During the October board meeting, the CMCSS School Board presented several Point of Pride awards.
Coda Johns, from Clarksville High School, and Saanvi Burle and Justin Zheng, from Rossview High School, have been named 2024 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. The students recognized tonight are three of approximately 16,000 semifinalists nationwide who have earned this recognition. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for around 7,000 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition.
Next, Middle College at Austin Peay State University faculty and staff were awarded as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Every year, the U. S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools, demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels. For context, out of approximately 1,700 public schools in the state of Tennessee, this year, only 6 schools received this honor, and Middle College was the only high school awarded.
Finally, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Kalena Towe from Montgomery Central High School was recognized as the national Legion of Valor Award for scholastic and leadership excellence. Cadet Towe was one of around 65 Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine JROTC Cadets to receive the prestigious Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement award out of over 500,000 Cadets nationwide. She received this award due to her outstanding academic performance and incredible leadership ability. Cadet Towe is the Cadet leader of the Indian Battalion and has maintained a 4.0 GPA and an academic average that is over 100%. She also serves as the Drill Captain of the reigning 7th Brigade Drill Team Champions and was a member of the National level JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl team last year!
