Published May 10, 2009
By Cliff Harrington
The Charlotte Observer
The Charlotte Observer today honors members of the Class of 2009 who have been excellent high school students, outstanding citizens and leaders.
They're All-Star Scholars.
Each spring, the Observer honors students in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties who've maintained high academic standards while making an impact in their communities and neighborhoods.
“The Observer is very committed to honoring these All-Star Scholars,” said Ann Caulkins, publisher of the Observer. “This is such a great investment in our future. These teens are so deserving.”
The students have volunteered in hospitals, worked with animals in shelters, assisted senior citizens and worked in their various churches. They've also started mentoring programs and led voter registration drives.
“I want to be involved in the whole, entire world,” says Emily Bone of Monroe High School. Her statement seems to reflect the tenor of the group.
Most of this year's honorees have grade point averages that hover near A – or above. They're headed to colleges all over, including Duke, the University of South Carolina, Harvard and Stanford.
The honorees were identified by guidance counselors from their respective schools.
From the group cited in today's paper, the Observer will announce 10 Seniors of the Year this week, chosen from judges' interviews. The newspaper awards each Senior of the Year a $1,000 scholarship.
“I felt honored to meet the group of outstanding students and spend time talking with them about their education and hopes,” said Carol Rousey of Charlotte, a retired speech pathologist who helped interview Senior of the Year nominees.
“I thought each was deserving of all the honors they've received and all they'll receive in the future.”
You will read more about the Seniors of the Year this week. Today, however, the spotlight is on all the students honored by their schools and the Observer.
This newspaper has a long history of celebrating All-Star Scholars. The Charlotte News started the tradition in the 1950s. When the News ceased publication in the mid-1980s, the Observer continued it.
“These teens are the brightest, hardest-working and most creative at their high schools,” Caulkins said. “They are our future leaders. We like putting a spotlight on such an inspired and motivated group of young people.”
Charlotte Latin's All-Star Scholar is Garrett Hess. He is the son of Julia and Robert Hess.
To view the article online, go to www.charlotteobserver.com.