Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2017!
The National Merit Scholarship Winners
One of the most academically competitive endeavors in the Nation is the National Merit Scholarship Program. These winners represent some of the best and brightest minds in the country. These students have met the rigorous academic requirements that confer a distinctive place in representing Kennett High School across the United States.
The National Merit Commended Students – About34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation have been recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Commended students placed among the top 5% of more than 1.5 million students. Our Commended students are Molly Adelman, Delaney Chaffin, Olivia Donia, Kate Doroba, Victoria Gallivan, Austin Maxwell, Lydia Pebly, Charles Shattuck, and Kerry Tomasetti.
The National Merit Finalists –The National Merit Finalists represent less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors and are among the highest scoring entrants in the country. Of the 16,000 Semifinalists announced in September, our National Merit Finalist is Zachary Hrenko.
The National Merit $2500 Scholarship Award – The $2500 National Merit Scholarship is the award for which every Finalist is considered. According to a release from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, our finalist is recognized for his academic promise and distinguished performance in the competition of 2017. This year’s recipient is Zachary Hrenko.
The National Hispanic Recognition Program of the National Merit Scholarship – This program was established in 1983 to provide national recognition of the exceptional academic achievements of Hispanic High School Seniors. Approximately 5,000 students, earning a grade-point average of at least 3.5, from a nationwide total of 250,000 participants are honored as the highest scoring. The roster of these students’ names, high schools, and college major choices are sent to colleges and universities. This year’s recipient is Edwin Castaneda-Campos.
THE FULTON BANK DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to Kennett High School students of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. The winner will be offered summer and holiday employment at Fulton Bank while attending college. The winner may also be offered full-time employment at Fulton Bank through the Fulton Financial Corporation Management Trainee Program. This year’s recipient is Edwin Castaneda-Campos.
THE RICHARD B. YODER HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD recognizes a graduating high-school student who is an accomplished athlete, scholar and leader, qualities that defined Dick Yoder’s life. This year’s recipient is Kerry Tomasetti.
THE JOHNSON FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP is presented to a Kennett High School senior with intent of continuing his/her education. The student must have a 3.0 grade point average over his/her four years of high school as well as an extracurricular activity such as sports, music, school leadership or community service. This year’s recipient is Susanna Casini.
THE SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHOLARSHIP is presented to a senior who has exhibited academic excellence and service to the school and community and who will continue his/her education majoring in business or a business-related field. This year’s recipient is Emily Sauer.
THE KENNETT MASONIC LODGE #475 SCHOLARSHIP is given to a graduating student who has been active as a volunteer in their community and shown a strong commitment to continuing his/her education. This year’s recipient is Alexander Corona.
THE BASCIANI FOODS/KHS FBLA SCHOLARSHIP is presented to a senior student, with membership in the Future Business Leaders of America, who plans to pursue a business degree in college. This year’s recipient is Aliyah Asel.
THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD ACADEMY is notable as the oldest life-saving service in the world. The Coast Guard is called upon for not just maritime safety and security, but for the protection of natural resources, mobility, and national defense. This year’s appointee to the United States Coast Guard Academy is Kerry Tomasetti.
THE UNITED STATES ARMY SCHOLARSHIP recognizes graduating high-school students planning to continue their education. This year’s recipients are Eliel Gaspar and Ronaldo Marcelo Hernandez.
THE STORY OF KENNETT AWARD is presented to a student leader within the school and community who strives to promote cultural diversity. This year’s recipient is Edwin Castaneda-Campos.
THE KENNETT AREA PARK AND RECREATION BOARD SCHOLARSHIP is presented to a student for volunteering and dedication to the KAPRB programs as well as being a great role model. This year’s recipient is Nicholas Eisel.
THE STEVEN R. LAWTON DEMON ROBOTICS SCHOLARSHIP is presented to the “junior or senior class” member of the Demon Robotics Team who has made outstanding contributions to the team and has completed an essay describing what he/she has gained from being part of the team. This year’s recipient is Sarah Ploener.
THE ENGLISH as SECOND LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT AWARDS are given to outstanding English as Second Language students. This year’s recipient is Dago Rodriguez Villagomez.
THE SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS AWARDS is a national-level Certificate of Merit Program to recognize and honor high school girls who have demonstrated excellence in the study of both mathematics and science, and are active citizens of the school and/or community. This year’s recipients are Brinda Kapur (Highest Honor), Alena Rybarczyk (Highest Honor), and Kathleen Schuetz (Highest Honor).
THE KENNETT P.R.I.D.E AWARDS are given to outstanding students from each class that exemplifies the virtues of Kennett P.R.I.D.E which are Personal responsibility; Respect; Integrity; Dedication; Excellence. This year’s recipients are Katherine Burton (9th), Connor Lang (10th), Joseph Davidson (11th), and Harry Lehr (12th).
THE ALMA NEWLIN EDUCATIONAL FUND SCHOLARSHIP is presented to students with an un-weighted cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and planning to enter a human healthcare-related profession. This year’s recipients are Jeremy Eisele , John Finfrock, Laurel Petersen, and Samantha Weaver.
THE WIDENER UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP AWARD recognizes those high school students who possess the character, courage, and competencies to effect positive change. This award was presented at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. This year’s recipient is Olivia Berardi.
THE OUTSTANDING HUMANITARIAN AWARD is given to students who posses strong leadership skills and who have made the biggest contribution to the Humanitarian Club. This year’s recipients are Molly Adelman and Jacqueline Tucker.
THE OUTSTANDING READER AWARD was established to recognize outstanding patronage of the Media Center unlike any other student and/or faculty member.
This year’s recipient is James Hanby.
THE OUTSTANDING MEDIA CENTER VOLUNTEER AWARD is given to the student who has made the largest commitment to the library (over 40 hours of service this year) in terms of both service performed and time volunteered. This year’s recipient is Alondra Gomez-Camacho.
THE OUTSTANDING MINITHON VOLUNTEER AWARD is given to the most versatile, dedicated, dependable, and conscientious student leader from the MiniTHON Committee. This year’s recipient is Michael Bellino.
THE YOUTH WORK FOUNDATION GOOD CITIZEN AWARD, of the Union League of Philadelphia, honored 300 men and women as “good citizens”. These students were nominated from 50 youth-service organizations from throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. Our recipient’s achievements were recognized at the 71st Annual Good Citizens Day on May 10, 2017. This year’s recipient is Samantha Sullivan.
THE FRIENDS OF MUSIC UNDERCLASSMEN AWARDS are awarded for excellence in band, chorus and/or orchestra. This year’s recipients are:
- For Excellence in Band – Victoria Gonzalez
- For Excellence in Chorus – Abigail Duckworth
- For Excellence in Orchestra – Molly Hohner
THE FRIENDS OF MUSIC SENIOR AWARDS are awarded to graduating seniors for excellence in band, chorus and/or orchestra. This year’s recipients are:
- For Excellence in Band – Yvonna Liszewski
- For Excellence in Chorus – Olivia Pagliaro and Benjamin Skross
- For Excellence in Orchestra – Shakti Das and Christian Samulewicz
- For Excellence in Band, Orchestra & Chorus – Samantha Castleton, Yvonna Liszewski, and Benjamin Skross
THE SHEILA BOURGEAULT AWARD is given to a graduating senior for outstanding musicianship, leadership, and spirit in Chorus. This year’s recipient is Samantha Castleton.
THE ROBERT HOCH BAND AWARD is given to a graduating senior for outstanding musicianship, leadership, and spirit in Band. This year’s recipient is Margaret O’Sullivan.
THE MICHAEL & SUSAN FINNEGAN SERVICE AWARD is given to a graduating senior for outstanding services in a variety of ways to the entire Music Department. This year’s recipient is Laurel Petersen.
THE CHARLES M. PAYNTER CUP is awarded to the senior female athlete and THE FRANK W. GRAFF CUP is awarded to the senior male athlete who has rendered outstanding athletic service during their senior year. This year’s recipients are Devon Reilly and Cornelius Erickson.
THE KENNETH A. WEBB CUP is awarded to the senior female athlete and THE WILLIAM A. SHOEMAKER MEMORIAL CUP is awarded to the senior male athlete who, in the judgement of the coaches, has demonstrated individual proficiency and unusual effort in a sport. This year’s recipients are Kylee Harvey ane Trent Harner.
THE CHESTER COUNTY PRESS SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD is awarded to both a senior female and male athlete recognized for their excellence in both scholarship and athletic achievement. This year’s recipients are Victoria Gallivan and Austin Maxwell.
THE DR. D. DUER REYNOLDS MEMORIAL CUP is awarded to both a senior female and male athlete who has earned the school letter and has contributed the most to athletics during their entire high school career. This year’s recipients are Kelsey Mentzer and Ryan Boyle.
THE NATHAN W. KENDIG CUP is awarded to the senior female athlete and THE RAYMOND M. MOYNIHAN TROPHY is awarded to the senior male athlete who has a combination of athletic ability, academic achievement, and outstanding school service. This year’s recipients are Delaney Chaffin and Kerry Tomasetti.
THE BOB SCARLETT PRIZE, is awarded to the senior female athlete and THE MILMAN E. PRETTYMAN PRIZE is awarded to the senior male athlete for their outstanding sportsmanship. This year’s recipients are Ashley Mastronardo and David Boulden.
THE DR. LARRY C. BOSLEY CUP is awarded to the senior female athlete and THE ROBERT C. ROSELLE CUP is awarded to the senior male athlete who has been actively involved in two or more Kennett High School activities, one of which being a sport. These recipients have also made a considerable contribution to the Kennett Community. This year’s recipients are Susanna Casini and Xavier Feliciano Mirando.
THE HOLCROFT AWARD is awarded to the senior male soccer player in recognition for outstanding soccer ability. This year’s recipient is Phillip Martinez.
THE HOVDE AWARD is awarded to the senior wrestler in recognition for outstanding wrestling ability. This year’s recipient is Andrew Massetti.
THE JAMES F. DONAHUE CUP is awarded to the senior baseball player who has demonstrated outstanding baseball ability and character throughout his entire Kennett High School baseball career. This year’s recipient is Ryan Ganly.
THE MAUREEN JEFFERSON SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to both a senior female and male athlete who will continue their education, exemplified the concept of a “team player” and exhibited a dedication to teamwork and the spirit of cooperation in competition. This year’s recipients are Julia Beldyk and David McVey.
THE KENNETT ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to both a senior female and male athlete who will pursue a post high school education, served as an exemplary role model and showed enthusiasm and dedication. This year’s recipient is Julia Sharp
THE WIN AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS were established in 2008 and have remained successful through the generous donations of the local business community, most notably Exelon Generation. The WIN program serves all interested students who demonstrate a commitment to pursuing academic excellence, community involvement, and a post-secondary degree. These awards/scholarships are presented to the students who have been active members throughout their high school career, who have participated in all assigned activities, and are pursuing a post-secondary education. This year’s recipients are: Edwin Castaneda-Campos, Veronica Flores Lopez, Cristina Guadarrama-Castaneda, Lizette Herrera Herrera, Joel Ibarra, Sierra Jones, Samantha Lara, Juan Martinez, Rocibeth Mendiola-Cordova, Nancy Orozco, Hortencia Ortiz Reyes, Ja’Naye Pritchett, Rosa Romero, Michelle Sanchez Arroyo, Cindy Serrato Zavala, Karina Tapia Castaneda, Tania Vega Castaneda, Cristopher Villicana Ruiz, Yolanda Zavala, and Leslie Zurita-Fonseca.
THE HERMANITAS SCHOLARSHIPS were established in 2005 for Kennett High School girls who participated in the Hermanitas program. This program is supported by Exelon Generation, Longwood Rotary, Kennett Run Charities, and the Mushroom Farmers of Pennsyvania. The Hermanitas program is designed to encourage Latina girls to excel in school, plan for advanced education, strengthen the family unit, and participate as leaders in their communities. This year’s recipients are Lizette Herrera Herrera, Rocibeth Mendiola-Cordova, Nancy Orozco, Rosa Romero, Cindy Serrato Zavala, Karina Tapia Castaneda, and Leslie Zurita-Fonseca.
THE SHANNON STRAWLEY SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to a young woman who has dealt with adversity, overcame obstacles, became involved in extra-curricular activities within the school as well as the community, and is pursuing her dreams. This year’s recipient is Leslie Zurita-Fonesca.
THE RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AWARD was established in 1916 to recognize superlative academic achievement of young men and women and to motivate students towards careers in science, engineering and technology. This award honors our junior class recipient with the Rensselaer Medal Award Certificate for outstanding academic achievement in the study of mathematics and science. This year’s recipient is Jake Kalscheur.
THE CONGRESSMAN PATRICK MEEHAN GOOD CITIZEN AWARD is given to both one male and one female senior who best exhibit characteristics of leadership, courage, and scholarship. Communities thrive when people go beyond what is asked of them and make an effort to help all. These citizens have demonstrated an inspiring commitment to school and country. This year’s recipients are Margaret O’Sullivan and Danyal Quraishi.
THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION GOOD CITIZENS AWARD honors an outstanding young person in the senior class who demonstrates qualities of a good citizen. Our school winner is recognized for her dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. This year’s recipient is Olivia Donia.
THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION GOOD CITIZENSHIP AWARD honors an outstanding young person who demonstrates outstanding citizenship and patriotism. Our school winner is recognized for his words and deeds, strength of character, good citizenship, and love of country. This year’s recipient is Christian Kopecki.
THE BEST OF THE CLASS salutes for academic excellence. Our recipient was invited to participate in the WPVI-TV Channel 6 ABC taping for “Best of the Class of 2017” at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey. The event included activities such as guest speakers and networking opportunities for these accomplished future leaders. This year’s “Best of the Class” is Zachary Hrenko.
THE STUDENT SERVICES PRINCIPAL’S LEADERSHIP AWARD is sponsored by the Student Services Company and is given to a student who exemplifies the qualities of Leadership, Scholarship, and School Service. This year’s recipient is Edwin Castaneda-Campos.
