Eleven St. Mary’s Dominican High School juniors were presented Book Awards from universities and colleges to celebrate achievement of the Junior Class. Juniors who received Book Awards are (from left): Marisa Acevedo, Evariste Dewenter, Abigail Nuccio, Vanessa Liu, Caroline Scaffidi, Emily Nathan, Natalie Cage, Anastasia Redmann, Leah Gilmore, Enna Hawes, and Simone Gaudet.

The annual Book Awards are in recognition of academic excellence, strong character, and commitment to community service. School counselors, teachers, and administrators nominate the student or students they feel best embody the criteria set by each college or university. Each year, different colleges and universities offer Book Awards to celebrate the achievements of the Junior Class. The counselors, teachers, and administrators nominate the student or students they feel best embody the criteria set by each college or university.

Anastasia Redmann –The Brandeis University Book Award, given to a student who demonstrates a commitment to civic engagement, community service, political activism, social justice, or volunteer work.

Leah Gilmore – The Dartmouth Club of the Gulf Coast Award, given to a student who excels academically, demonstrates strong character, made a positive impact to the school community, excels in at least one non-academic area.

Natalie Cage – High Point University Book Award, given to an individual who embodies stellar performance in the classroom, while also striving to make a difference in the community. This is an individual who leads by example, understands the importance of academic endeavors, and honors a commitment to improving today’s community.

Enna Hawes – The Lasell University Book Award, given to a student who embodies their motto “Ignorant of Defeat” and actively participates in extracurriculars.

Emily Nathan – The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Art and Design Award, given to a student who is an active and involved member of their school community and demonstrates outstanding achievement in innovation, creativity, or entrepreneurship.

Caroline Scaffidi –The RIT Business and Leadership Award, given to an active and involved member of their school community and completion of a school or community project that demonstrated a high level of developing innovative solutions to problems such as starting their own business, community service, or extensive involvement in leadership activities.

Vanessa Liu – The RIT Computing Award, given to a student who has distinguished themselves academically, are active and involved members of their school community, and demonstrate interest and ability in computing.

Abigail Nuccio – The RIT Science and Math Award, given to an active and involved member of their school community and shows interest in pursuing college-level course work in science and/or math, or interest in using science and/or math in other areas such as business, engineering, health sciences, technology, or computing.

Evariste Dewenter – The RIT Humanities and Social Sciences Award, given to an active and involved member of their school community and completion of a school or community project that demonstrates commitment and understanding of our political, cultural, economic, and social world.

Marisa Acevedo – The RIT Women in Stem Award, given to an active and involved member of their school community and an outstanding student who has demonstrated high achievement, ability, and interest in science, computing, robotics, and/or math.

Simone Gaudet – The Tulane Book Award, given to a student who embodies their motto, “Not for Oneself, But for One’s Own” and demonstrates excellence in academics, leadership, and public service.