By Olga M. Martinez - Our Lady of Lourdes Academy
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO| OLGA MARTINEZ
Our Lady of Lourdes Academy welcomes their 2014 inductees of Bernadette Scholars.
The new inductees are juniors Sorrel Hernandez, Alexandra Sophia Perez, Carolina Sanchez, and sophomores Hannah Dopico, Gabriella Fernandez, Megan Fernandez, Gabriela Jimenez, Annmarie Machado, Gabriella Mencio, Margot Menendez, Katarina Otruba, Alexandra Peterson, Gabriela Pombo, Isabel Romeu, Carola Sague, Christine Sanchez, Megan Schutzen, Cristina Torres, Regina Valenzuela, and Ariana Vazquez.
In addition to taking the most challenging courses offered at the school, Bernadette Scholars participate in enrichment opportunities, both cultural and extracurricular, ensuring they graduate as successful, well-rounded, strong Christian women. Scholars have the opportunity to earn 18 to 24 college credits, prior to graduation, thus having the potential to enter college with sophomore status.
"The Scholars are challenged since their 9th grade by our school�s most rigorous curriculum," said Mrs. Ginny Castellanos, the Bernadette Scholars Guidance Counselor. "The students are motivated, innovative, and community-oriented � all reasons why they will make excellent candidates for some of our country�s top universities."
The Bernadette Scholars Program was initiated during the 2011-2012 school year, with the Class of 2015. This May, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy will graduate 19 Scholars, who have successfully fulfilled the oath they at their Induction Ceremony � to be examples of fortitude, all the while being persistent in their efforts, faithful to their mission, humble in their glory and valiant under trial.
"It has been a pleasure to see our senior Scholars grow into determined and focused young women," said Ms. Hilda de la Vega, Director of the Bernadette Scholars Program. "They are an exceptional group of girls, who have risen to the challenge with humility and grace."
