Sarah Hakkenberg was recognized for two achievements. She earned a Gold Medal Award and a Summa Cum Laude certificate for her placement in the 2008 National Latin Exam, the Latin II Competition. She also won a Gold Medal Award in 2007 in the Latin I Competition.

Hakkenberg also finished second in the "Botany A" category for her presentation at the Virginia Junior Academy of Science at Hampton University May 20-22. Her paper entitled "The Effect of Different Types of Light on the Growth of Helianthus annus" examines the effects of growing sunflowers under regular incandescent bulbs versus the newer compact flourescent bulbs. She said that she expected the CF bulbs to win out over the incandescents, but her results indicated the opposite.

Three students were recognized at the national level for their entries in the Junior American Citizens Contest. The 2008 theme was "Everyday American Heroes."

Rey Cruz, Salem High student, won first place in the poster category. His theme was "Hands of Friendship".

Clare Macdonald, Andrew Lewis student, won first place in the poem category. Her poem spoke of how anybody can be an everyday hero, from parents, to friends at school, to teachers, and beyond.

Benjamin Paul Ratliff, Andrew Lewis student, won first place in the short story category. His story was about how ALMS principal Mike Ayers is his everyday American hero. Ratliff's class fondly calls Ayers "Big Daddy." His teacher said that as soon as she saw the words "Big Daddy" in Ratliff's essay, she knew that it would be a winner.

For a photo gallery from the recognitions, click here.

Ten other Salem students received medals and certificates for their placement in the Latin exam:

Latin I:
Zach Mills
Latin II:
Tri Nguyen
Cameron Brown
Karl Sorenson
Hannah Todd
Jacqueleen
Tinh Nguyen
Latin III:
Kelly Ferguson
Sarah Pigford
Latin IV:
John McElmurray

Our last post about Salem High School was June 10.

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• Posted by miranda adkins in Schools and education
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