The Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted (OATAG) is pleased to recognize Callista West as the recipient of the 2010-11 NAGC-Nicholas Green Outstanding Student Award. Callista, an academically Talented and Gifted (TAG) student at Cascade Middle School in Bend, Oregon, received this award due largely to her attitude of selfless, compassionate service to peers, teachers, family, and community. Presentation of the award will be at the OATAG Annual Conference at Reed College on October 22, 2011.
This award is named for Nicholas Green, who was killed at the age of seven by highway robbers while vacationing with his parents in Italy. In honor of their son, the Green’s established a fund to honor the achievements of outstanding young students.
Callista West is one of those students. According to her Highland Elementary 5th grade teacher Cami Green, in the classroom, “Callista could assess the situation and be proactive in providing support in whatever form that might look like.” Her leadership ability was also noted by her Girl Scout Leader, Sharon McCarthy, who said, “She leads by example and is always thoughtful in her actions and demeanor.”
Callista’s concern for others combines with an aptitude for academics as well as leadership. Callista’s volunteer efforts included service to her school at fundraisers, letter writing, advertising school events, packing backpacks for hungry kids, and leadership in The Sparrow Club. In addition she received the Girl Scout Junior Bronze Award for her service to The Humane Society of Central Oregon.
The Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted (www.OATAG.org) salutes Callista West for her outstanding achievements in her school by demonstrating those values most needed in today’s leaders: service and self-sacrifice. Callista’s work on behalf of school and community and her attitude of excellence have naturally recommended her for this recognition. As such, OATAG is pleased to award the 2010-11 NAGC-Nicholas Green Outstanding Student Award to Callista West.
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For more information, please contact the Oregon Association for Talented & Gifted: 206-309-7265 or email sprice@oatag.org