Zach Wilkerson among 2016 Indiana Academic All-Stars

Thursday, June 2, 2016
Zachary Wilkerson (Courtesy photo)

INDIANAPOLIS -- Forty Indiana high school seniors, including Zach Wilkerson from Greencastle High School, have been named 2016 Indiana Academic All-Stars.

They were honored at a recent luncheon at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis. In addition, 50 other students were recognized as Academic All-Star Regional Honorees.

The students were selected from a field of 284 outstanding nominees from the state's private and public accredited schools.

Academic All-Star distinction recognizes seniors who excel in the classroom first and foremost, but who also are actively involved in their schools and communities, and take on leadership roles in those activities. The program is produced by the Indiana Association of School Principals, with support provided by Franklin College, Marian University, Indiana University Bloomington, and Purdue University, along with corporate partners Herff Jones, IndyStar.com, and Inter-State Studio and Publishing Co.

Additionally, $500 teacher awards were presented by the Marian University Academy for Teaching and Learning to International School of Indiana teacher Yelena Sinitsky, who was nominated by Indiana Academic All-Star Regional Honoree Henry Schnabel, and Penn High School teacher Jim Sauer, who was nominated by Indiana Academic All-Star Jack Bao.

Student awards were presented by Indiana University Bloomington, Purdue University and the Indiana Association of School Principals. IU Bloomington recognized Indiana Academic All-Stars Sarthak Aggarwal, Lake Central High School (St. John) and Laine Rumreich, Lawrence North High School (Indianapolis). Each were presented a $500 scholarship. Purdue University presented $500 scholarships to Indiana Academic All-Stars Josiah Rudge, Seymour High School (Seymour) and Addison Sarver, Caston Jr/Sr High School (Fulton). IASP presented two $500 scholarships recognizing the student's community service. Corina Greiner of Brown County High School (Nashville) and Kaylee Pearson, Decatur Township School for Excellence (Indianapolis) were the recipients of these scholarships. All nominated students were eligible for the community service awards.

* Give academic achievement the prestige it deserves

* Motivate students to recognize the value of academic excellence; provide students with an incentive for academic achievement

* Promote a positive image of Indiana's young people

Each public and private high school accredited by the Indiana Department of Education may nominate one senior for consideration as an Indiana Academic All-Star. From these nominees, a selection committee chose the Regional winners (representing five regions in Indiana) and the 40 Indiana Academic All-Stars.

Selection of the school's nominee is based upon the following considerations:

* A mathematical formula that combines the SAT or ACT composite score and the seven-semester grade-point average; and

* Academic achievements and honors, academic courses and academic extracurricular

activities.

* Other extracurricular activities, community service and leadership qualities.

The same formula and considerations are then used to select the 40 Indiana Academic All-Stars.

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