College Advisor Christine McCurdy presented students with prestigious awards at this year’s end-of-year awards assembly.
Brodie Fitzgerald and Camryn Bullett, Class of 2026, were named ECS delegates to the Boys and Girls State programs. Boys and Girls State are prestigious, week-long, leadership and citizenship programs sponsored by the American Legion, designed for rising high school seniors. During the program, delegates form mock cities, counties, and a state government. They run for office, draft and debate legislation, and manage various governmental functions. This experiential learning fosters an in-depth understanding of the democratic process, civic responsibility, and public service. Participants also engage in public speaking, team-building activities, and meet with real-world leaders—often including elected officials, judges, and military personnel.
Robert Liscouski, Class of 2026, was named ECS Cadet for the Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program. Since 1990, The American Legion and the Virginia State Police have teamed up to provide the youth of Virginia with an opportunity to experience firsthand what it takes to become a law enforcement officer. This selective program offers a fast-paced week of orientation to law enforcement training and an insight to the criminal justice system. Cadets will receive orientation to criminal investigation, patrol techniques, accident and crime scene investigation, firearms safety and marksmanship. The cadets will also learn about the history of policing, the drug problems facing all Virginians today, and the State Police recruitment process.
The Congressional Award, Bronze Certificate, was awarded to freshman Elena McCurdy. The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ official award for young Americans, recognizing initiative, service, and achievement in youth between the ages of 13.5 and 24. It is a non-partisan, voluntary program established by Congress in 1979 to promote community service, personal development, and physical fitness.
Evan Britton, Class of 2026, and Ben Harders, Class of 2025, were presented with the Rensselaer Medal. The Rensselaer Medal is a premier merit scholarship for outstanding math and science students. The scholarship is valued at worth $160,000 ($40,000 per year) for four years for each medalist who is accepted and enrolls at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. For more than 100 years, Rensselaer, in conjunction with high schools around the world, the institute has awarded the Rensselaer Medal to promising secondary school students who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science. The Medal was first presented in 1916 with two purposes: to recognize the superlative academic achievement of young men and women, and to motivate students toward careers in science, engineering, and technology.