The Monsignor Pace High School community gathered together on April 1 to celebrate the scholastic achievements of the student body at 2018 Pace Academic Awards ceremony.
Nearly 200 students were honored for their academic accomplishments in individual subject areas as well as for each of Pace’s Signature Academies. Two students from each grade were also awarded trophies for Best All-Around, Service to School/Community and the Spartan Pride Awards.
Francisco Salomon, a Spartan football player and wrestler, was named the 2018 Spartan of the Year, while Kathleen Rios was named the 2018 Lady Spartan of the Year.
Rubin Smith-Bastian won the 2018 George Cunningham Award and Laurynn Cardona received the 2018 Margie Wessel Scott Award for their excellence in academics, community service and athletics.
Students were also recognized for a multitude of scholarships, service awards and other honors. Giansy Paul, Christopher Richard, Thomas Balaki, Lazaro Alfonso and Ki'Sean Bullard received the Kevin Garcia Scholarship ranging from $500-$2000. While Tajmara Antoine, a graduating senior, received the AnBryce Award for a full scholarship to attend New York University beginning this fall.
Sophomores Daniel Poveda, Diana Cao and Maria Pernia were selected as this year’s recipients of the Sister Mary Thomas Scholarship funded and presented by Pace Class of 1965 alumnus Tony Amos for Pace students who show great Spirit and pride in their school. Finally, Pace social studies teacher Armando Mendive was recognized before the Pace faculty, staff, students and their families as 2018 Educator of the Year.