MOUNT CARMEL - The November School Board Merit Award winners were announced and recognized at the November Mount Carmel Area School Board meeting.
At the high school level, senior Coral Swank, a daughter of Maria Troutman, of Natalie. Swank was nominated by English teacher Shanna Haden, who said, "Coral is a positive learning role model, precipitates a love of learning and shows the value of volunteerism."
Swank is an honor student who challenges herself with a full schedule of difficult classes including AP and LCCC classes. Even with her full schedule, she still manages to find time to give back to the community.
She is vice president of the Interact Club and helps out with yearbook and haunted high. After high school, she plans to attend a four-year college to major in genetic engineering.
The elementary award winner is third-grade student, Garrett McGee, a son of Mr. and Mrs. John McGee, Wilburton.
Garret was nominated by Katie Beck and Amanda Stepenaski, not only for his excellence in academic performance but for his perseverance, dedication and effort.
Beck commented, "Garret consistently makes good choices and demonstrates respect by using manners, following classroom rules and helping adults and classmates in any way that he can."
McGee's hobbies include playing guitar, fishing, camping, boating and collecting coins and foreign currency. He loves to learn about animals and science, and is extremely interested in the sinking of the Titanic.
He is a member of the Zion United Methodist Church in Aristes, where he regularly participates in church activities.