On the evening of June 10, Elwood-John H. Glenn High School teachers, administrators and staff gathered together virtually to congratulate and present awards and scholarships to exceptional Class of 2020 graduating seniors.
The 58th annual Senior Academic Awards Ceremony, while held virtually this year, was a great success. Students were recognized for outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities and community service.
“The faculty and staff at John Glenn High School miss our students very much,” Principal Carisa Burzynski said. “While tonight’s ceremony may look different than you had anticipated, we did not want to let your accomplishment go unnoticed.”
Freshman Nate Tyll kicked off the evening with a wonderful piano introduction, which was followed by a few words from Ms. Burzynski and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Bossert. Both thanked the Board of Education, teaching staff, administration, Academic Awards Committee and school counselors.
“All of this would not be possible without your collective efforts,” Ms. Burzynski said. “They have played a tremendous part in helping our students to achieve such great success.”
The ceremony recognized more than 102 seniors, who over the course of their high school careers earned cumulative G.P.A,’s of 90% or above, earning each of them President’s Awards for Educational Excellence. Recipients will receive a certificate of accomplishment and will be featured in a President’s Award slideshow and program.
In addition to students receiving state-level awards, seniors were also recognized for National Merit Scholarship Commendations and several shining students earned memorial scholarship awards. Honorees included Michael Samuel Gilmor, Sean Urda, Michael Maina, Dorothy Phipps Ewing, Liz LoRusso, Alfred M. Adamo and Barbara Quigley.
Students also received gold and silver awards in varying subject areas, including mathematics, science, art, physical education and more. Students were also honored to receive a multitude of other honors and awards such as the American Chemical Society Award, the National School Orchestra Award and the SCOPE Scholarship.
“Congratulations to students, parents, teachers and our community for sponsoring awards and scholarships,” Dr. Bossert said. “We hope that you take some time to really reflect on all that you’ve accomplished and do not allow the pandemic or anything else to tarnish the glow of your accomplishments. We could not be prouder of the class of 2020.We look forward to you enjoying this recognition tonight and all the celebrations to follow.”