My Unexpected Accomplishment by Joanna
Joannaof New Port Richey's entry into Varsity Tutor's December 2016 scholarship contest
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My Unexpected Accomplishment by Joanna - December 2016 Scholarship Essay
“Katie Glenn,” announced a substitute teacher from the podium at my fifth grade graduation. A round of applause soon followed as my friend gleefully walked to the stage. I was genuinely happy for her, but extremely exhausted by the fact that the ceremony already was more than two hours long. I kept telling myself that it was almost over since they were now calling up certain students to receive awards, but that had started about thirty minutes ago. My fifth grade graduation was in the school’s small auditorium on uncomfortable plastic chairs with a huge wall-mounted clock on the left side that had an annoying tick. “Ten more minutes,” I kept telling myself, hoping it would only be ten more… “Joanna Marie Baumgartner.” Wait, what? Me? I slowly stood up from my plastic chair, not only because my bottom was stuck to it but because I was perplexed as to why my name was called. As I walked to the stage I couldn’t help but think, “What is this for?” Three more students were called up to the stage afterward until she raised her voice and said, “Congratulations to the recipients of the President’s Award for Academic Excellence!” Everyone in attendance--the parents, teachers, staff and other students--roared with excitement.
I was happy to receive an award, but I was still confused as to why I was even picked. I slowly made my way to the end of the stage and at the bottom of the stairs I was greeted by a teacher’s assistant who gave me a fancy certificate, pin, and a letter from the President himself at the time, George W. Bush. As I made my way back to my seat, I immediately read the letter to see why I was given this award. More awards were given out, but I was too enthralled by my letter. The letter stated that I was being given this award because I received Honor Roll since Kindergarten and he would like to personally thank me for my outstanding accomplishment because not many students can achieve such a fantastic feat. After reading the letter, it seemed that the ceremony was over before I knew it and I couldn’t stop smiling the whole rest of the day. My parents and friends seemed just as excited, if not more. The President of the United States recognized me, of all people! Me, Joanna Marie Baumgartner! Eek! I was just flabbergasted. I knew I did well in school; I just did not think I would receive a major award for it.
Having been called in front of hundreds of teachers, students, parents, and staff and receiving the President’s Award of Academic Excellence was completely unexpected. There were roughly two to three hundred students graduating Elementary School, and I was one of the lucky seven students to receive this amazing award. I couldn’t even fathom it; I still can’t! I always have gotten Honor Roll certificates with my report cards, but I never expected or received anything like this award before. I just thought studying for countless hours a day, staying up late to finish my homework, and working hard to achieve good grades was required to be successful in school. Since then, I have continued to put in that amount of work, which has prepared me to achieve my goal of becoming a veterinarian. It was my first big accomplishment and it was so unexpected which is why I am extremely proud and lucky for having been recognized. Now, it is something I can look back on and feel extremely grateful for.