The Westminster SchoolsJunior High School

Description of Awards Presented at Junior High Celebration (formerly Junior High Honors Day)

Summa Cum Laude“With highest honors.” Students in grades six, seven, and eight, who earn a calculated GPA of 95 and above, with no grade below 90, will earn the designation of summa cum laude. The calculated GPA is determined by mean average of the first semester midterm, first semester final, and second semester midterm. [Beginning in 2010-11, the Junior High discontinued the designation of a solitary “valedictorian” for each grade and gender (6th boy, 6th girl, etc.).]

The Goizueta Foundation Modern and Classical Languages Awards The winners of this award are not only outstanding foreign language students, but they have also reached beyond the classroom to broaden their individual perspectives and make their own contributions to international understanding. Through their initiative and leadership, they have demonstrated that knowledge of other cultures provides a valuable reference point for appreciating and expanding one’s own life, while also finding meaning and purpose in the larger world.

French: Mademoiselle Groleau Award. In 1992, the NAPS Class of 1944 established an award to honor their beloved and legendary French teacher, Mademoiselle Groleau. This award recognizes a French student in the seventh or eighth grade who has demonstrated a particular talent and love for the French language and culture.

Latin: The Goizueta Foundation Modern and Classical Languages AwardSpanish: The Lazaro Herrera Award

Steve H. and Reba M. Bomar AwardIn 2003 we were grateful to have the first opportunity to present a new award to a seventh grader. The Steve H. and Reba M. Bomar Award is given by former Westminster parents, Lynda and Randy Tye, and their children: John class of ’91, Steve class of ‘93, and Anna class of ‘99. This award is given in memory of Mrs. Tye’s parents, Steve H. and Reba M. Bomar, both of whom exemplified a strong sense of commitment to helping others, a positive work ethic, and the ability to generally make a better place for those around them.

The Bomar Award is given to a seventh grader who has demonstrated throughout all areas of school life, integrity, a strong character, a willingness to work harder, and a predisposition to excel in ways that make Westminster a better place.

William A. Parker, Sr. Student Improvement AwardThe William A. Parker, Sr. Student Improvement Awards were established to recognize annually a seventh grade student and an eighth grade student who demonstrate outstanding improvement in academics, superb personal growth in both personality and character, and strong involvement and participation in extracurricular activities such as community service, athletics, fine arts, and general interaction with fellow students. Students are selected by a committee that carefully considers the students’ exceptional growth and improvement in these areas during the academic year.

Steven W. Surbaugh AwardThe Steven W. Surbaugh Award was established in 2010 in memory of one of Westminster’s loyal friends. Steve was a successful businessman, community volunteer, devoted husband, proud father of Westminster graduates, Kelsey and Stephanie, and a good friend and counselor to all who knew him. Steve had a big heart, a joyful nature and exemplified high morals, ethics and character. This award is given to an outstanding eighth grade girl who has attended Westminster for at least 2 full years and who is recognized by her peers and the Junior High Faculty as a leader, a good citizen with strong character, ethics and integrity and as one who has demonstrated high achievement in math and science. It is the Surbaugh Family’s hope that this recognition will encourage young women--and especially the recipient--to pursue a course of study in science and math.

Citizenship Awards (6th Boy, 6th Girl, 7th Boy, 7th Girl)A citizenship award will be given to a 6th grade girl and boy, a 7th grade girl and boy, an 8th grade girl (The Carol Gregory Griffin Award) and an 8th grade boy (the James K. Izlar Award). Student and faculty nominations are collected. The faculty select the recipients. The criteria for being nominated for the award should include-- Loyalty to school: school spirit Willingness to help others Cooperative spirit Strong effort in extra-curricular activities Ability to meet commitments Good conduct record--no major detentions or honor violations Respect for authority Friendliness Distinction as one who would best represent the class

Carol Gregory Griffin AwardEach year the Westminster faculty carefully selects an 8th-grade girl who has been recommended by her peers and teachers to receive the Citizenship Award given in memory of Carol Gregory

Griffin. In 1983 Carol’s family and friends established this award in her memory after she waged a long battle against cancer. A Westminster graduate of the class of 1957, Carol was a teacher in pre-1st and her daughter Carolyn was a graduate of the class of 1981. What particularly distinguished Carol was her strong belief that what she did outside the classroom was as important as what she did in the classroom. Carol celebrated life, lived her faith, and led by example. Described as loving, graceful, courageous and kind, Carol was unfailingly positive and giving.

James K. “Jimbo” Izlar Memorial AwardJames K. “Jimbo” Izlar, Westminster class of 1977, was an excellent student, class leader and outstanding athlete here at Westminster. Each year, the Junior High faculty selects the most outstanding rising 9th Grade boy based on a variety of criteria that celebrate and commemorate many of Jimbo’s personal qualities.

This award is given to the outstanding 8th Grade boy who has attended Westminster for at least two years and has demonstrated:

1) love and thoughtfulness for the needs of others as evidenced by a commitment to service2) leadership by example of high moral character3) courage as evidenced by a strong spirit of competition and strength in the face of

adversity4) major extracurricular involvement, including athletic participation and leadership5) strong academic curiosity matched by a high ranking in the class6) a sense of appreciation and enthusiasm for life, family, and friends

Ellen E. Fleming AwardIn the spring of 2004, at Ellen Fleming’s retirement from Westminster, the Parents Association of the Westminster Schools created an award to be given each year at Junior High Honors Day. The Ellen E. Fleming Award commemorates the spirit of belief in education’s impact on Junior High children and remembers the life-changing inspiration and encouragement that Ellen Fleming has passed on to the students in her care. Whether it is opening the mind to academic learning or strengthening character through virtue, Ellen Fleming feels that students are changed by their journey through the Westminster Junior High. She recognizes that to emerge and grow, some students need time and opportunity and the full benefit of teachers, programs, and the spiritual edification of others. As a torchbearer of Westminster’s mission, Miss Fleming believed in each and every child and assisted students in learning to find their way. She will always remain a Westminster icon, and her influence will forever guide the community of learners in this wonderful school.

To be considered for this prestigious award, a Junior High student must possess:

1. A growing commitment to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (the “Fruits of the Spirit” found in Galatians 5:22 about which Miss Fleming cared so deeply).

2. A humble desire to improve oneself and demonstrate growth over the course of his or her experience in the Junior High and beyond.

3. A spirit of caring about, accepting, celebrating, and serving others.

4. Integrity, honesty, character, and citizenship in daily life.

5. Assumption of a leadership role within the grade and meaningful contributions to the Westminster community at large.

6. A willingness to embrace positive change and honor the growth that occurs as a result of the Junior High experience.

7. A sense of gratitude for the gifts he or she has been given and a desire to share those gifts with others.

UPDATED: 2/18/2011 ba