Upper Perkiomen High School shares in the excitement of an honorable achievement by one of its very own students. Katherine Dale, a junior at UPHS, is the 2010 recipient of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award.
The Eisenhower award is presented annually to eleventh grade students by the West Point Society. This student is nominated by his/her high school to receive this award; in order to be selected, the criteria that a student must display is leadership skills, great citizenship, and performance and potential in athletics, academics, and community service.
Being involved in both marching and concert band with her saxophone at the ready, Katherine also enjoys using her music talent in the volunteer Red Hill Band. Her time is also occupied with the Technology Student Association, Archaeology club, Reading Olympics, and the Upper Perk Girls’ Tennis team.
All of Dale’s unique talents and qualities make her an ideal Eisenhower Award recipient. Dale was both astonished and delighted upon hearing about her nomination; she even says that, “[the Eisenhower award] gives me a boost of support and shows my character. It gets my name out there.” This honor is a milestone for Katherine that shows that she’s taking the steps towards a promising future.
Since the third grade, Dale has been taking the gifted/advanced courses that our district offers. Her hard work and determination has allowed her to maintain excellent grades as she is the first in her class; she is currently taking Advanced Placement courses in History, Literature, and Biology.
Dale’s AP Literature teacher, Mr. Ernie Quatrani, defines Dale’s recent achievement as being “very prestigious. She’s an excellent student to represent the school.” Quatrani goes on to say, “She certainly has potential in the classroom. She’ll make a great college student.”
However, Dale is not just a shining student; she is also a great friend. Alyssa D’Ippolito, a pal of Katherine’s since the 5th grade, says that Dale is “a perfectionist, but she’s really fun to be around.” Upon hearing about Dale receiving the award, D’Ippolito says, “I’m not surprised; she’s always been a high achiever and she takes pride in the work she does.”
Receiving the Eisenhower Leadership Award is a tremendous achievement for Katherine. Dale’s success is a reminder to all that if one works hard enough, the effort will surely be recognized.