Potential Magazine Summer 2017 | Page 36

Middle School Students Recognized in Visual Arts Achievement Program (L-R) Kyle Shirley, Board President, Hannah Patton, Hannah Minney, Jess Butrica, Louise M. Smith Center Executive Director and John Allsup, board member. Trinity Middle School art students made an impressive showing in the Visual Arts Achievement Program. Bentley Moore won 2nd place in the Middle School Painting division and Francie Weissand placed 3rd in the Middle School Mixed Media division. Prattville Christian Academy’s Design Thinking Curriculum Makes Community Impact The Visual Arts Achievement Program provides local and state recognition for student achievement in the visual arts. The program is designed to offer encouragement to young artists, showcase their work and offer opportunities for advanced training beyond high school. As an Arts in Education Program, it awards students in grades 6 through 12 who are participating in arts programs within their academic institutions. LAMP Students named U.S. Presidential Scholars Candidates Three LAMP students have been named as U.S. Presidential Scholars Program candidates. Hilina Woldemichael, Micheal Head and Joshua Breckenridge are among just 4,000 high school seniors (from nearly 3.5 million nationwide) selected for this program. In April, the 800 semifinalists will be chosen before the final decision, narrowing the number to about 160. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. L12 | Summer 2017 Prattville Christian Academy seniors Hannah Minney and Hannah Patton just completed a nearly year-long project to renovate the Louise M. Smith Developmental Center’s outdated conference room. As a result of their hard work, both were awarded the President’s Award earlier this month at the Louise M. Smith Developmental Center’s Annual Board Membership meeting. “We couldn’t have asked for two more perfect young ladies for this project! From the very start they had a vision for the room and they remained enthusiastic about bringing that vision to life,” said Jess Butrica, Louise M. Smith Center executive director. “What they really grasped was when I first mentioned I wanted the room to feel welcoming, like you were at home. It was very important to me that this training room have photos of members of the Smith Center, and artwork that they put their time and efforts into. Both have bright futures ahead and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of their project.” Mark Segrest Named Edgewood Softball Coach Edgewood Academy officially hired Mark Segrest for the position of softball coach. Segrest, a Tallassee native, had already committed to assisting the Lady Wildcats the following year, but plans were accelerated when the position was left open mid-season. Segrest has coached for several years, leading his daughter’s Dixie Youth and travel ball team to the World Championship twice. At Tallassee, Segrest won three state titles and an additional two as assistant coach. Segrest hopes to help bring the same success for the Lady Wildcats, saying ,”It’s a good group of girls, and I’m looking forward to the future.” www.potentialmagazine.com