Scholars celebrate academic accomplishments

On Sunday February 21, Campion hosted the annual scholastic awards’ program, Campion Acclaim, following Senior Recognition weekend. The administration acknowledged students with excellent grades and awarded scholarships in front of classmates, staff and parents. Junior and senior students with GPAs of 3.5 or greater, who demonstrated qualities of scholarship, leadership, service, and character, were nominated into the National Honors Society. Seniors inducted into the NHS were given a red cord and gold pin to wear at graduation. 

Campion's awards and endowed scholarships were also announced. These scholarships are often given in memory or appreciation of alumni and former faculty. Alumni and friends continue to give every year to recognize students, in honor of their loved ones, who exhibit good citizenship, hold a job to help pay for their tuition, maintain strong academics, have financial need, and demonstrate appreciation for their education experience. 

One such scholarship is in honor of Viola Goldsmith Rhodus who graduated in 1943. According to her children, Ed and Venita, she had many wonderful stories about her time at Campion. "Her eyes would light up when she talked about Campion Academy to us," daughter Venita shared. 

The whole event is an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Campion - hard work, excellence, and the network of support. Brooke Eitel, senior, stated, “It is a huge honor to be recognized for all of the hard work I’ve put into academics the past four years. Hopefully being a part of the NHS will help me get scholarships so I can continue my education at a college level.”

Kent Kast, Vice Principal of Academics and NHS sponsor, explained, “I believe it is meaningful to the students to be recognized for their achievements. When we are recognized it makes us want to be even better. It is also a good example to other students of the satisfaction that comes with a job well done. The students are also eligible for scholarships in college that they might not be able to get without a membership in the National Honors Society.”

Campion Acclaim was led by Darcy Force, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Sherry Hay, Registrar, and Kent Kast. Since COVID restrictions are still in place, the event was held in the gymnasium instead of over brunch in the cafeteria to accommodate social distancing. Although the pandemic didn’t allow for as many people to attend, each student being honored could bring two guests to celebrate their accomplishments. 

During the service, the Campion staff selected four seniors to speak and light a candle symbolizing the four pillars of NHS. Tiffany Dien spoke about scholarship, Sami Hodges touched on service, Dominick Maldonado talked about leadership, and Andy Obregon finished it off with character. 

“I never really thought about being part of the NHS until I came to this event,” said Dien. “It felt surreal to be actually lighting a candle, speaking, and getting our red cords and pins. It means a great deal to be recognized for my achievements and see my hard work pay off.”

Haley Enochs, Student News Team