WEST HIGH FRESHMAN ACADEMY GIVES ACADEMY AWARDS

The Freshman Academy at West Aurora High School recently marked its students’ second-quarter accomplishments with an awards ceremony.

The categories and student winners are: mathematics, Roger Vongkard; science, Rachel McCord; social studies, Kevin Thananabouth; composition, Josh Balarmino; physical education, Josh Balarmino; positive outlook, Chris Johnson; kindness, Mariela Cuanalt and Janeth Rosales; effort, Rachel McCord; participation, Peter Young and Miguel Moran; persistence, Becky Argueta; Ambassador, Shantell Passley; school involvement, Shay Jackson, Shantell Passley and Chris Loyd.

The academy is a school within the high school that provides smaller class sizes and other accommodations to help certain students make the transition to high school. Teacher Timothy Gallagher says the academy’s awards reflect the mission of the district in that the students are recognized for academic, social, emotional and physical growth.