Last spring Mount Michael Activities Director Mr. Jason Mackeprang nominated three juniors for the Believers and Achievers award. This award was designed by U.S. Bank and the NSAA to give recognition to Nebraska’s future leaders. The winner of the award was Scott Lindgren. Requirements for the award was based on academic record, extracurricular activities, Civic involvement and outside honors, much like most scholarships. Scott was quite humbled that he won one of the 48 awards. He figured he probably wasn’t even the best candidate from our school, let alone matching the qualifications of other winners. The award means a lot to him. As a kid he would always go watch state basketball games, and at state basketball they would announce the winners of the awards. He thought it was almost unimaginable that he would be receiving the same award. Congratulation to Scott on the award that he received.

      Last spring Fr. Stephen nominated Alex McKnight for the KPTM-Runza student athlete of the week. This award is based on athletics as well as academics. Alex McKnight was surprise because "I do well in the classroom, but I never consider myself a good athlete." Alex was happy to receive the scholarship of $500 and to be recognizing for his hard work especially in the classroom.

      Last fall Brent Lockee took the PSAT and scored a 208. With that score he became a semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship. Brent now has to fill out applications for final consideration as a finalist. Brent is proud to be a part of this honored group. Some of the Mount’s most talented alumni have been National Merit Scholars, and now I can be listed with them, stated Lockee. It was an honor and it is nice to be recognized. It also means that there will be more scholarships available to me, which always helps.
         Also recognized for their great academic standing as National Merit Commended Scholars were Alex McKnight and Timothy Padgett.

Article & Photos by: Scott Ritzman