P H I B E TA K A P PA W I N N E R A N N O U N C E D B Y D Y L A N S AU N D E R S
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RHS recently announced that the winner of one of its most prestigious awards, the Phi Beta Kappa Award, was senior Jillian Baracz. The NRHS staff selected her for Phi Beta Kappa based on her outstanding academic record, involvement in school activities, and strong character. NRHS faculty broke the news to Jillian while she was in AP Spanish 5. Jillian remembers watching Principal Osborne, counselors, and a few other NRHS staff members walk into her Spanish class. “I thought someone was in trouble at first,” said Jillain. “Then, Principal Osborne started explaining the Phi Beta Kappa award. He awarded it to me immediately afterwards.” Each year, North Royalton High School awards one exceptional senior the Phi Beta Kappa Award. The senior must be in the top ten percent of their graduating class. They must also demonstrate a genuine interest in bettering themselves and the world around them through academic pursuits. Jillian believes that she was selected because she worked to diversify her high school career. “I meet the academic requirements for the Phi Beta Kappa Award, but I don’t just spend my time outside of school studying,” said Jillian. Jillian pitches for her varsity softball team, works at a veterinary clinic as a receptionist, works as an umpire over the summer, and stays involved in high school clubs. Perhaps most notably, Jillian acts as President of the National Honors Society for North Royalton High
School. NRHS faculty aren’t the only ones who noticed Jillian’s work ethic. She was nominated for both the “Most Likely to Succeed” and “Most Involved” senior superlative titles, among others. Of course, maintaining such a packed schedule can be stressful. Jillian shared some of the most important stress-management tips she learned while striving for excellence in all parts of her life. “Personally, the best way I learned to deal with… the stress was in the gym. Exercise helps get me out of my own head. It also can help me feel better about my self image,” said Jillian. Jillian is also grateful for the support she received from her friends, family, coaches, and two dogs, Lola and Bo. To the underclassmen who hope to receive a Phi Beta Kappa Award one day, Jillian said, “Work your hardest every day. No matter how tough it gets, hard work always pays off. This [award] has given me the chance to reflect on the hard work I put in over my high school career, and I don’t regret any of it.” After graduating high school, Jillian plans on attending the University of Findlay with a major in Animal Science/Pre-Vet and a minor in Spanish. She also plans on continuing her softball career with the Findlay Oilers. In the meantime, Jillian will continue to work at being the best version of herself at North Royalton High School. THE ROYA L NEWS
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