Name: Nora Sternlof
Age: 16
School: Saint Bernard
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Accomplishments: Sternlof, a junior from Saint Bernard School in Uncasville, was one 30 state students to earn the Governor's Scholar Award, presented by the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) and Big Y Supermarket.
All principals of CAS member high schools are given the opportunity to nominate one junior who ranks in the top 4 percent of his/her class. An essay on "The Value of Intellectual Curiosity" was completed as well.
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According to the CIAC website, members of the Governor's Scholars Committee, professional educators from throughout Connecticut, judge the completed applications and assign a composite score to each based on Rank in Class, PSAT or SAT scores, CAPT scores (for public schools only), and the student essay.
Sternlof, this week's Montville Patch "Whiz Kid" was one of 30 students with the highest scores to be selected as "Governor's Scholars."
Sternlof, who also recently earned entry to the National Honor Society, was thrilled with the recognition.
"It's a prestigious award," Sternlof said. "My essay topic centered around the difference between trying to get a good grade in a class to please your parents or get into a college compared to really caring about the class material and engaging yourself to what is interesting, which is the value of education in my mind."
The New London resident is also secretary of the junior class and a member of the girls' cross country and girls' basketball teams. A staunch defender and rebounding forward, Sternlof also plays AAU basketball for the Connecticut Cobras.
Key to her success:
"I try to work hard and take pride in whatever I do," said Sternlof, a regular qualifier for the Saint Bernard honor roll.
Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout, or helped your local soccer team take the championship?
Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to carrie.jacobson@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:
● Nominator's Name
● Nominator's e-mail
● Whiz Kid's Name
● Whiz Kid's Age
● Whiz Kid's School
● Whiz Kid's Accomplishment
● Whiz Kid's Key to Success
If your nominee is selected, we'll contact you and assign a photographer to take a photo. For questions, e-mail carrie.jacobson@patch.com.
