By Maeve Rice
At McNick, many programs are offered to help students grow, and one of those programs is St. Joseph Scholars.
The St. Joseph Scholars program was developed in 2018, started by math teacher Mr. Dan Rosenbaum, who was at the time Director of Curriculum. The program was created for students who are currently enrolled in rigorous classes and want to continue striving towards excellence in academics. It allows for students to be “recognized for going above and beyond in terms of academics,” said program moderator and English teacher, Mrs. Julie Dill.
As the years have passed, the program has continued evolving. Early in the program, invitations were based on students’ high school placement test scores. Now, the requirements to being invited into the program are through an application process and students maintaining “a 92.5 weighted average GPA and who take at least 3 honors or AP classes.” Dill also said freshmen are mainly invited, and sophomores can join if they have shown academic growth by taking more rigorous classes, “but after sophomore year you pretty much have to be in by that time.”
Dill said her favorite part of leading the program is the students. “The kids are really awesome. They are very conscientious, kind, and dependable.” Sophomore Louie Canisalez said, “Mrs. Dill is definitely great and really knows her stuff. She is preparing us for college very well and giving us great opportunities.”
Scholars also get the opportunity to take part in field trips and service opportunities; this year students went to the zoo as their field trip. Every year juniors go to St. Vincent de Paul to help sort through donations and dedicate their time to helping the community. Seniors make presentations to show off their time in the program and the legacy they are leaving.
Sophomore Preston Griener said, “My favorite memory of being a St. Joseph Scholar was our trip to the zoo. I learned a lot about biology and animals and had fun being out of school with friends.”
Senior Gracie Mastruserio said, “Annemarie [Wolfer] and I presented together. She has been such a wonderful person in my life. It was rewarding to share our experiences that have meant so much to us with St. Joseph Scholars.”
The McNicholas Milestone 