Christina Vega, a senior at Suffield High School, is an impressive young woman, articulate and poised beyond her years. It is no wonder she has been selected by Chapman College as the recipient of a Distinguished Young Woman award for the state of Connecticut. The award, which represents a sizeable four year stipend if Christina decides to attend Chapman, is both an honor and a practical boost for this enterprising young person.
In addition, Christina is also competing with others for an award at the national level, one which would provide a stipend to be used at the college of the recipient’s choice. She will hear the results of the competition in late June. At the moment she is still considering which college she would prefer to attend, looking at her options, and thinking about her future. She is interested in pursuing a career in film and journalism, a multi-media approach which would make use of her writing skills.
The criteria for the national award are centered on four areas: first, an interview. Next, an oral exam in front of an audience, in which the student is given a topic and must make an immediate presentation. Imagine that, all of us older people who are nervous in front of a microphone! Third, the demonstration of a talent; for this one Christina will be reading one of her own poems. And then there’s also a physical fitness exam! Of course grades and test scores are also required. It seems the judges are looking for a well rounded student.
In addition to her classroom work at Suffield High School, Christina has been involved in the organizing of a student newspaper and is its editor-in-chief. She is an active member of the National Honor Society and of the World Language Society. Outside of school she is an intern at the Hope for Children and Families Foundation in Springfield and a speaker and student liaison for Anti-Biased, Anti-Racist (ABAR) Suffield. She is clearly an active part not only of the school community, but of the larger community as well — and will just as surely be so in college. From all of us at the Observer, congratulations to Christina!
The CT Distinguished Young Woman Award is part of a national scholarship program that promotes and rewards scholastics, leadership, and talent in young women. Earn scholarhips for higher education, personally develop through the Distinguished Young Woman Life (DYW) Skills Workshops, and make new friends from around the state.