DISTRICT’S TOP SCHOLARS, EAST HIGH SCHOOL, LAUDED FOR ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

A 15-year District 60 tradition, the Academic Excellence Awards ceremony was created to recognize graduating seniors who have distinguished themselves through rigor of courses and a grade point average of at least 3.4.

 

The honored scholars embody the values of Academic Achievement, Leadership, Character, and Service: the pillars of the coveted Lamp of Knowledge, which serves as a centerpiece of the ceremony.

 

Wednesday at the Southwest Motors Events Center, more than 200 high-achieving scholars were lauded for their dedication to academics by Superintendent Charlotte Macaluso, District and building leadership, representatives of Pueblo Community College and Colorado State University Pueblo, and other dignitaries.

 

Additionally, four members of the Class of 2023 were honored for especially exemplifying the pillar values.

 

For the second year, the District has employed the Latin Laude Honor System, which acknowledges ongoing success in a chosen academic program and course sequence.

 

Students with a designation of Summa Cum Laude will leave high school with a GPA of 3.8 or above; those with the Magna Cum Laude designation boast a GPA of 3.60 to 3.79; and the Cum Laude designation signifies a GPA of 3.4 to 3.59.

 

Honors Designation is awarded in addition to the Laude level based upon the number of advanced and rigorous courses students have completed earning Laude points.

 

Representing the values inherent in District 60, the coveted Lamp of Knowledge was this year awarded to East High School -- under the direction of Principal Andy Clementi -- for having the highest collective academic performance, coupled with other merits.

 

Additionally, Eagles received two of the four pillar awards.

 

Eliazar is a scholar and athlete described as compassionate, caring, and curious, with an innate sense of integrity and impeccable work ethic. He strives to create a culture of inclusion and acceptance, as witnessed by his membership on the East unified bowling team.

 

Sklyar is a three-year DECA State Leadership Conference qualifier, with membership in Key Club and National Honor Society. Through DECA, she has mentored students, completed a Community Service and a Promotional campaign that earned her a ticket to the International Career Development Conference, and created a “mitten tree” to benefit Pueblo Rescue Mission.

 

Ian donates his time to Lynn Garden Baptist Church, Pueblo Steelworks Museum, Parkview Medical Center, Tom and Louie’s Cupboard, Junior Achievement, a tutoring program, and other activities.

 

An athlete and multi-instrument musician with a passion for mathematics, Kaden earned more than 36 college credits – many in advanced math courses – while enrolled in high school. He is a four-year member of National Honor Society who received a Presidential Scholarship to Colorado State University Pueblo.

 

Collectively, the Class of 2023 Academic Excellence honorees earned more than $7 million in scholarships and will be heading to top colleges and universities in the state and across the nation. They represent FBLA, DECA, Girls Cabinet, Key Club, JROTC, Speech and Debate, Student Council, National Honor Society, band and choir, and every major sport played at the high school level.

 

Singled out for recognition were those scholars who earned college degrees and certifications.

 

The evening's entertainment was provided by Centennial choir vocalists, under the direction of Leigh Cortese.