The Westminster Schools

Junior High School

Description of Awards Presented at Junior High Celebration (formerly Junior High Honors Day)

Summa Cum Laude

“With highest honors.” Students in grades six, seven, and eight, who earn a calculated GPA of 95
and above, with no grade below 90, will earn the designation of summa cum laude. The
calculated GPA is determined by mean average of the first semester midterm, first semester final,
and second semester midterm. [Beginning in 2010-11, the Junior High discontinued the
designation of a solitary “valedictorian” for each grade and gender (6th boy, 6th girl, etc.).]

The Goizueta Foundation Modern and Classical Languages Awards

The winners of this award are not only outstanding foreign language students, but they have also
reached beyond the classroom to broaden their individual perspectives and make their own
contributions to international understanding. Through their initiative and leadership, they have
demonstrated that knowledge of other cultures provides a valuable reference point for
appreciating and expanding one’s own life, while also finding meaning and purpose in the larger
world.
French: Mademoiselle Groleau Award. In 1992, the NAPS Class of 1944
established an award to honor their beloved and legendary French teacher,
Mademoiselle Groleau. This award recognizes a French student in the
seventh or eighth grade who has demonstrated a particular talent and love
for the French language and culture.
Latin: The Goizueta Foundation Modern and Classical Languages Award
Spanish: The Lazaro Herrera Award

Steve H. and Reba M. Bomar Award

In 2003 we were grateful to have the first opportunity to present a new award to a seventh
grader. The Steve H. and Reba M. Bomar Award is given by former Westminster parents, Lynda
and Randy Tye, and their children: John class of ’91, Steve class of ‘93, and Anna class of ‘99.
This award is given in memory of Mrs. Tye’s parents, Steve H. and Reba M. Bomar, both of
whom exemplified a strong sense of commitment to helping others, a positive work ethic, and
the ability to generally make a better place for those around them.

The Bomar Award is given to a seventh grader who has demonstrated throughout all areas of
school life, integrity, a strong character, a willingness to work harder, and a predisposition to
excel in ways that make Westminster a better place.
William A. Parker, Sr. Student Improvement Award
The William A. Parker, Sr. Student Improvement Awards were established to recognize annually
a seventh grade student and an eighth grade student who demonstrate outstanding improvement
in academics, superb personal growth in both personality and character, and strong involvement
and participation in extracurricular activities such as community service, athletics, fine arts, and
general interaction with fellow students. Students are selected by a committee that carefully
considers the students’ exceptional growth and improvement in these areas during the academic
year.

Steven W. Surbaugh Award

The Steven W. Surbaugh Award was established in 2010 in memory of one of Westminster’s
loyal friends. Steve was a successful businessman, community volunteer, devoted husband,
proud father of Westminster graduates, Kelsey and Stephanie, and a good friend and counselor to
all who knew him. Steve had a big heart, a joyful nature and exemplified high morals, ethics and
character. This award is given to an outstanding eighth grade girl who has attended Westminster
for at least 2 full years and who is recognized by her peers and the Junior High Faculty as a
leader, a good citizen with strong character, ethics and integrity and as one who has
demonstrated high achievement in math and science. It is the Surbaugh Family’s hope that this
recognition will encourage young women--and especially the recipient--to pursue a course of
study in science and math.

Citizenship Awards (6th Boy, 6th Girl, 7th Boy, 7th Girl)
A citizenship award will be given to a 6th grade girl and boy, a 7th grade girl and boy, an 8th grade
girl (The Carol Gregory Griffin Award) and an 8th grade boy (the James K. Izlar Award).
Student and faculty nominations are collected. The faculty select the recipients. The criteria for
being nominated for the award should include--
• Loyalty to school: school spirit
• Willingness to help others
• Cooperative spirit
• Strong effort in extra-curricular activities
• Ability to meet commitments
• Good conduct record--no major detentions or honor violations
• Respect for authority
• Friendliness
• Distinction as one who would best represent the class

Carol Gregory Griffin Award

Each year the Westminster faculty carefully selects an 8th-grade girl who has been recommended
by her peers and teachers to receive the Citizenship Award given in memory of Carol Gregory
Griffin. In 1983 Carol’s family and friends established this award in her memory after she waged
a long battle against cancer. A Westminster graduate of the class of 1957, Carol was a teacher in
pre-1st and her daughter Carolyn was a graduate of the class of 1981. What particularly
distinguished Carol was her strong belief that what she did outside the classroom was as
important as what she did in the classroom. Carol celebrated life, lived her faith, and led by
example. Described as loving, graceful, courageous and kind, Carol was unfailingly positive and
giving.

James K. “Jimbo” Izlar Memorial Award

James K. “Jimbo” Izlar, Westminster class of 1977, was an excellent student, class leader and
outstanding athlete here at Westminster. Each year, the Junior High faculty selects the most
outstanding rising 9th Grade boy based on a variety of criteria that celebrate and commemorate
many of Jimbo’s personal qualities.

This award is given to the outstanding 8th Grade boy who has attended Westminster for at least
two years and has demonstrated:
1) love and thoughtfulness for the needs of others as evidenced by a commitment to service
2) leadership by example of high moral character
3) courage as evidenced by a strong spirit of competition and strength in the face of
adversity
4) major extracurricular involvement, including athletic participation and leadership
5) strong academic curiosity matched by a high ranking in the class
6) a sense of appreciation and enthusiasm for life, family, and friends

Ellen E. Fleming Award

In the spring of 2004, at Ellen Fleming’s retirement from Westminster, the Parents Association
of the Westminster Schools created an award to be given each year at Junior High Honors Day.
The Ellen E. Fleming Award commemorates the spirit of belief in education’s impact on Junior
High children and remembers the life-changing inspiration and encouragement that Ellen
Fleming has passed on to the students in her care. Whether it is opening the mind to academic
learning or strengthening character through virtue, Ellen Fleming feels that students are changed
by their journey through the Westminster Junior High. She recognizes that to emerge and grow,
some students need time and opportunity and the full benefit of teachers, programs, and the
spiritual edification of others. As a torchbearer of Westminster’s mission, Miss Fleming believed
in each and every child and assisted students in learning to find their way. She will always
remain a Westminster icon, and her influence will forever guide the community of learners in
this wonderful school.

To be considered for this prestigious award, a Junior High student must possess:

1. A growing commitment to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness, and self-control (the “Fruits of the Spirit” found in Galatians 5:22 about
which Miss Fleming cared so deeply).
 2. A humble desire to improve oneself and demonstrate growth over the course of his or her
experience in the Junior High and beyond.

3. A spirit of caring about, accepting, celebrating, and serving others.

4. Integrity, honesty, character, and citizenship in daily life.

5. Assumption of a leadership role within the grade and meaningful contributions to the
Westminster community at large.

6. A willingness to embrace positive change and honor the growth that occurs as a result of
the Junior High experience.

7. A sense of gratitude for the gifts he or she has been given and a desire to share those gifts
with others.

UPDATED: 2/18/2011 ba