Sibley juniors named 2014 Scholars of Distinction

Sam Farber and Meital Gewirtz were recently named Minnesota Department of Education 2014 Scholars of Distinction. The Henry Sibley juniors were honored on Saturday, May 17 at the Perpich Center for Arts Education. Farber and Gewirtz are two of just 38 students from across the state to be recognized this year.

The Minnesota Scholars of Distinction Program recognizes the achievements of outstanding Minnesota high school students in the areas of leadership, mathematics, science, social studies, STEM and theater arts. To earn recognition, a student must complete required work in Minnesota’s academic standards, demonstrate mastery of complex subject matter, and apply their knowledge and skills on challenging projects.

Farber entered the Leadership category with his research project, “An Interfaith Dialogue between Jews and Lutherans, Using Authentic Leadership”.  Only one other student was recognized in the Leadership category this year.

“I chose to pursue interfaith leadership because I have been an active member of my synagogue as well as the Interfaith Youth Leadership Coalition,” Farber said. “I believe that interfaith understanding is critically important in our world.”

To earn the rating of Distinction in the area of Leadership, a panel of Reviewers evaluates the student’s project to determine the extent to which they were able to formulate a vision, motivate and inspire others to act, listen to others, identify and respond to a need, and demonstrate a pattern of acting in the interest of others. The student must also persevere through setbacks, encourage others and demonstrate long-term commitment to solving a difficult problem. 

Gewirtz entered the Applied Geography category with her research project, “Serving Those Who Have Served: A Report about Homeless Female Veterans”. Gewirtz was the only student recognized in the Applied Geography category.

"I did my project on homeless female veterans and ultimately wrote a research paper that looked at how we can use geography to solve problems," Gewirtz said. 
Gewirtz studied the demographics and geographic profile of homeless female veterans, then researched the issues they face and assessed the support programs available to veterans in their communities. 

"It was a huge honor to be recognized for this work," Gewritz said.

To achieve a rating of Distinction in Applied Geography, a panel of Reviewers evaluates the student’s project to determine the extent to which they demonstrated the skills necessary to identify, access, analyze and present complex geographic information. Further, students also had to define and use the vocabulary specific to geography; distinguish between factual evidence, speculation, and hypothesis; recognize the nature and importance of spatial relationships; and specify and evaluate alternatives to geographic issues based on available data.

Farber and Gewirtz were also recognized for their achievement at the June 2 School Board meeting.

Read the Minnesota Department of Education’s press release at, http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Welcome/News/PressRel/055486