Coversheet

ITEM TITLE:	Recognition of Students Receiving National School Development Council Awards
DATE:	1/11/2021
ITEM TYPE:	Report
ITEM SUMMARY:	LINK to Superintendent's presentation. Please note changes may be made to presentation up until the meeting time.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:	NSDC Award for Academic Growth and Student Leadership - Nathan Pravda & Hannah Takasaki Nathan Pravda: Nathan Pravda possesses a keen analytical mind, makes deep commitments to his activities, and has an innate tendency towards helpfulness and doing the right thing. Nathan’s academic record is truly exceptional: he has consistently made the high honor roll while taking the most demanding course loads possible, he has earned perfect scores on every Advanced Placement test he has taken to date, and he’s our school’s recipient of the prestigious Yale Book Award. Nathan is one of the most active members of our thriving instrumental music program: Mr. Chisholm describes him as an initiative-taker who “is involved in so much of the music program it's hard to quantify.” He is a leader and founder of Natick High’s West Street Klezmer music group, and a valued member of our Jazz Ensemble. Nathan has made meaningful contributions to his activities, from music, to Tae Kwon Do, to his leadership in the service-oriented youth group at his synagogue, and his years of commitment to the Boy Scouts, culminating in his Eagle Scout project this year of building outdoor seating for the town library. Hannah Takasaki: Hannah Takasaki is an industrious and disciplined student who is kind-hearted, passionate, and trustworthy. I have always been most impressed by her sincerity. She demonstrates a level of empathy not frequently typical of her peers. She has a gentle and caring nature, which shines through her warm and friendly smile. Hannah has consistently taken a rigorous program of studies throughout her tenure, enrolling in some of the most challenging coursework offered at the high school level. She displays exceptional time management and organizational skills, being able to balance an incredibly demanding academic schedule along with her extracurricular and personal pursuits. Hannah is both a member of the high school gymnastics team as well as a thriving pole vaulter. She is an accomplished pianist who began training at the age of six and regularly performs with the Contemporary Music Seminar for the Young at the Rivers Conservatory. Hannah is a well-rounded young woman with unparalleled authenticity and warmth; it is impossible not to hold her in the highest regard.
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