CARIBOU, Maine — Caribou High School Senior Chathu Karunasiri was selected to receive the 2016 Principal’s Award for his citizenship, academic success, and involvement in numerous co-curricular activities.
The annual statewide recognition is sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association and dedicated to Horace O. McGowan and Richard W. Tyler, former Maine principals and executive directors of the association.
State Senator Peter Edgecomb (R-Caribou) recently sponsored a Legislative Sentiment congratulating Karunasiri, which he later mailed to the student along with a signed letter to CHS Principal Travis Barnes.
“Chathu was a logical choice for us,” said Barnes. “We have a lot of good students here at CHS that fit the mold, but Chathu exemplifies what the award is looking for: a student that excels academically, with citizenship, and outside these four walls. Whether it’s in the classroom, athletic field, or with co-curricular activities, he’s definitely someone who puts forth the effort to make the award what it is.”
Karunasiri participates in cross-country Nordic skiing, Key Club, track, and the Gifted and Talented programs at Caribou High School. Academically, Karunasiri favors the sciences.
“My favorite subject is definitely AP Physics, no question about it,” said Karunasiri.
Looking ahead, Karunasiri plans to a major in either mechanical or chemical engineering, and says that he will likely study at the University of Maine at Orono.
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 which represents Maine’s school administrators.
