Minuteman High School Names Students of the Term for Term Three

PHOTO CAPTION: Left to right - sophomore Jason Kim of Belmont, freshman Maya Waddington of Boxborough, Minuteman Principal Jack Dillon, junior Noa Geva of Lexington and senior Austin Cormier of Waltham. Photo by Brian Tildsley.

By Judy Bass

LEXINGTON - Minuteman High School has selected four outstanding students as Students of the Term for Term Three of the current school year.

This honor is awarded every term to one student from each grade level based upon nominations from teachers. The criteria include but are not limited to academic achievement and good citizenship, according to Assistant Principal Brian Tildsley.

The students chosen are freshman Maya Waddington of Boxborough, sophomore Jason Kim of Belmont, junior Noa Geva of Lexington and senior Austin Cormier of Waltham. All four were given certificates in recognition of this achievement, had their photos taken and were treated to lunch with Minuteman Principal Jack Dillon in the school’s student-run restaurant, The Fife & Drum, on May 10, 2018.

Freshman Maya Waddington was nominated for Student of the Term by her Biotechnology teachers Pat Rafter and Mark Jurman. “She always has a smile to share and is a very likable person,” wrote Mr. Rafter. Both he and Mr. Jurman commented that Maya is an active participant in class and shows great interest in the subject. Her favorite academic subject is history. Maya’s extra-curriculars include ice skating and swimming. She hopes to attend college and earn a master’s degree or higher.

Sophomore Jason Kim was described as “a model student in every way” by his Spanish teacher, Sheila Nagle, in her essay nominating him for Student of the Term. Ms. Nagle also pointed out that “Jason takes all honors courses and has never gotten any grade below an A.” He is majoring in Environmental Science and his favorite academic subject is history. Jason’s hobbies include horticulture, menagerie keeping, and fossil and mineral collecting. He hopes to go to college “to study an interesting and developing field that is related to my areas of interest.” Jason expressed his gratitude to his mother for homeschooling him for three years.

Junior Noa Geva was nominated by her history teacher, Chris Danielson. He wrote, “She is a true pleasure to have in class and a diligent worker. Noa is always on task, engaged and has excellent attendance.” Her hobbies include gardening and baking. She plans a career as a baker and wants to attend Johnson & Wales University to study baking and pastry arts.

Senior Austin Cormier, who is majoring in Engineering, was nominated by his counselor, Mary Bruno. In her essay about him, Ms. Bruno wrote, “He is a great kid and graduating this year as one of Minuteman’s finest.” Austin has dealt with significant adversity in his life, yet he has never let personal challenges diminish his commitment to his education. His favorite academic subject is algebra. Austin has been accepted to the UMass Dartmouth to major in mechanical engineering starting in September 2018.

Minuteman has distinguished itself by building a reputation for excellence. Its students consistently excel and have won numerous awards at state and national competitions. Minuteman challenges all students to revolutionize their high school expectations by aspiring to their full potential, accelerating their learning, and achieving success in the 21st-century global economy.