LAPEL — With just a few days before high school graduation, many seniors are enjoying their final few days of high school and reflecting on the past four years, as they anticipate the day they will receive their diplomas.
Mya Thomas, a senior at Lapel High School, is seeing all her years of hard work pay off. She was one of 50 seniors from Indiana recognized as Regional Academic All-Stars by the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP).
The 50 regional all-stars, along with 40 state all-stars, were celebrated at a luncheon recently at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]
The students were selected from a field of 274 nominees from the state’s private and public accredited schools.
Thomas, who sings and plays the piano and flute, will attend Indiana Wesleyan University to study music therapy thanks to academic and music scholarships. She also will be part of the John Wesley Honors College and will work toward a humanities major.
The IASP’s Indiana Academic All-Stars program is designed to salute academic excellence in the same way student-athletes traditionally are honored.
Being recognized by the association is rewarding and amazing, Thomas said, noting it’s great to have an honor showcasing educational and community efforts.
“Athletics and other extracurriculars are very high-profile in our society, but sometimes academic achievements aren’t as well-recognized,” Thomas said.
Thomas is ranked third in Lapel’s Class of 2018, but because of classes she took beyond the Core 40 requirements, she will be a co-valedictorian, along with her brother, Andrew Thomas, and Joseph Conrad.
The academic all-star program recognizes high school seniors who excel in the classroom and are actively involved in their schools and communities and take on leadership roles.
“She’s a great student, and it’s a great honor,” Lapel High School principal Chad Kemerly said of Mya Thomas.
The program is produced by the IASP, with support provided by Marian University, Indiana University Bloomington and Purdue University, along with corporate partners Herff Jones and Inter-State Studio and Publishing Co., among others.
Each nominated student submitted an essay recognizing his or her most influential educator.
Thomas wrote an essay on her former band director, Gregory Scott, who worked with her to get her up to speed after she decided to join band in high school later than many students.
“He is not only an amazing teacher, but is an extraordinary role model and has been an inspiration in both my music and my faith,” Thomas said.
By providing a showcase for academically talented seniors, the sponsoring organizations and the association hope to give academic achievement the prestige it deserves; motivate students to recognize the value of academic excellence; provide students with an incentive for academic achievement; and promote a positive image of Indiana’s young people.
Each public and private high school accredited by the Indiana Department of Education nominated one senior for consideration as an Indiana Academic All-Star.
A selection committee chose the regional and state winners.
Selection of the school’s nominee is based on a formula combining the SAT or ACT composite score, a seven-semester grade-point average, academic achievements and honors, academic courses and academic extracurricular activities, and other extracurricular activities, community service and leadership qualities.
For Thomas, the recognition ceremony was a fitting ending to a high school career filled with many high notes.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”At a glance” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Graduation: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 2, in the Lapel High School gymnasium
Class of 2018:
Co-valedictorians: Joseph Conrad, Andrew Thomas and Mya Thomas
Class president: Ray Scherer
Vice president: Bridget Mudd
Secretary: Andrew Thomas
Treasurer: Makena Mason
Student council: Taylor Murdock, Joseph Stern, Mya Thomas, and Alyssa Whaley
Class motto: “Every ending is the beginning of something new.”
Class flower: Blue Cornflower
Class colors: Royal Blue and Silver
Class song: “Don’t You (forget about me)” by Simple Minds
[sc:pullout-text-end]
