Gulf Pine Catholic

18 Gulf Pine Catholic • June 1, 2018 Spotlight on Schools Resurrection Catholic School (RCS) in Pascagoula is proud to announce that high school senior Clayton “Becht” Rowell has been named STAR Student for the 2017-2018 school year by the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) M. B. Swayze Foundation, sponsor of the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program. Established by the Mississippi Economic Council in 1965, the purpose of the STAR program is to recognize outstanding students and teachers in Mississippi through its Education Celebration. Becht was honored during the annual Education Celebration on April 12 at the Jackson Convention Complex in downtown Jackson. Becht designated Edgar A. Hernandez as his STAR Teacher. Each STAR Student is asked to designate a STAR Teacher, the teacher who has made the greatest contribution to the student’s scholastic achievement. Hernandez has been teaching at RCS for five years and currently teaches Religious Studies. He also serves as Director of Campus Ministry. “When Becht told me he nominated me to be his STAR teacher, I was surprised and very honored that he would select me. It is a privilege to walk with students on their faith journey. It has been an honor to walk with Becht. If there is any student who embodies the spirit of education, it is Becht,” Hernandez said. Becht is Valedictorian of his class, student body president and served as team captain for both the var- sity football and basketball teams at RCS. In addition, he is a member of Key Club, National Honor Society, and Campus Ministry. He was chosen as a state finalist in the Wendy’s High School Heisman Scholarship Program. Becht plans to attend the University of Mississippi and pursue a career in sports medicine. Hernandez, left, STAR teacher and Becht, right, STAR student The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) announced that Resurrection Catholic School (RCS) senior Denazia B. Sewell has been selected to become a member of the esteemed organization. The Society recogniz- es top scholars who have demon- strated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commit- ment. The announcement was made by NSHSS Founder and Chairman Claes Nobel, senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes. “On behalf of NSHSS, I am honored to recognize the hard work, sacrifice and commitment that Denazia has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence,” said Nobel. “Denazia is now a member of a unique community of scholars -- a com- munity that represents our very best hope for the future.” “We are proud to provide lifetime membership to young scholars to support their growth and develop- ment,” stated NSHSS President James W. Lewis. “We aim to help students like Denazia build on their aca- demic success by connecting them with unique learning experiences and resources to help prepare them for college and meaningful careers.” Sewell Resurrection Catholic High School, Pascagoula St. Patrick Catholic High School, Biloxi U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today announced the selection of Tyler Jackson of Gulfport, Mississippi, who attends St. Patrick Catholic High School in Biloxi, as a 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholar. Jackson is one of 161 outstanding American high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community. The U.S. Presidential Scholars will be hon- ored for their accomplishments in Washington, D.C., from June 24-26. “I want to congratulate this year’s class of Presidential Scholars on their achievement and also thank their parents, teachers and other academic advi- sors who have helped guide them along the way,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. “These students have pushed themselves to be the best they can be, and I am certain that devotion will serve them well as they contin- ue their individual learning jour- neys.” The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects hon- ored scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evalua- tions and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,200 candidates qualified for the 2018 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams, and through nominations made by Chief State School Officers, other partner recognition organizations or the National YoungArts Foundation’s nationwide YoungArts competition. The 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen- at-large, 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, and 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education. Jackson SPCHS Knights of Columbus First Degree members recently met with Youth Director for the Mississippi Jurisdiction Bill Haas, at far left. Pictured, at far right, is Principal Buckley. St. Patrick senior Anthony Schloegel, front, third from left, recently signed his Letter of Intent to play tennis at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. St. Patrick Catholic High School recently held its Senior Night. More than $8,895,000 in scholarships have been offered to the SPCHS 2018 Senior Class of 79 students, an average of more than $112,000 per student.