This year is the inaugural year of Minarets Go!, a program designed to create well rounded students that “live the Minarets motto” according to Claudia vanDenBergh, head counselor at Minarets. Though in its infancy, administration has high hopes for the success of this program. Goals of this program include creating a well rounded student and impressive college applications and résumés.
All students, from 9th grade to 12th grade, are eligible to participate in this program. Throughout their high school career, students are pushed to go above and beyond. In order to qualify for an award upon completion of the twelfth grade, students must meet the following criteria: completion of one career pathway, a cumulative 3.4 GPA, 40 hours of community service per year, awarded Minarets Exemplar at least once, display professional growth, serve in a leadership position for at least two years, and have at least two nominations for the Best of the Best Awards. These requirements are complementary. When a student completes one, he or she is also in the process of or has completed another.
If a student believes that he or she has met all of the aforementioned criteria, they are encouraged to apply for an award given at graduation. A Google form will be sent out towards the end of the second semester of senior year.
Dr. Ching, vanDenBergh, and all of administration urge current and future students to participate in this program. There can only be positive effects when done. The student, the school, and families will reap the benefits of the students who apply themselves.