York AcademyRegional Charter School

Kirk-Jadric Qualifies as National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist

There's been an impressive "first" at York Academy, and we are thrilled to share it with you. Senior Ane Kirk-Jadric is one of 16,000 students across the county to qualify as a Semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program!

Approximately 1.5 million high school students enter this academic competition each year by scoring high on the PSAT/NMSQT. Qualifying as a Semifinalist means that Ane's scores were among the highest entrants in PA. Only three other students from York County also received this honor. Semifinalists are recognized for their exceptional academic promise. In February, Ane will find out if she has advanced to Finalist standing. She is excited about her success and says" I've been working hard to create opportunities for myself, and I'm glad it's paying off."

Ane will be part of our first graduating class and plans to attend Cornell or Virginia Tech and major in engineering. In addition to her Semifinalist standing, she received the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth High Honors Award, and was awarded second place honors in both Carol Hill-Evans' MLK Essay Contest and the Street 2 Creek Storm Drain Art Project. Ane's artwork has been displayed at WellSpan offices in York City and her street art can be found on West Market Street at the Rail Trail.

Ane most identifies with the IB attribute of being an "inquirer" because she enjoys researching things and exploring concepts that she finds interesting. As an engineer, she will also need solid math skills. She fondly remembers Mrs. Bray for the support she provided in Ane's learning and development in math. "I also appreciate the ability given to me by Dr. Baughman to complete three years of advanced online math through Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth," she says. "I do not think that I would be in the place that I am without having that opportunity." Ane also appreciates the size of the Academy and the access to school administration, including the Board of Trustees. 

At school, Ane is a member of the National Art Honor Society and is involved in the music program. She also enjoys horseback riding, tutoring, volunteering at York Fresh Food Farms and serving on the DreamWrights I-Dream Committee.

Ane's favorite quote is from writer, poet and academic, J.R.R. Tolkien. He said, "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."

We are incredibly proud of you, Ane! We know that you will be successful in all of your pursuits, and we can't wait to see how you choose to impact the world!

Kirk-Jadric Places in Street 2 Creek Drain Art Project

Congrats to senior Ane Kirk-Jadric for winning second place in the Street 2 Creek Storm Drain Art Project. "I find the topic of local pollution to be a prominent issue that can be greatly helped through awareness," Ane says. "That's what this project was for—to help alert people to the consequences of throwing trash on the ground, and the animals and ecosystems it affects."

The Master Watershed Stewards of York County organize the yearly project, which helps educate the community on the connection between storm drains and local creeks.

York Academy was recently featured on CBS 21 News. The story highlights what makes us a unique option for students who enjoy the visual and performing arts and are focused on attending college. Click below to watch the video. 

Each year, approximately 3.5 million 11th grade students take the PSAT/NMSQT in hopes of qualifying for entry into the National Merit Scholarship Program – a national competition established in 1955 that recognizes and honors academic achievement. Of those 3.5 million students, only 1.5 million qualify for entry. The program selects 50,000 students with the highest PSAT/NMSQT qualifying index score.

We’re thrilled to share that a total of 18 of 21 juniors who took the exam in October or January qualified for entry into the rigorous National Merit Scholarship Program! We are so proud of your impressive accomplishments, Knights. Congrats!

Student Spearheads Card Project for Frontline Workers

Tenth grader Morgan Mullins was featured in the York Dispatch for her efforts to provide 3,000 cards to thank local frontline workers. Click here to read the story.

We’re proud of her for being a caring risk-taker, which included coordinating the project and collaborating with her peers. Way to use your IB attributes, Morgan. We’re proud of you!

Cards are still being accepted. If your child would like to create one, please have them give it to their teacher. Thank you!

Photo Credit: Bill Kalina (York Dispatch)

York Academy Protects School Community with Pooled Testing

In partnership with Concentric by GINKO, York Academy is piloting weekly screening tests for COVID-19 to all staff and students beginning February 1, 2021.  The testing program is a proactive approach to identify individuals with COVID-19 who are asymptomatic or presymptomatic utilizing pooled testing.

Click here to Learn more in this York Dispatch article.