Press Releases
Santa Catalina School Student to Compete in National Scholarship Program
Monterey, CA - Jessica Hightower, a high school senior who resides in Carmel, has been nominated to compete in the national Principal's Leadership Award (PLA) scholarship program sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Herff Jones, Inc., a national supplier of motivational and recognition products, underwrites the PLA program.
Dr. John Murphy, Head of Santa Catalina Upper School, announced the nomination that places Jessica in the national competition. A total of 150 national PLA winners will be chosen this spring to receive $1,000 college scholarships.
"Jessica is a highly motivated and bright student who possesses a great capacity for critical thought," said Dr. Murphy. "She is an individual of the highest character and serves as the elected Student Chair of our Discipline Committee. In my experience at Santa Catalina School, this is the most respected position to which a student can be elected. In every sense of the word, Jessica is a leader and serves as a role model to other students."
"NASSP" is proud to recognize the efforts of talented young people like Jessica," said Gerald N. Tirozzi, Executive Director, NASSP. "She deserves to be commended for her excellence in the classroom and community."
In recognizing leadership in co-curricular activities as well as academic performance, the PLA scholarship recognizes the importance of a well-rounded education. While at Santa Catalina School, Jessica has been captain of the basketball and softball teams, Assistant Sports Editor for the school newspaper and a coordinator of the Math Club and Tutoring Service. She also serves the greater community by volunteering her time to Meals on Wheels, Migrant Farm Workers, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and a medical mission in Mexico.
NASSP, the preeminent school leadership organization, serves as the national voice for middle and high school principals, assistant principals and aspiring school leaders. NASSP promotes the intellectual growth, academic achievement, character and leadership development and physical well being of youth through its programs and student leadership services. NASSP administers the National Honor Society, the National Junior Honor Society and the National Association of Students Councils.
Santa Catalina School is dedicated to the education of young people between the ages of 5-18 by giving careful consideration to the individual abilities and potential of each child. The school's mission is to balance intellectual growth with spiritual awareness, creativity with order, and individuality with compassion. Santa Catalina School is enriched by the diversity of socioeconomic, religious, geographic, and cultural backgrounds represented by students and faculty. Students come from not only the Central Coast, but travel from cities as far away as Gilroy, King City, Santa Cruz, San Jose and Santa Clara, to name few.
About Santa Catalina School
Santa Catalina School is dedicated to the education of young people between the ages of 4-18, giving careful consideration to the individual abilities and potential of each child. The school’s mission is to balance intellectual growth with spiritual awareness, creativity with order, and individuality with compassion. Santa Catalina School is enriched by the diversity of socioeconomic, religious, geographic, and cultural backgrounds represented by students and faculty. The Upper School includes boarding students from 14 states and 9 countries. Local students come from not only the Central Coast, but also from cities as far away as Gilroy, King City, Santa Cruz, San Jose and Santa Clara. For more information visit www.santacatalina.org or call 831.655.9300.