WASHINGTON – Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) selected Bailee Shenold and Tyler Graham of New Boston High School, Alex Saltz and Samantha Thompson of Maud High School, and Joshua Sciara and Jordan Makenzy Cook of Hooks High School to receive the 2017 “Rising Lone Star” award this month.
The “Rising Lone Star” award recognizes extraordinary acts of self-sacrifice or community service demonstrated by high school students in Texas’ 4th District. The recipients are nominated by their principals, administrators or counselors.
From New Boston High School, Shenold was nominated for her service in the TAPP Children’s program, in which she mentored and served as a positive role model for children every day after school. Graham, also of New Boston High School, was nominated for his leadership and engagement with fellow students on his campus and for his marked efforts to include students with special needs.
From Maud High School, Saltz was nominated for consistently standing out as a generous team player and for always being willing to lend a helping hand to any of his peers. Thompson, also from Maud High School, was nominated for the impeccable honesty and high moral character she demonstrated in her relationships with her fellow students and teachers, as well as for going out of her way to make all her peers feel included and welcome.
From Hooks High School, Sciara was nominated for going above and beyond the standard community service requirements at his school. In addition to actively participating in his church’s community service efforts, the National Honor Society and Student Council, he also served as a tutor to students with ADHD.
Cook, also from Hooks High School, was nominated for her leadership in the role of cheer captain during her junior and senior years and for her numerous volunteer hours in the Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE) program. Jordan also maintains a 3.97 GPA and is first in her class.
“I’m certainly humbled to represent such inspiring young people throughout Texas’ 4th District who’ve gone to such great lengths to make a real difference in their schools and communities. The ‘Rising Lone Star’ award presents an excellent opportunity to showcase their inspiring stories,” Ratcliffe said.
“I’d like to congratulate Bailee, Tyler, Alex, Joshua, Jordan, and Samantha for being selected as recipients for this school year and encourage them to keep working hard to positively impact others well after they graduate.”
