NOTE: Any member of the media who would like to meet with the Navigator Award winners is invited to attend Wednesday’s Bourne School Committee meeting.
BOURNE — The Bourne Public Schools is recognizing several students for their outstanding academic achievements and dedication to the district.
At the Bourne School Committee’s June 1 meeting a total of seven students will be recognized as recipients of this year’s Navigator Awards, which are given annually to students whose exemplary achievements directly support the Bourne School District’s core values.
“Recipients of the Navigator Award are forging their own path and navigating their way into the future,” said Bourne School Committee Chair Emily Berry. “They have proven to be strong leaders academically across multiple curricular areas, they demonstrate consideration, regard, and empathy for others and engage in appropriate decision-making through the use of good judgment. We commend each of them for all they have done during their time in the Bourne Public Schools.”
Eligible students’ actions and achievements represent their individual capacities in one or more of the competencies that represent Bourne’s Vision of a Graduate: These include:
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Creativity and innovation
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Responsibility and accountability
Students are nominated for the Navigator Awards by district staff members. Recipients this year include the following:
Mikayla Noonan, Grade 8, nominated by teacher Dennis Reynolds
Mikayla was nominated for academic excellence, creativity, an ability to think outside the box, thoughtfulness, respectfulness and going out of her way to help others. She has been an amazing addition to the Model United Nations, has a passion for leading and actively listens to others. She is attending the Advanced Leadership Program this summer, which is offered to students who score in the top 10% on MCAS and have been recommended based on effort and leadership skills.
Colby Lindner, Grade 12, nominated by teacher Andrew Collins
Colby has shown academic excellence in AP classes and robotics classes, extraordinary kindness, leadership, and a constant willingness to volunteer and help others. He helped create and run the Good Morning Canalmen news program at Bourne High School.
Nora Barmashi, Grade 12, nominated by teacher Athletic Director Scott Ashworth
Nora has a plethora of academic and athletic accolades, but remains extremely humble. She is an outstanding student and leader, and is kind and compassionate. She is the student liaison for the Unified Basketball team, a member of the National Honor Society, Yearbook Club, Student Council Representative and Key Club.
Connor Ryan, Grade 12, nominated by teacher Jeff Lanctot
Connor has earned high scores on AP exams while managing several leadership and personal issues. He has very strong analytical skills and a profoundly high mathematical competency. Academically and socially, Connor is a leader at Bourne High School and is in the top 10% of his class, is a model when it comes to discussion and debate and is a talented writer. Connor has emerged as the voice of his graduating class as he speaks out against injustice and advocates for social change. He is the President of the Gay-Straight Alliance and has offered a proud and public voice for the LGBTQ community.
Alana Nalbandian, Grade 6, nominated by teacher Keri Boisclair
Alana goes above and beyond in collaboration, creativity, communication and responsibility in theater class; competed as one of the youngest participants in the state monologue contest through the Mass. Educational Theatre Guild; has the lead in her middle school play; and diligently attends class, rehearsals and after-school time. Alana demonstrates responsibility and accountability, and supports and encourages her classmates.
Grace Russell, Grade 12, nominated by teacher Colby Congel
Grace has been an invaluable source of creativity within the Bourne High School and the Arts Department, where she has illustrated her incredible artwork (which has been on display in the BHS hallways). She is also an active member of the theater department, providing assistance to the award-winning program on both sides of the curtain through acting and technical work. She has a spectacular attitude toward her responsibilities as a student-athlete in volleyball and track and field.
Viveca Stucke, Grade 12, nominated by teacher Tracey Frances
Viveca has successfully completed the Early College Experience Program (ECEP) through Bourne High School’s partnership with Cape Cod Community College. This Spring she will earn her associate’s degree and her high school diploma. Not only is she the secretary of Bourne High School’s Student Council she also serves as secretary of the Student Government Association at Cape Cod Community College. As a result of her involvement and work in the Student Government Association at CCCC, Viveca was bestowed the honor of giving the Opening Ceremony greeting for commencement. For the past year, Viveca has been the first student school committee member for the Bourne School Committee. She has led her advisory group all while maintaining her academic obligations.
“The recipients of this year’s Navigator Awards truly embody what it means to be a member of the Bourne Public Schools,” Superintendent Kerri Anne Quinlan-Zhou. “Our vision of a BHS graduate not only represents high academic excellence and critical thinking skills, but also promotes the values of teamwork, putting others first and being a valued member of the greater school community. These seven students have achieved a great deal during their time in Bourne, whether it be in the classroom, in the arts, in athletics or in their community, and we are proud of all they have accomplished.”
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