Each spring, the NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals) in partnership with Herff Jones, Inc., announces the winners of its Principal's Leadership Award (PLA) national scholarship program. This prestigious award is given to graduating seniors from across the United States who, in addition to having outstanding academic records, demonstrate exemplary leadership skills, especially in co-curricular activities.
Last fall, BMHS principal Rosemary Libbon selected Brendon Villalobos as her nominee for the PLA scholarship. The choice, she explains, was an easy one. "Since freshman year, Brendon has always strived to do his very best. His words and deeds continually reflect his unwavering commitment to his faith, his school, and his community. He is a true example of Bishop Montgomery's motto to 'Speak Truth, Seek Justice, Serve with Honor.'" Those qualities, coupled with Brendon's "commitment to academic excellence" and "natural ability to lead," made him the ideal candidate for the scholarship.
Over 3,000 students in the Class of 2011 were nominated by their high schools' principals, and, last month, Brendon learned that he had been selected as one of 99 finalists in the program. For Libbon, that recognition was a tremendous achievement in itself. "Each year, I, along with principals from across the country, nominate the best of the best. Each and every one of those 3,000 seniors is amazing. For Brendon to be selected as a finalist-- one of only seven from the state of California-- is truly remarkable."
As a finalist, Brendon was awarded $1,000. He will attend Columbia University in the fall.
Last fall, BMHS principal Rosemary Libbon selected Brendon Villalobos as her nominee for the PLA scholarship. The choice, she explains, was an easy one. "Since freshman year, Brendon has always strived to do his very best. His words and deeds continually reflect his unwavering commitment to his faith, his school, and his community. He is a true example of Bishop Montgomery's motto to 'Speak Truth, Seek Justice, Serve with Honor.'" Those qualities, coupled with Brendon's "commitment to academic excellence" and "natural ability to lead," made him the ideal candidate for the scholarship.
Over 3,000 students in the Class of 2011 were nominated by their high schools' principals, and, last month, Brendon learned that he had been selected as one of 99 finalists in the program. For Libbon, that recognition was a tremendous achievement in itself. "Each year, I, along with principals from across the country, nominate the best of the best. Each and every one of those 3,000 seniors is amazing. For Brendon to be selected as a finalist-- one of only seven from the state of California-- is truly remarkable."
As a finalist, Brendon was awarded $1,000. He will attend Columbia University in the fall.