VAN BUREN, Main — Elyssa Violette, a senior at Van Buren Secondary School in SAD 24, has been selected to receive the 2023 Principal’s Award, Principal Karen DuBois announced.
The award, sponsored by the Maine Principals Association, is given in recognition of a high school senior’s academic achievement and citizenship.
“Throughout her time at SAD 24, Elyssa has excelled in her academic programming that included a number of college classes. She participated in a variety of extracurricular activities including tennis, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. She also participated in NHS, holding office as vice president her junior year and is currently the senior class president,” DuBois said.
Violette has held class office throughout her high school career. She is a member of the yearbook committee and a student representative on the district’s ESEA and curriculum committees.
Along with donating regularly to homeless shelters and the Hope & Justice Project, her community service includes helping to fundraise for the Austin James West Memorial Scholarship Fund and Run Free. She volunteers at Little Angels Childcare, for the Van Buren Summer Recreation program and at various events for Hope & Justice, Toys for Tots, Unite Against Bullying and Out of the Darkness.
“While doing all this, Elyssa has been able to make time to work at Borderview Rehabilitation and Living Center as an activity aide and a CNA,” DuBois said. “It is obvious that Elyssa is able to balance a busy schedule while always giving her best. She is kind, respectful, reliable and is well-deserving of this award.”
Violette will attend the MPA Honors Luncheon on April 1, where she and other MPA Principal’s Award recipients will receive their awards. At that time, all students being recognized will have the opportunity to win one of the ten $1,000.00 scholarships being drawn.
The Principal’s Award is presented in more than 100 Maine public and private high schools by member principals of the MPA, the professional association representing Maine’s school administrators.
