On Friday, June 9, students and staff at St. Mary’s Academy were surprised by an in-person visit by KATU anchorwoman Deb Knapp, who announced that the school had won the designation of KATU Super School of the Year. As the KATU Super School of the Month in December, the nationally recognized all-girls’ high school bested seven other local KATU Schools of the Month for the honor and won a $1,000 scholarship.
Highlighting her experience with St. Mary’s community service projects, junior Katie Gunderson nominated the school early in the school year and won the December honor, and ultimate yearly award, with her submission. “I applaud KATU’s program to highlight strong schools and successful educators,” says St. Mary's Academy Principal Pat Barr. “I am very proud of the open and gracious hearts of our students, and I appreciate KATU’s willingness to honor our girls’ commitment to service.”
This is the second year that KATU and Oregon College Savings Plan, in conjunction with OppenheimerFunds, has awarded the “Super School” designations. Each year, students from around Oregon and SW Washington can nominate their school and each month, during the school year, the channel picks one school to profile from the nominations received. Students have to fill out a lengthy nomination form found on the KATU website that includes questions about activities that make school special, school spirit, and school awards. To view the award presentations, visit: http://www.katu2.com/super_schools/index.cfm
Founded in 1859 by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, St. Mary’s Academy of Portland, is Oregon’s oldest continuously operating secondary school and one of 716 all-female schools in the country. The student body represents a diverse background of young women from over 30 urban, suburban, and rural communities in Oregon and Southwest Washington. St. Mary’s Academy is distinguished by its development of the whole person, and is the only school in the state to receive three U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools awards.
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