Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • March 20, 2020 15 Abigail Wiest, a graduating senior at Sacred Heart Catholic School, has been named one of more than 4,500 candidates in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2020. Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon gradu- ating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of supe- rior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplish- ments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and commu- nity. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholar- ship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields. Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the prom- ise of greatness in America’s youth. All Scholars are invited to Washington, DC in June for the National Recognition Program, featuring various events and enrichment activities and culminating in the presentation of the Presidential Scholars Medallion during a White House sponsored ceremony. A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select approxi- mately 600 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May. Scholars will be invited to Washington, DC, for several days in June to receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in events and activities. Wiest is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Wiest. For more information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, parents and students can call the U.S. Presidential Scholars Office at (507) 931-8345, or send an e-mail to PSP@scholarshipamerica.org. Wiest Abigail Wiest named candidate in U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Sacred Heart Catholic School recently celebrated the birthday of Dr. Seuss. Students dressed up in Seuss-themed outfits, read lots of books and were able to try the Seuss delicacy, Green Eggs and Ham. Thanks to all the teachers, volunteers and cafeteria staff who made this day extra special for our students. Sacred Heart Catholic School, Hattiesburg First grade and kindergarten classes at St. James Catholic School recently completed their service project for the month of February. The entire school collected wish list items and pull tabs for the Ronald McDonald Home in Mobile, AL. The Ronald McDonald House provides a “home away from home” for families while their child is being treated at local Mobile hospitals. Mary McAleer, from the Ronald McDonald House, stopped by St. James School to give the students a brief overview of the help and support Ronald McDonald House gives and to thank the students for their support. St. James Elementary School, Gulfport During Catholic Schools Week the students at St. Alphonsus Catholic School in Ocean Springs served their community with a Pennies for Pets campaign for the Jackson County Animal Shelter. The sixth grade students made posters to advertise the campaign and collected and counted the money daily. After a week of bringing in change, the students raised $1,107.82! The 6th Graders went on a field trip to the Jackson CountyAnimal Shelter to bring the money collected and to tour the facility. St. Alphonsus Elementary School, Ocean Springs