SHS senior named Indiana Academic All-Star, National Merit Scholarship Program finalist
After
recently being named a recipient of the Indiana University Wells
Scholarship, Scottsburg High School senior Kaleb Mount received two new
honors — he was named an Indiana Academic All-Star and a National Merit
Scholarship Program finalist.
“It further validates the hard work
that I’ve put in over the years,” Mount said about his latest accolades.
“It’s recognition for all the hours I’ve put in.”
By being named
an Indiana Academic All-Star, Mount will be recognized along with 39
other students in the state. Mount received the distinction based on his
grade-point average for seven semesters, SAT/ACT composite score,
academic courses, academic achievement, extracurricular activities
related to academics, non-academic extracurricular activities, and
leadership, community service, and involvement.
“Kaleb is an
outstanding student,” said Richard Manns, principal at Scottsburg High
School. “I would like to nominate several of our kids, but I could only
nominate one. Kaleb has been part of the state champion social studies
academic team and is a Wells Scholar. I felt like Kaleb had the best
shot.”
Along with his All-Star award, Mount will also have a
chance to recognize on one of his teachers who has challenged him
academically at a luncheon sponsored by the Indiana Association of
School Principals. Mount chose Susan Jerrell, a journalism teacher at
Scottsburg New Tech High School and the advisor of the student newspaper
and yearbook publications.
“Mrs. Jerrell was not only the image
of competence in a teacher, she pushed me to perform to the best of my
ability,” Mount said. “She taught me planning and responsibility.”
In
addition to the Indiana Academic All-Star accomplishment, Mount was
also notified he was named a National Merit Scholarship Program
Finalist. He was one of 15,000 semifinalists chosen for the finalist
standing. He will receive a $1,000 per year from Indiana University for
this honor.
“It will buy me a computer,” said Mount, who received a
full-tuition scholarship to IU Bloomington along with $10,000 for
living expenses, a one-time stipend of $25,000 for foreign travel, and
$2,000 to use on an internships or research through the Wells
Scholarship. “It’s another thing to cap off my senior year.”
Even
with all his honors and awards, Mount said his achievements are a
testament to the quality education he continues to receive at Scott
County School District 2.
“It says an education at Scottsburg High
School can compete with other school systems across the state,” Mount
said. “I think we have a high-class program. We’re not at a
disadvantage. If you invest yourself, you can succeed.”
At Scott County School District 2, Mount’s story is our story. Your story matters. You matter.