Mike McArdle and Andy Smialek, seniors at
St. Rita of Cascia High School, have been nominated to compete in
the National Honor Society (NHS) scholarship program sponsored by
the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
Mrs. Sally Deenihan, Principal at St. Rita,
recently announced the nomination, which will place McArdle and
Smialek in the national competition. This year the program will
once again award $200,000 in college scholarships. As a feature
for the 2008 program, special recognition and additional awards
will be presented to state and regional winners, along with the
selection of one national recipient who will receive a $13,000
award.
Principal Deenihan said of Mike McArdle:
“Mike truly reflects the values of St. Rita High School, and is a
role model for every young man in our school. He is one of our
most accomplished swimmers and water polo players. He is mature,
poised, of strong character, and never hesitates to volunteer for
every project sponsored by the National Honor Society.”
And of Andy Smialek, she remarked: “Andy is
truly one of the most deserving students nominated for this
award. He has been battling cancer since he enrolled at St. Rita,
facing and overcoming tremendous adversity. He has met every
responsibility placed on him, completed all of the work required
of an honors student, and been an active participant on the
football and volleyball teams. He is a true inspiration to all
members of the St. Rita family.”
Nominees for this scholarship program were
selected on the basis of their leadership skills, participation in
service organizations and clubs, achievements in the arts and
sciences, employment experience, and academic record. They were
also required to write an essay.
“Students nominated for the NHS scholarship
not only demonstrate academic excellence but also excel in the
areas of service, leadership, and character,” said Rocco Marano,
director, NHS. “In recognizing leadership in cocurrricular
activities as well as academic performance, the NHS scholarship
recognizes the importance of a well-rounded education.
Cocurricular activities are an essential part of the school
curriculum.”
The National Honor Society and the National
Junior Honor Society are the nation’s premier organizations that
recognize outstanding middle and high school students who
demonstrate excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership,
service, and character. NHS and NJHS are programs of NASSP, the
parent organization of the National Association of Student
Councils, which promotes and provides leadership development
opportunities to prepare and empower students to serve their
schools and communities. For more information, visit www.nhs.us.
Photo: St. Rita seniors Mike McArdle
(Chicago-Beverly, left) and Andy Smialek (Chicago-Westlawn) were
recently nominated by Principal Sally Deenihan to compete in the
National Honor Society scholarship program. The program,
sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School
Principals, will award more than $200,000 in college scholarships
this year to students throughout the country.
