Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Northwestern has Two Silver Knight Winners

MUSIC

JARODA STRAPP

MIAMI NORTHWESTERN SENIOR HIGH

Inspired by her visually impaired mother, Jaroda created a program to bring together sighted and unsighted, young and old.

An active member of the Florida Council of the Blind, Jaroda struggled to find a way to relieve the isolation that can come with blindness and found her answer in music, creating a program that allows participants to interact through music. While volunteering countless hours, Jaroda also struggled to care for her mother, her 90-year-old grandmother, great aunt and autistic cousin, with whom she also lives.

She ranked second in her class of 475, has played in the marching band since ninth grade and last year was named the most outstanding junior band student. She was selected to participate in People to People, visiting Greece for her community service. She also performed for President Barack Obama.

SOCIAL SCIENCE

KY'EISHA WHITNEY PENN

MIAMI NORTHWESTERN SENIOR HIGH

Rather than be defeated by a personal hardship that included living in a shelter with a mother battling epilepsy, Ky'Eisha drew strength and became a founding member for a local chapter of the Harlem-based Zone Project.

The program creates a protective web for children in troubled areas, monitoring them from birth through college. As a member of the Zone's board, Ky'Eisha guides and inspires young children.

She received the Harvard book prize, is ranked in the top five percent of her class, completed summer enrichment courses at local universities and belongs to the National Honor Society. She also served as band captain and clarinet section leader and was president of her student government. She also performed for the president.

http://www.miamiherald.com/1210/story/1048107.html

Thursday, May 7, 2009