Winter 2009 - K-Space Web Page - Central Catholic High School

Students Take Part in
Washington D.C.
LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Two Central Catholic sophomores are among outstanding high school students from across
the United States who took part in a unique leadership development conference in
Washington D.C. Anna Barchick-Suter and Courtney Rygalski attended the National Young
Leaders Conference from November 4 through 9.
During the program, which took place immediately following the presidential election,
students had the opportunity to interact with people who operate within the three branches
of government as well as the news media and the international community.
Anna and Courtney were recommended for the conference last spring by their freshman
English teacher, Nancy Mihalik, for their leadership skills in the classroom and their academic
achievements. Both students are ranked in the top fi ve percent of their class, are pursuing
honors college-prep diplomas, and participate in student government.
The conference, which is sponsored by the Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC),
helps prepare students to serve our country well – as elected offi cials, community members, or
members of the work force. The program includes remarks from current or former
Congressmen, interaction with the Washington press corps, and meetings with senators and
representatives to discuss important national issues.
Anna and Courtney participated in several leadership skill-building activities and
simulations at the conference, including a role-playing activity called “If I Were President”
in which students act as the President and Cabinet members responding to an international
crisis. In “Testing the Constitution,” they examine actual Supreme Court cases, and in the
“Model Congress” they assume roles of U.S. Representatives and debate, amend, and vote on
proposed mock legislation.
“I was a little nervous about this experience, but it turned out to be fun and very educational,”
said Anna. “I learned more about our government and how it works and how to step outside
of my comfort zone. I liked the Testing the Constitution
activity because we took a real case and acted out what had
happened, and I played the role of an attorney. I could
actually see myself being an attorney in the future, and I had
never considered that before. The experience really opened
doors and gave me new options to consider when it comes to
choosing my career.”
“I got to know a lot of new people through this experience,”
said Courtney. “It made me realize how important
government decisions are and how much impact they can
have, how many options our government leaders have and
how diffi cult it is to choose the best option. I liked the
Model Congress because
I was in a group that had
to convince a committee
to accept an amendment
and I had to do a lot of
research and speak in front
of a group. It all gave me
a better understanding of
leadership.”
Courtney Rygalski
Anna Barchick-Suter
www.centralcatholic.org
Central Catholic
Students Are
National Merit
Semifi nalists
Central Catholic seniors Aaron DeLong
and Chris Valentic have been named
National Merit Scholar semifi nalists. They
are among only 16,000 nationwide to achieve
this distinction out of more than 1.5 million
students who entered the competition.
Students entered the competition by taking
the 2007 Preliminary SAT/National Merit
Scholarship Qualifying Test. Representing
less than one percent of each state’s high
school seniors, Semifi nalists are the highest
scoring program entrants in each state, and
they are the only participants who have an
opportunity to continue in the
competition for the 8,200 Merit Scholarship
awards, worth $35 million, that will be
offered next spring.
About 90% of the Semifi nalists are
expected to attain Finalist standing, and
approximately half of the Finalists will win
Merit Scholarship awards and be honored as
Merit Scholar designees.
In addition, CCHS seniors Steven Billmaier,
Samantha Filar, Samantha Lortz, and
Amanda Ranazzi have been named
Commended Students in the 2009 National
Merit Scholarship Program.
About 34,000 Commended Students
throughout the nation are being recognized
for their exceptional academic promise.
Although they will not continue in the 2009
competition for National Merit
Scholarships, Commended Students placed
among the top fi ve percent of more than
1.5 million students who entered the 2009
competition.
CCHS Stadium
Blanket Sale
The Central Catholic senior class council is
selling Irish blankets for $40 cash or check
or $45 Visa or MasterCard. The blankets
measure 48” x 68” and are machine
washable, triple layer woven cotton. Visit
the CCHS web site at www.centralcatholic.
org under Parents/News to download an
order form, or call the school at
419-255-2280 to order a blanket.