Call it another first for Hancock senior Kelsey Young.
On Tuesday, the reigning Section 4 Class D girls cross country champion became the first Hancock High School female to earn a Fred Akshar All-Star Award in the three-year history of the State Senator’s program, which recognizes inspirational students from his 52nd District.
Akshar hand-delivered a certificate and T-shirt to Kelsey on Tuesday at the Hancock Middle/High School Auditorium, then joined his newest All-Star and her National Honor Society colleagues Roger Newman, Avery Ostrander and Michael Makowski Jr. for a presentation to the student body.
Nominated by Hancock PK-12 Principal Julie Bergman, Kelsey is what the Akshar All-Star Award is all about. In addition to consistently performing in the top five percent of her class academically, Kelsey is a standout athlete in three sports and involved in a plethora of other extra-curricular activities.
The National Honor Society Vice President has been elected as Class President in each of her four high school years and serves as President of Hancock’s Student Council and Spanish Club. Also the Yearbook Club Vice President, Kelsey is a key member of the district’s YES Leads program, recently starred in the Senior Play and has volunteered in the community the past four years.
In addition to her multiple state and league awards in cross country, basketball, and track and field, Kelsey has won two citizenship awards, is part of the high school’s academic team and is often seen helping younger students achieve their goals.
“Kesley is friendly, polite and very well-liked and respected by her peers and teachers,” Bergman wrote to Akshar. “Most importantly, she is a truly remarkable young woman with a rare willingness to be bold about what is right. … She is a true role model, providing friendship and leadership while demonstrating good decision-making, a positive attitude and a general love for her school community.”
Kelsey follows Hancock’s inaugural Akshar All-Star winner, Thomas Schoonmaker, and 2018-2019 recipient Owen Wormuth. Thomas received his award as a junior and went on to become the first Hancock student to earn a college degree while attending high school.
“(Kelsey) has undoubtedly brought a unique positivity to the classroom and community,” Akshar wrote to Hancock Superintendent Terry Dougherty. “At the end of the day, I want students across our community to know their hard work and achievements deserve to be recognized and celebrated.”
Visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HancockCSD/ for more photos from this special day!
Posted 11/20/19