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WINDSOR

Anjali Patel, a Windsor High School senior who was recently featured in The Tidewater News and Windsor Weekly for her research on Parkinson’s Disease, has received a scholarship from the Col. William Allen Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. This was announced at the May Isle of Wight School Board meeting during the Isle of Wight Achievers presentation.

Additional achievers from the central and southern end of the county recognized this month were several Beta Club and Junior Beta Club Students who placed at the state Beta Convention in Hampton. From Windsor Elementary, award-winning junior Betas were Tyler Lowe – first place, mathematics; Ryan Stephens – first place, social studies; Lilleon Parrish – first place, poetry; Kaylee Bland – second place, color photo; Ryan Stephens – third place, black and white photo; Aaron Post, Ally Martins, Brianna Worth and Kevin Esquivel – third place, Quiz Bowl; Ariel Hawkins, Hayden Ludwick, Mari Lewis and Tiffany Carr – third place, advertising design; Maddie Zephir – third place, Spotlight; Gabby Meier, Abbey Deily, Jocelyn Hill and Mary Elliott – third place, dance; and Judith Post – sponsor.

From Georgie D. Tyler Middle School, award-winning junior Betas were Madison Lowe, third place – poetry; Kenneth Branch – third place, social studies; Kelsie Hove, Mackenzie Powers, Cori Walters and Kaitlyn Dube – second place, advertising design; and John Post – first place, special talent.

From Windsor High School, award-winning Betas were Ashtyn Kiser – first place, sculpture, Anthony Mendiola – first place, DII language arts; and Madison Pulley – third place, acrylic painting.

Additionally, two Georgie D. Tyler Middle School students, sixth grader Paige Cooper and seventh grader Dalton Hagood, won patriotic essay contests.

Cooper won the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest at the post level. The essay encourages young people to examine America’s history along with their own experiences in modern American society and then draft a 300- to 400-word essay on the theme of “America’s gift to my generation.” Cooper received a monetary award and will advance to the regional level competition.

Hagood won the American Legion Essay Contest for Post 49, open to all middle school students. Students had to write an essay on “I like living in America because…” while sitting at their desks in school, not at home. Hagood also won a monetary award and will advance to the district level.

Windsor High School also recognized two seniors of the month – one for April and one for May. The April senior of the month was Luke Denoncourt and the May senior is Karissa Wallenbeck.

According to Lynn Briggs, spokeswoman for Isle of Wight County Schools, Luke is the very definition of a Renaissance man. Teachers at WHS can readily tell you about his extracurricular involvement with the House of Delegates Page Program, his remarkable academic abilities and the many activities he participates in throughout the school. Luke is currently helping to lead the varsity boys soccer team as they compete for top spots in the district and region.

“Luke is one of Windsor’s brightest students,” said Matt Burgess, history teacher. “Every teacher that has taught him is proud to have been a part of this young man’s education.”

Luke plans to attend college after graduating from WHS but has not made a final decision on where he will be going.

Of Wallenbeck, Briggs said Karissa is a go-getter. She is intent on doing her very best at whatever she attempts. Her outgoing personality makes her a natural leader. Karissa is the goalie on the soccer team. Her dogged approach to guarding the goal is like everything she does: intentional and excellent. Karissa Wallenbeck possesses all the qualities of an excellent, responsible and caring leader and currently serves as the senior class president. She is always eager and happy to help when needed.

“In the classroom, Karissa strives to completely understand the advanced topics presented and is eager and willing to peer tutor other classmates who are struggling,” said Molly Nelms, math teacher.

Karissa plans to attend nursing school at Sentara Health Sciences after graduating from WHS.