Dominican juniors garner college book awards

Fifteen St. Mary’s Dominican High School juniors were presented book awards from universities and colleges to celebrate achievements of the junior class.

The annual book awards are in recognition of academic excellence, strong character and commitment to community service. School counselors, teachers and administrators nominate the student or students they feel best embody the criteria set by each college or university.

Counselors, teachers and administrators nominate the student or students they feel best embody the criteria set by each college or university.

These students received the following awards:

Elle Thomas was awarded Brandeis University’s Book Award for demonstrating commitment to civic engagement, community service, political activism, social justice or volunteer work.

Alivia Christiansen earned the Chatham Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award for her passion and commitment to improving the environment and community through sustainability.

Ava Ranson and Reece Tatford received the Clarkson University High School Achievement Award in recognition of outstanding leadership qualities and academic promise.

Annabelle Cheramie got the Dartmouth Club of the Gulf Coast Award for excelling academically, demonstrating strong character, making a positive impact to the school community and excelling in at least one non-academic area.

Ella Jones received the Lasell University Book Award for embodying the school’s motto “Ignorant of Defeat” and actively participating in extracurriculars.

Emma Nguyen earned the Rensselaer Medal Award recognizing outstanding students in math
and science and considering a career in science, engineering or technology.

Sofia Chanes earned the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Art and Design Award given to a student who is active and involved in their school and demonstrates outstanding achievement in innovation, creativity or entrepreneurship.

Olivia Ranson was awarded the RIT Business and Leadership Award given to an active member of her school and for completion of a school or community project that demonstrated a high level of developing innovative solutions to problems such as starting her own business, community service or extensive involvement in leadership activities.

Eliza Jones earned the RIT Computing Award given to a student distinguished in academics, active in the school community and demonstrating interest and ability in computing.

Kennedy Duggan received the RIT Science and Math Award given to a student interested in pursuing college-level course work in science and/or math, or interest in using science and/or math in other areas such as business, engineering, health sciences, technology or computing.

Mary Le got the RIT Humanities and Social Sciences Award, given to a student who completes a community project that demonstrates commitment and understanding of our political, cultural, economic and social world.

Violet Matherne was awarded the RIT Women in STEM Award given to an outstanding student who has demonstrated high achievement, ability and interest in science, computing, robotics and/or math.

Sophie Spera earned the Stonehill College Award given to a student who exhibits an exemplary commitment to academics and community service.

Haley Valdine received the Tulane Book Award given to a student for embodying Tulane’s motto, “Not for oneself, but for one’s own.” She also demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership and public service.