for him because of how he handles himself in all situations; Reliable-He has the respect and trust of the faculty.” For a student as busy as Sam, one would assume Sam would be very greedy with what little free time he has, but the opposite is actually true. Sam gives of himself and his time during his study hall to volunteer in the life-skills room. Mrs. Rakar, life-skills teacher, shared, “Sam plays games, assists with cooking activities, or other activities that I come up with. He is extremely patient and friendly with my students. He is an excellent peer role model and makes the students feel very comfortable.” This work ethic, selflessness says a lot about Sam - his dedication and focus – important traits that will serve him well throughout life.
Steven Sloan, CC’s final NASSP nominee, recently became 1 of only 11 students in the history of CC to qualify for state choir. Mr. Seymour, music teacher at the high school admiringly stated, “Steve is willing to do any task from setting up risers, to cleaning, to general musical help. Steve is the ultimate team player.” Mrs. Kokus, band director at CC adds, “Steve is an extremely bright and creative individual. He uses his creative skills to think outside the box. An example of this was when he went on stage and improvised a scene during the musical; there was a wardrobe malfunction of one of the other actors, and his quick thinking remedied the situation and brought an immediate calmness to the other student actors on stage.” Steve personally feels that, “Central Cambria has always provided students with creative outlets like art and music.” Steve goes on to say, “I’m thankful to go to a school that places importance on the arts, while still having an academic focus. In the future, the things that I have learned here will stay with me.”
Steve, however, does not only excel in the musical arena; many teachers report that Steve has a very good sense of self. He is never afraid to just be himself. He is also always willing to respectively stand up for any student that is being treated unfairly by their peers. Mrs. Schweitzer states, “He is a great kid who is not afraid to be honest about who he is. He is outgoing and outspoken, but not in a harsh way. “ Mrs. Shirk, stated, “As one of his forensics’ coaches, I am always amused, entertained and captivated by Steven’s ability to wrangle a crowd. There is something very magnetic and charismatic about this student.”
Each of these Central Cambria students will now compete for their well-earned share of scholarship money available to them because of their many accomplishments and membership in the National Honor Society. The NHS Scholarship program, in existence since 1946, annually recognizes more than 150 of the nation’s top high school seniors who are members. NHS is a program of NASSP, the nation’s preeminent school leadership organization. NASSP serves as the national voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and aspiring school leaders. NASSP promotes the intellectual growth, academic achievement, character development, leadership development, and physical well-being of youth through its programs and student leadership services. NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society and the National Association of Student Councils. For more information, visit www.nassp.org or www.nhs.us.
