Hurricane heroes and scholarship winners shine bright

The spotlight shone brightly on a diverse array of recognitions that truly exemplify the essence of community engagement and educational excellence. The Nassau County School Board took a moment during the recent school board meeting to celebrate the dedication of Hurricane Idalia heroes and the dedicated school personnel who transformed their institution into a safe haven for community members who sought refuge when the fury of a hurricane threatened.

Nassau County School District identified the need to close schools Aug. 29 and Aug. 30 because of the impending Hurricane Idalia. Wildlight Elementary was identified as the hub to welcome the general, pet-friendly population and special-needs residents. 

“I want to give a shout out to all of our people who spent their time in the shelter. Those are long days and long shifts,” said Nassau County Superintendent of Schools Kathy Burns. “However, we are thankful there weren’t that many people in the shelter because we missed the strong impact of Idalia, but the needs and the processes and the things we do in the shelter are the same; preparing meals for everybody, taking care of everyone and making sure they are comfortable; transporting people.”

Additionally, the school board honored exceptional student achievements for those students who received the College Board National Recognition Program award. Students who have a 3.5 grade point average or more and scored well on their PSAT, AP or SAT tests are eligible for the award. 
“We had 81 students in our school district receive this recognition,” said Burns. 

Fernandina Beach High School: Alexander Voboril, Alexander Rousselow, Alexis Wardynski, Allie Tribou, Andrew Baker, Arianna McAlaster, Asia Dang, Avery Bolt, Betty Elliott, Chase Landtroop, Chloe Herd, Coleman Hawkins, Colin Wrye, Eliza Wilking, Ella Patrick, Gabriela Diaz-Sanchez, Heath Sherber, Ivy Bradley, Jessica Tita, Jessica Wetherhill, Joseph Durr, Julia Weiser, Keaton DeVaul, Kelsey Curry, Landon Shields, Lea Pitois, Luke Johns, Matthew Mirfield, Milana Addington, Morgan Ott, Samira Dean, Sonny Abercrombie and Timothy Neal-Chance.
Hillard Middle-Senior High School: Jordan Strickland, Kaleb Hair, Rebecca Dixon and Abigail Jarrett.

West Nassau High School: Amy Cullen, Brody Singley, Colter Losco, Crew Conner, Evelyn Cohoon, Grady Stevens, Greyson Sims, Kanaan McCosh, Lucas Moore, Madison Maynard, Nathan Guting, Olivia Risinger and Reese Green.

Yulee High School: Aashi Patel, Alana Oliver, Alexander Smith, Bethany English, Bram Yasho, Brandon Gillen, Charles Wilkie, Chloe Kaszubinski, Chloe Roby, Cody Blan, Emily Beter, Emma Amos, Eric Nobles, Finley Yasho, Gavin Green, Hannah Cooper, Jackson Brownett, Johnathan Snapp, Jonah Blutcher, Josh Kent, Liam Wilcox, Lilly Hilliker, Lyla Johnson, Olivia Marble, Reagan Jeffers, Sara Frederico, Sarah Mann, Sienna Radovich, Sydney Lee, Thomas Faulk and Tristan Barberi.

“This (award) is one more thing they can add to their resumes and applications moving forward,” stated Burns.

tdishman@newsleader.com