In an effort to inspire students academically, Italy High School principal, Lee Joffre, challenged students at the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year to maintain all A’s and then have a chance to win a new iPad after the first and second semesters.

Kaytlyn Bales (Sr.), Megan Richards (Sr.), Kaitlyn Rossa (Sr.), Kelsey Nelson (Fr.), Jaclynn Lewis (Fr.), Kelton Bales (Fr.) and Morgan Martinez (Jr.) earned all A’s during the first semester and were each included in a drawing to see who would be the iPad recipient.

With Italy ISD School Board member Mr. Mark Stiles doing the honors, Nelson’s name was drawn and then Principal Joffre announced her as the iPad recipient over the school’s intercom. Suddenly, celebratory screams echoed from Ms. Dalquest’s classroom with Nelson unable to contain her excitement.

Moments before the announcement, Nelson thought to herself, “I’m not going to win. I never win anything.” After hearing her name called over the speaker, however, Nelson jumped from her seat and exclaimed, “I won!” She then received hugs from classmates as she made her way out the door and down to the office.

Mr. Stiles, who donated the iPad for the drawing, and Principal Joffre presented the prize to a beaming Nelson in front of the school’s academic trophy case.

“This is a new concept to help encourage academic excellence at Italy High School and I hope using the iPad as an incentive will result in even more students earning all A’s and qualifying for the drawing after the second semester,” explained Mr. Stiles.

Congratulations to all the students who maintained all A’s during the first semester!