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MPS Announces National Achievement Semifinalists
A commitment to high academic achievement, leadership and community service are three characteristics that aptly describe 13 MPS students who have been included on a distinguished list of the nation’s top African-American high school students. The students were named National Achievement Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which released the names of Achievement Semifinalists nationwide recently. Of the 49 Alabama students to be named, 13 are MPS students––the highest number of Achievement Semifinalists from public or private schools in the state. Booker T. Washington Magnet High student Edward Taylor and Loveless Academic Magnet Program High students Shazzia Alexander, John Bailey, Jaida Bannister, Matalia Conner, Noah Keary Foster, Shayla Glover, Brandon James, Kindred Obas, Jaylen Pittman, Sheila Willis, Anthony Wilson and Grum Woldemichael are now among 1,600 students selected from a pool of 160,000 who applied for the program nationwide. According to NMSC, about 80 percent of Semifinalists will go on to become Finalists and will compete for 700 Achievement Scholarship awards worth some $2.5 million to be offered next spring. “It’s so gratifying to see our students earn national recognition that acknowledges their hard work and commitment to academic excellence,” said MPS Superintendent Margaret Allen. “There are more demands than ever on our young people, so the fact that they have prioritized their studies while balancing extracurricular activities, sports, and community service speaks volumes about their dedication. The administration at BTW and LAMP, teachers, staff and parents have done an outstanding job preparing these students for success.” In addition to being evaluated based on academic record and scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, students must also demonstrate that they are involved in activities outside the classroom. Most of MPS’ 2015 Achievement Semifinalists regularly volunteer with community service organizations including Salvation Army, Jack and Jill, Habitat for Humanity and Bridge Builders. At left, Montgomery Public Schools Superintendent Margaret Allen and BTW Principal Dr. Quesha Starks congratulate BTW student Edward Taylor for being named an Achievement Semifinalist during a reception held at the school. Below, Superintendent Margaret Allen, LAMP Principal Marygeorge Jester and Counselor Mary Harmon congratulated LAMP’s 12 Achievement Semifinalists during a reception held in the LAMP library. The students include Shazzia Alexander, John Bailey, Jaida Bannister, Matalia Conner, Noah Keary Foster, Shayla Glover, Brandon James, Kindred Obas, Jaylen Pittman, Sheila Willis, Anthony Wilson and Grum Woldemichael.
Montgomery Parents I November 2014
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Catholic Education Partners Hold Golf Tournament
Partners In Catholic Education (PICE) hosted its 14th annual charity golf tournament at the Capitol Hill Robert Trent Jones Golf Course in Prattville September 26. A great day for the 180+ golfers in attendance, registration and lunch began at 11 a.m. and the shotgun start, on both the Senator and Legislator courses, started at 1 p.m. Format was best ball. The registration fee included lunch, green fees, cart, range balls, gift bags for each player, golf shirt, refreshments on the course, posttournament food and beverages, and door prizes for everyone. There were HolesIn-One consisting of a new car on both courses. There was also a putting contest between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for a great vacation and the top three net and gross teams received superb prizes. Partners in Catholic Education (PICE) was established in 1995 to bridge the Catholic Community with St. Bede School. PICE now supports the Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School community with the following annual projects: The PICE Annual Golf Tournament, Career Day for the Middle School and the Senior Success Forum. PICE has contributed more than $1 million in projects and equipment to Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School since the beginning. Next year will be the 15th anniversary of the Tournament and PICE is planning to make it extra special. More information can be located at http://www. montgomerycatholic.org/. Above, PICE Golf Tournament volunteer Ann Sadie Osten with tournament sponsor Ben Walker and PICE President Liz Sutton enjoy the kickoff of the 14th Annual Partners in Catholic Education Golf Tournament. www.montgomeryparents.com
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