Scholarly middle school students at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Ellicott City competed with thousands vying for academic accolades this spring. Eighth-grader, Skylar
Johnson was named a Carson Scholar and received her medal from world renowned neurosurgeon, Dr. Benjamin Carson at the 17th Annual Maryland Awards Banquet April 7. OLPH sixth-grader, Andrew Sontag bested over 1,400 challengers by placing second in the country in the National Catholic Math League’s Pre-Algebra contest. Andrew placed first in the competitive Northeast Division.
“When I heard I won the Carson Scholarship, it
didn't really sink in at first.” said Skylar, “I was definitely happy and proud, but it didn't sink in until I got to the ceremony. When I applied, I didn't think that there was a very good chance of getting the award. The kids
on the website seemed like amazing people. They were doing so much for their community and were so smart; it seemed there was no way I had a chance. When I
got to the ceremony, I was surrounded by people who were intelligent, kind, and loving. As I looked around, I realized that I was one of them, part of a group that’s going to make a difference in the world. I feel really honored and am so grateful to the Carson family as well as the donors. They have opened up doors and inspired me. I am also very thankful to the Lord. He has blessed me
with a supportive family and school community that are always there for me. Never think that something is too far out of reach for you or that it is impossible. Carson Scholars must have a GPA of 3.75 and display humanitarian qualities through community service
Her very proud parents, Shelley and Robert Johnson, shared their gratitude by saying, “Skylar has an amazing and generous heart. Her actions often make even adults stop and realize how more compassionate we should be with others. We were very humbled that our daughter was chosen for this recognition. We hope she inspires others to not only work hard academically but also give to the
community.” Skylar also earned an Honorable Mention at the Baltimore Science Fair in March. She will attend St. Vincent Pallotti High School this fall.
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Throughout the year at OLPH, advanced middle school Math classes participated in the Catholic Math League Contests, a national online competition among elementary and middle school students. Sixth-grader, Andrew Sontag tied for Second Place nationally, of 1,414 participants. Andrew also won the First Place trophy in the competitive Northeast Division 4, among 116 students.
Andrew described his affinity for math by saying, “I’ve loved Math since I was little. I love it because there is only
one answer to a math problem - you either get it right or you get it wrong - there is no gray area or "in between". This achievement means so much to me. I was so excited to see the final ranking results!” Andrew’s proud
mother, Sue, added, “Every child is given gifts and talents and a love of Math is certainly one of Andrew’s. He has always had a drive to learn more. Andrew has been working hard learning Math, both in school and in the OLPH MathCounts after-school program and we are happy to see that his hard work has paid off. We are very, very proud of him.”
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Mr. Victor Pellechia, Principal at OLPH School was thrilled with the news, saying, "We are very proud of Skylar's and Andrew's accomplishments and of the academic achievements of all our students. Recognizing their talent on a national level is a testament to their hard work, the dedication of their teachers, and their parents' commitment to Catholic education at OLPH."