Three students at Paragon Science Academy were awarded their Congressional Award Silver Medals in October. Sena Hak, Sabiha Simrin, and Nadra Abdelrazek earned their awards after significant committments to community service, personal and physical improvement, and exploration.
The students were all part of the Sonoran Schools Mentorship Program, a unique program providing voluntary mentorship opportunities for students, centered around the Congressional Award, designed to help motivated students improve their skills, open their minds, and expand their horizons. The program's vision is to graduate students able to succeed at the highest levels and able to contribute meaningfully and purposefully to society, and they aim to provide academic and social opportunities to prepare high achievers for post-secondary education and to improve their leadership skills for the real world in a collaborative environment.
The SSMP program focuses on community service; academic challenge; career evaluation; personal development; healthy lifestyle; and adventure and discovery. But for the students who are a part of it, it's much more.
Sabiha described the club as "a very amazing club to participate in. We were given the opportunity to go out as a group to many places and I was able to enjoy many things. Having the support of both my friends and mentors help me achieve the Silver Medal. So far my favorite activity with my group has been the girls winter camp. We were able to hang out with other girls from different schools and bond. It was a fun experience! Although the silver medal was a long journey and a fun one, I’m aiming for the gold, and can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has to offer!"
Sena agreed. "I had an amazing time while participating in the Congressional Award Program and SSMP. With my friends and Ms. Kynsley, this club was so much fun! This club has helped me manage my time, improve my grades, and helped me focus on what I believe in. I was able to volunteer and give back to people in my community, as well as push myself to complete my goals. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this program!"
Nadra felt the same way, and offered up her gratitude. "In the years I’ve been privileged enough to be in SSMP there are many things I’ve been grateful for. To start off I’d like to thank my mentors for always encouraging me to work hard and being patient with me. I love SSMP because of the opportunities I get to volunteer and help others around me. In my opinion it is a chance for me to pay back my community, and make the world a better place. My goal is to continue to work hard and thrive in this organization!"
SSMP mentor Kynsley was thrilled that three of her students won such a prestigious award, and credits the program for motivating her students to excel. "In the years I’ve been privileged enough to be in SSMP there are many things I’ve been grateful for. To start off I’d like to thank my mentors for always encouraging me to work hard and being patient with me. I love SSMP because of the opportunities I get to volunteer and help others around me. In my opinion it is a chance for me to pay back my community, and make the world a better place. My goal is to continue to work hard and thrive in this organization!"
Learn more information about the US Congressional Award program at https://www.
Published on November 14, 2020 | Categories: Paragon
