I may not have mentioned it before but I have four younger sisters and each of them has two children. My wife’s brother has two sons so I have a total of ten nephews and nieces by blood and by marriage. I can’t tell you how proud I am of each and every one of these young people. They’re all beautiful, brilliant, and accomplished, and, best of all, of good character and blest with lovely dispositions. That gives me hope for the future.
Two of my nieces and one of my nephews are graduating from high school this year so I thought I’d take this opportunity to brag a little and show off some of the accomplishments of my wonderful nephews and nieces.
I love each and every one of them and I’m proud of them whether I’ve listed their accomplishments in this list or not.
My nephew, Dan, recently won a “Winona Idol†contest (a school-wide version of “American Idolâ€).
My nephew, Michael, and his band, Garrison G and the Power of 3, recently won a Battle of the Bands contest in Minneapolis. Here’s a link to the web site of the outfit that hosted the event. Maybe I’ll post some of their music in a later post.
My nephew, Neal, was honored at the graduation exercises of his college. He received the freshman chemistry award. He’s been working as a TA for freshman chemistry. Pretty good for a freshman, if you ask me.
My niece, Marie, has had an outstanding high school career and I know she’ll have a great time in college next year. She:
Graduated with Gold K honors all four years (dean’s list)
Graduated in the top 10% of her class
Lettered in cross country
Is a member of the National Honor Society
Granted an exceptional rating at the state music educator’s conference (four years)
Will be running cross country next year at Illinois Wesleyan
Named the “Most Dedicated Band Memberâ€
Is the recipient of an alumni scholarship from her new college
Was admitted to the pre-medical professional advisory program (only about 100 incoming freshman)
My niece, Claire, has had a distinguished high school career. Here are the awards and honors she’s received:
Scholarships
Quill and Scroll Foundation Edward J. Nell Memorial Scholarship in Journalism scholarship
National Scholastic Press Association Wikoff Scholarship
Iowa Newspaper Foundation Scholarship
Johnston Dollars for Scholars L.W. and Shirley Simpson Scholarship
Journalism Awards
National Scholastic Press Association Journalism Honor Roll
Quill and Scroll National Winner in Review Columns – “McCartney continues to connect”
2006 Iowa Press Women High School Journalism Contest Second Place – Reviews- “McCartney continues to connect”
2006 Iowa Press Women High School Journalism Contest Third Place – News Story – “Class intrigues science students”
2006 Iowa Press Women High School Journalism Contest Honorable Mention -Feature story – “Teachers bring new life”
Iowa High School Press Association Spring Newspaper Contest 2006 Honorable Mention for Features – “Teachers bring new life”
Iowa High School Press Association Spring Newspaper Contest 2004 Second
Place for Features – “The spill on caffiene”
Choir Awards and Honors
Selected to Iowa All-State Chorus (second time)
Received a Superior (I) rating for solo (perfect score)
Received a Superior (I) rating for duet (perfect score)
Iowa Choral Directors Association Outstanding Leadership senior award
National Association of Teachers of Singing semifinalist
Innovation soloist (varsity show choir)
Academic Awards and Honors
National Honor Society officer – Vice President of Projects
Selected to National Council on Youth Leadership
4-year Academic Letterer and Honor Roll
Top 3% of class
Selected to Junior/Senior Board
Other merit honors
2005 Green Days Princess
