The ceremony included awards and honors for the students, as well as a special farewell by Dr. Frederick G. Smith, Founder, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and President Emeritus to Ms. Carey Wargo, Head of Middle School. Dr. Smith extended his gratitude on behalf of the Gerstell community for her many years of loyal service.

 

The awards included several leadership, academic, athletic and community spirit awards.

 

Jalen Blackwell and Eryn Buchanan received “The Norm Smith Leadership Award”; the most coveted award in the middle school which requires a rigorous application and selection process. This award is for the students who consistently demonstrate Gerstell Academy leadership qualities in and out of the classroom, on and off the playing field, and on and off campus. This award is more than a simple recognition of positive behavior and compliance but recognizes the intentional use of leadership values and skills for improvement of themselves, their classmates, Gerstell Academy, and the larger community.

 

Dr. Frederick G. Smith presented the “Dr. Marguerite Gerstell Award for Science” to Jalen Blackwell and Eryn Buchanan. They also earned the “Dr. Marguerite Gerstell Award for Mathematics” due to having the highest cumulative grade point averages in science and mathematics throughout their middle school years, while demonstrating both leadership and passion for the subject.  In addition to their award, the students received a $100 scholarship certificate. 

 

The “Outstanding Achievement in Athletics Award” was granted to Alexis Gilotte and Colton Smith for their leadership, sportsmanship, and excellent athletic performance in multiple sports throughout their middle school career.

 

For “Excellence in Community Spirit”, Alexis Gilotte and Savannah Devers were lauded for their outreach efforts in the community and have earned the most service hours throughout their middle school career.

 

Eryn Buchanan was recognized for her stellar academic performance and earned the “Academic Excellence Award”. Eryn earned the highest calculated Grade Point Average in all subject areas throughout her middle school years.

 

The Gerstell administration, faculty, staff, and families wish to congratulate the 8th grade students for achieving this important milestone.