Students shined during the Springfield City School District Business Advisory Council (BAC) Award of Excellence ceremony on Thursday night. More than 150 students were recognized for their achievements, and thousands of dollars were awarded in college scholarships.
The BAC Award of Excellence program recognizes high school students who have earned at least a 3.3 GPA, as well as excelled in the areas of service, character and leadership. Eligible students submitted an application and received a reference from an adult, which were then scored by area business leaders.
During the program, eight scholarships were awarded for a total of $10,000. The BAC awarded five $500 scholarships with the help of generous community donations, and Topre, a Springfield manufacturing company, awarded three $2,500 scholarships.
The BAC awarded scholarships to the following graduating seniors: Abigail Cosby-Lehmann, Hayley Gorton, Isaac Guest, Lily Hatton and Lily’Ann Howard.
The scholarships awarded by Topre are reserved for students who have declared their intent to study in a STEM field during college. Topre awarded scholarships to seniors Tierra Johnson, Melinda Ludmia Buissereth and Alexandra Tuttle.
SCSD Superintendent Dr. Bob Hill said the Award of Excellence ceremony is a powerful example of what students can achieve with hard work, determination and the support of their families, educators and local businesses.
“We’re incredibly proud to recognize these outstanding scholars who are not only leading in the classroom, but are developing into incredibly well-rounded individuals,” he said.