Capital Region Scholars’ Dinner honors two top Mohon students, teachers

Two Mohonasen High School seniors have been recognized for being among the Capital Region’s highest achieving student scholars. Noelle Levasseur and Jourdyn Nicholson were honored Wednesday, May 16 as part of the 32nd Annual Scholars’ Recognition Dinner held at the Marriott Hotel in Albany. They are also featured in a special insert in the Times Union, published Thursday, May 17, that includes profiles of this year’s honorees.

What is special about the Scholars’ Recognition program –sponsored every year by the Capital Area School Development Association (CASDA) — is that it also honors individual teachers, nominated by each student scholar, who have had a significant influence on their education.

Levasseur, who will attend the Decker School of Nursing at Binghamton University in the fall, nominated physics teacher Rebecca Shea as the teacher who had significantly impacted her education while at Mohonasen.

“Ms. Shea showed that even the most difficult problems, such as physics, are conquerable if you are motivated enough to succeed,” said Levasseur.

Jourdyn Nicholson found her most influential teacher to be Malachi Martin, who teaches history and Participation in Government.

“Mr. Martin has taught me to argue, to argue passionately, and above all, stand up for what I believe in despite any consequence or adversity,” said Nicholson.

Jourdyn Nicholson has plans to attend Villanova University after graduation.

The Mohonasen High School students and teachers were among 88 area schools who were represented at the dinner where the keynote speaker was new University at Albany president Havidán Rodríguez.

Congratulations to Noelle, Jourdyn, Ms. Shea and Mr. Martin!