Hard work really does pay off. Just ask Addelynne York, Andrew Pitolaj and Colleen Ginsberg.
The three seniors at Gananda’s Ruben A. Cirillo High School were recently recognized by the College Board for their work in the classroom that produced grade-point averages of 3.5 or higher and outstanding test scores on the PSAT, NMSQT, PSAT 10 and/or AP Exams. There is no financial award with the recognition, but it will help Addelynne, Andrew and Colleen stand apart by including this honor on their college applications.
“It’s special,” said Colleen. “It shows you don’t have to come from a big school to be recognized.”
Addelynne agrees.
“At a smaller school like Gananda, there aren’t many opportunities because of our population size so it’s nice to get this award,” she said. “It says something. We might have obstacles but we don’t let that limit us.”
For Andrew, the recognition justifies the effort he’s put into schoolwork.
“I see it as hard work pays off,” he said. “And it shows colleges something about our character with academics and our ability to handle it.”
All three plan to attend college.
Addelynne wants to study math and childhood development with the goal of teaching, Colleen wants to play college lacrosse and major in computer science and Andrew wants to study physics.
The College Board National Recognition Program honors students across the country annually for their achievements in the classroom and on tests. The three Gananda students were recognized as part of the National Rural and Small Town Award.
Congratulations to Addelynne, Andrew and Colleen.