Latest news with #BethanyHighSchool
Indian Express
30-04-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Music, theatre, and kathak: How ISC toppers from Bengaluru balanced studies with extracurricular activities
For Samuel Ethan Pinto, his true calling lies in the study of reptiles, with a particular focus on snakes and venom research. Inspired by National Geographic at a very young age, he is driven by the urgent need to address India's snakebite crisis. Talking to The Indian Express, Pinto, 19, the science topper in Karnataka in the Indian School Certificate (ISC) Class 12 exams with 96 per cent, said, 'Snakebite-related deaths touch nearly 60,000 annually, predominantly among farmers, and snakebites can cause significant disabilities. I believe anti-venom technology can be vastly improved, and I would love to pursue research on these lines in the coming days.' A student of Bethany High School, Koramangala, Pinto said he views venom research as both a lucrative opportunity and a chance to make a meaningful impact. Karnataka achieved a pass percentage of 99.63 per cent in the ISC Class 12 exams, surpassing the national average 99.02 per cent. The results announced by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) Wednesday showed that 2,442 Karnataka students took the exams: 1,155 boys (47.30 per cent) and 1,287 girls (52.70 per cent). A school head boy and a core member of the organising committee of schools' cultural, Pinto was hands full in the run-up to the ISC exam. 'I had very little time to prepare for boards. I was actively engaging in cultural activities at the school just months before the exam,' he said. Talking about his preparations, Pinto said, 'Mathematics was a bit challenging, especially integration. However, with consistent practice and assistance from teachers, I worked around the subject.' 'However, in the run-up to the examination, I prepared a timetable every day, dedicated one hour for each subject,' he added. The humanities topper, Natalie Patricia Rodrigues, 18, from Bethany High School, secured 98.2 per cent percentage. 'I was shocked but so excited,' she said. Despite a hectic schedule with a December musical and board exam prep, Rodrigues faced stress head-on. 'I was not sure if I would manage given my indulgence in musicals, theatre and other activities,' she said, adding that she relied on friends through Google Meet study sessions. However, she overcame anxiety with meditation and early mornings, studying two hours daily, and seven to eight hours closer to exams. A singer, dancer, and actor for 14 years, she unwinds through school athletics and the arts. Passionate about psychology and sociology, Rodrigues aspires to pursue a career in psychology to address mental health issues. 'Our generation needs help, and I want to be there for them,' she said. Meanwhile, Sanidhya Kapoor, from Greenwood High School, Bengaluru, secured 98.75 per cent to come top among commerce students in the ISC exam. She also balanced her board exam preparation with the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), in which she secured an all-India rank of 25, earning a spot at NLU Delhi to pursue a career in law. 'Law is fascinating. It connects you with people on a personal level,' she said. Crediting her success to her school's exceptional teaching, she noted, 'Teachers cleared concepts thoroughly through assignments, making revision easy.' Sanidhya, whose father is an AWS engineer and mother a homemaker, praised her parents' unwavering support. 'They never pressured me, just supported me—they were my biggest strength,' she said. For stress relief, she relied on kathak, a passion she pursued for 10 years, and badminton at school, dedicating three to four hours daily to these activities. 'Kathak is my stress-buster,' she said. Her advice to peers? 'Pay attention in class, follow teachers' guidance, and stay consistent with assignments. That's what helped me crack the exam.' Meanwhile, in Karnataka, boys outperformed girls with a pass percentage of 99.65 per cent compared to 99.61 per cent in the ISC exams. The 97 Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates had a 93.81 per cent pass rate, while the 33 Scheduled Tribe candidates achieved a 100 per cent pass rate, and 1,323 Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates recorded a 99.54 per cent pass rate.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Poll: Who should be The Oklahoman's Student of the Week for March 24-27?
The Oklahoman's Student of the Week poll for the week of March 24 is now live. The nominations for The Oklahoman's Student of the Week contest are in and polls are open to vote for the best of the best starting now. The Oklahoman asked superintendents, principals, teachers, and guidance counselors from across the Oklahoma City area to participate in the Student of the Week program by sending nominations for their student. Readers will now pick the best of the best in our poll. This week's poll has six candidates. The Oklahoman's Student of the Week poll is at the bottom of the list of nominees. You can vote once per hour until it closes. Last week's winner: Michael Lynch is The Oklahoman's Student of the Week. Voting is open through noon, Thursday, March 27. Nominations for next week's poll are also being accepted through 5 p.m. Thursday. To nominate a student, school faculty can email StudentOfTheWeek@ Here are the nominees for this week's poll: Karlee McCullah, Bethany High School: McCullah is a dedicated yearbook staff member, consistently bringing creative ideas and attention to detail that have significantly enhanced their final product. As an officer in the Key Club, she has demonstrated strong leadership and a deep commitment to service, always willing to step up and organize events to make a difference in the community. Additionally, as a member of student council, she has played an active role in representing her peers and organizing school events that foster school spirit and inclusivity. "Karlee's dedication, leadership, and positive attitude make her an exceptional role model, and she truly embodies the values of our school. I believe Karlee is more than deserving of this recognition, said visual arts instructor, Crista McCann. Conner Leader, Newcastle High School: Leader, is a 4.0 honor student while taking college-level courses as a junior. Along with mastering his academics, he is also a remarkable student-athlete. Leader is an outstanding swimmer, having recently achieved the title of 2025 State Champion in the 100 meter backstroke. He also earned the distinction of State Runner-Up in the 200 meter and 100 meter breaststroke, and twice in the 100 butterfly. These accomplishments not only showcase his talent and commitment to excellence but also his ability to thrive under pressure. In addition to his swimming accolades Leader is a talented baseball player with an impressive undefeated pitching record of 7-0 during the 2023-2024 season. Ami Avelar, Western Heights High School: Avelar is a standout senior known for active participation, always ready to share his thoughts. His contributions make learning more enjoyable and insightful for all. He participated in NJROTC where he was able to demonstrates his creativity and leadership. Along with maintaining his academics, he is in his final semester of the Cosmetology program at the Francis Tuttle Technology Center. When he's not in classes, learning all aspects of cosmetology, playing Baseball, or running errands as an office aide, he is studying for his state board exams. "Ami will graduate in May with his high school diploma and as a certified hair stylist. He is a perfect example of how students can succeed in high school and be ready and prepared for post-secondary success," said counselor Ren Wilson. Kaden Kennedy, Hennessey High School: Kennedy has a 3.96 GPA unweighted and 4.195 weighted GPA. He has actively participated in honors and concurrent classes. Kennedy shows his leadership and his dedication not only in his academics but in participating in livestock judging, holding an officer position and participating in showing cattle through the Ag program. He has won many championship's including the 2023 SW Zone Handicap Champion for trap shooting, 2024-2025 Aim All State Captain, 2024 Aim Grand National 3rd Place Junior Doubles, 2023 Champion West District Team and Trap Individual, Local Beef Production Proficiency Winner, 2023 Kingfisher County Livestock Show Grand Champion Market Steer (Grand Champion British Steer), NW District Livestock Show 4th overall steer, 2025 NW District Livestock Show Champion Division II Market Steer. Madisson Gonzalez-Razo, Classen School of Advanced Students High School: Gonzalez-Razo is determined and driven to better herself while see the positive in trying situations. She is extremely well rounded; juggling Advanced Placement coursework, leading Flamenco performances in our dance department, playing competitive soccer. She is on the indoor soccer team, contends in a high performing visual art community, and steadily holds a job in retail. Along with her academics and extracurricular activities, she is exploring ways that she can contribute back to her communities. "Madisson is by far one of my most responsible students both in and out of the classroom; never failing to make sure she finishes projects and follows up for feedback in ways she can improve in the future," said visual art teacher Amber Crump. Camden Sears, El Reno High School: Sears, an honor student who is passionate and strives for excellence in all she takes on. Out of hundreds of applicants, she was chosen as the 2025 Junior Counselor at Oklahoma Association of Student Councils where she will be able to further enhance her leadership skills. While maintaining her academics, she is a member of the cheerleading team and a speech and debate captain where she guides strategy and team unity. She won districts and qualified for nationals this month in Speech Program Oral Interpretation (POI). This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Poll: Here are the nominations for The Oklahoman's Student of the Week
