The academic struggles of Clark County schools are well-documented. What doesn’t get enough attention, however, are the many local students who thrive in their studies and have bright futures on the horizon.
On Wednesday evening, the Review-Journal handed out its Academic Excellence Awards for the eighth year. The ceremony took place at the Thomas &Mack Center and honored one student in each grade from first to 12th who shines “in academics, community involvement, citizenship and leadership.” Recipients receive a trophy and a $1,000 scholarship.
“This is so much more than a dean’s list or an honor roll,” explained Glenn Cook, RJ executive editor. “We are recognizing outstanding students who, foremost, are outstanding people.”
That certainly describes Alexander Hickman, a ninth grader at Green Valley High School who carries a 4.225 weighted grade-point average and founded his own dog-walking business while navigating a schedule that includes AP math and biology classes. Mr. Hickman also created a school club dedicated to serving area senior citizens.
And then there’s Celine Chang, a senior at Clark High School, who ranks first in her class with a 4.95 weighted GPA. She is also the CEO and co-founder of ReadUp Youth, a nonprofit that helped organize the donation of 42,000 books intended to improve the reading skills of underprivileged children.
Meanwhile, third grader Isla Riser of Lamping Elementary School competed in soccer, swimming, karate, cheer and gymnastics. She also serves on her student council and was named Nevada Youth Volunteer of the Year. Her resume also includes first-place awards for literature, photography and dance.
Other winners include: Olivia Elliott, a first grader at Toland International Academy; Hunter Grace Coleman, who is in second grade at Mathis Elementary School; fourth grader Eleina Gemeda of Thiriot Elementary School; Jaslenne Jimenez, a fifth grader at Heckethorn Elementary School; sixth grader Ovee Deshpande at Miller Middle School; Grant Buckley, a seventh grader at Canarelli Middle School; Adriana Castro, who is in eighth grade at Somerset Academy’s Skye Pointe campus; Kayla Woods, sophomore at Coronado High School; and Rachel Forni, a junior at Las Vegas Academy of the Arts.
The winners — along with hundreds of other high-achieving Clark County youngsters — represent a tribute to the value of motivation, hard work and high standards and the importance of parental support and quality educators devoted to enriching and encouraging young minds. These students do the community proud.
