Downingtown, PA, — Samantha DiMarcello from the Center for Arts & Technology Pickering Campus and Rebecca Livingston from the Child and Career Development Center have been named 2009 Keystone Shining Star Award recipients by the Keystone Federal Credit Union (FCU).
Now in its second year, the Keystone Shining Star Award program recognizes students who have shown improvement in academic performance, extra-curricular involvement and attendance. Students are nominated for the award by teachers who have noticed the improvement in those areas.
One such student is Samantha DiMarcello, a student at the Center for Arts and Technology Pickering Campus (CAT Pickering). DiMarcello, who is enrolled in the school’s computer information systems program, is the high school winner for the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU). She was nominated by her teacher Rachel Knipe.
“Among all of the students I have, Samantha stands out as being one of the hardest workers,” said Knipes. “She will give 110% in everything she does. She really goes above and beyond and is very compliant of anything we ask of her.”
According to DiMarcello, teachers like Knipe make the progression towards betterment easy.
“Ms. Knipe is my favorite teacher,” she said. “I work especially hard in her class because of how great she is to me.
“I have been trying very, very hard to improve myself so this award means a lot because it shows that people are actually noticing how hard I have been working.”
Indeed, DiMarcello’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. “Samantha has improved herself across the board: academically, socially, and with her involvement in extra-curricular activities,” said Knipe. “She values herself and has come to realize just how great of a person she really is.”
Keystone FCU’s Director of Marketing Michelle Merkley presented the award to DiMarcello during a ceremony on May 7, complete with support from teachers, administration, and fellow classmates as well as a celebratory cake baked by students in the school’s culinary arts program.
The second CCIU student making a noticeable improvement is Rebecca Livingston. Livingston is the middle school level award winner for the CCIU and was nominated by her teacher at the Child Development Center, Jason Knecht.
According to Knecht, Livingston’s progress is clearly identifiable.
“Based on where she began with us, she has shown more progress than anyone else in the criteria mentioned for the award,” said Knecht.
Livingston did not expect the award, but appreciates it. “This is a really big surprise for me,” said Livingston. “I have been trying very hard and will keep trying as much as I can.”
“She struggled when she started here with us. Then, at the beginning of the year, it seemed as if something just clicked,” said Knecht. “She began taking pride in what she did, became a great leader in the classroom, and exhibited remarkable all-around improvement.”
Keystone FCU’s Michelle Merkley presented the award to Livingston during the Child and Career Development Center fourth marking period awards assembly on May 29.
According to Merkley, the award began as a goal of former Keystone FCU President and CEO Judith Supplee. “She (Supplee) knew that ‘A’ students receive the recognition for their academic efforts,” said Merkley. “However, she found it important to recognize the efforts of those who may not be the ‘A’ students, but are still putting forth exceptional effort to improve themselves.”
Winning students receive a $200 share certificate of deposit and a trophy from Keystone FCU, teachers of winning students receive a $200 gift card to Staples for classroom supplies, and all nominated students receive a certificate of achievement.
About Keystone Federal Credit Union:
Keystone Federal Credit Union, formerly Chester County School Employees Credit Union, has been the “Educators’ Credit Union” since 1939. As a financial institution, we strive to offer only the best service to the educators and students of Chester County.
Keystone FCU is proud to provide as much financial literacy and educational support as it can for the educators and students of Chester County and is proud to offer the “Shining Star” award program in the school districts of Chester County.
About the Center for Arts and Technology, Pickering Campus:
The Center for Arts and Technology, Pickering Campus is a public, comprehensive occupational education high school for students from the Great Valley, Phoenixville, Owen J. Roberts, and Tredyffrin/Easttown School Districts. The Center for Arts & Technology specializes in providing high school students with the technical training and academic preparation to be successful in work, in college, and in life. For more information, please call the school's main office at 610-933-8877.
About the Child and Career Development Center:
The Child and Career Development Center is a comprehensive school that serves students aged five to 21 years old with disabilities. It is jointly owned by the 12 school districts of Chester County and operated on their behalf by the Chester County Intermediate Unit. The CDC offers a full array of programs to meet the needs of students with severe disabilities including: autism support, learning support, emotional support, mentally challenged, and multiple and physically challenged. For more information, please call the school's main office at 610-383-7400.
