Each year, top performing students in grades 8-12 are recognized as Superintendent’s Scholars. The 103 students honored this year have excelled in college readiness assessments including the PSAT, SAT and AP exams.
Each year, top performing students in grades 8-12 are recognized as Superintendent’s Scholars. The 103 students honored this year have excelled in college readiness assessments including the PSAT, SAT and AP exams.
Duncanville ISD Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith developed the Superintendent’s Scholars program during the 2017-2018 school year to recognize the academic achievement of students, encourage continued growth and increase the number of students who qualify for the National Merit Scholars program.
Due to COVID-19 and the transition to virtual learning, the Superintendent’s Scholars annual banquet is also going virtual. The students picked up their awards last week and will participate in an online celebration honoring their achievement. First year scholars received a T-shirt, medal, certificate, cell phone stand and a meal. Returning scholars known as ambassadors also received a floating frame to display their medals from previous years.
Kaleb Berry, who is a junior at Duncanville High School Collegiate Academy, has been a Superintendent’s Scholar since the program’s inception three years ago. Kaleb said the opportunities he’s received, such as PSAT prep sessions, have helped him prepare for the SAT and maintain high scores..
“It’s helped me stay motivated to get a great score and get recognition from people I look up to.” Kaleb said. “It’s helped me in my advancement and what I’ll do in the future.”
A full year before getting his high school diploma, Kaleb will receive his Associate of Science degree from Mountain View College at their virtual graduation on June 13. Kaleb will also receive a plaque recognizing his achievement of earning a college degree as a high school junior. Superintendent Dr. Smith will present this honor during a virtual celebration for all of the Superintendent Scholars Thursday.
High school students in the program also have an opportunity to be part of the National Merit Scholars Program. Dr. Nneka Bernard, Director of Advanced Academics and Library Services, said she anticipates seeing the number of Superintendent’s Scholars increase with the additional college readiness measures the district is putting in place.