Hamilton Heights’ Cody Kantor was among 90 students who have been named Indiana Academic Regional All-Stars through a program of the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP). Kantor, a senior, was recognized for his academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Hamilton Heights Technology/Pre-Engineering Teacher, Derrick Dean, received an Academic All-Star Certificate of Merit in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the education of Indiana’s young people.
A statewide committee met in March and 90 high school seniors across the state were recognized as Indiana Regional Academic All-Stars. Schools were directed to select nominees based on several items, including the following criteria: A mathematical formula that combines a student’s SAT/ACT composite score and grade point average for seven semesters, extracurricular activities related to academics, non-academic extracurricular activities, and leadership, community service and involvement.
Kantor, through an essay submitted as part of the application process, credited Dean as being his most influential educator because of his unique and engaging teaching style, as well as being a part of his educational experience since the eighth grade.
“It was Mr. Dean who introduced me to an entire field of study that I had never encountered and instilled a thirst for knowledge that let me to take a plethora of Project Lead The Way classes with Mr. Dean throughout high school,” said Kantor, who was proud to be among the elite group of students selected for the honor. “Thanks to Mr. Dean, I have had the opportunity to pursue my interests in engineering, mechanics, computer-aided design, programming, robotics, electricity, manufacturing and so much more. I am forever grateful to Mr. Dean for permanently influencing my scholastic adventure.”
“Cody is a phenomenal student who strives for knowledge,” said Derrick Dean. “School tends to be easy for Cody and is a very hard student to challenge, as he is the top of his class. It was great at times to see Cody ‘outside’ his comfort zone during projects as he learned.”
IASP program director Kyle Harrop, Indiana Association of School Principals, said the program is a great way for schools to showcase talented students. There are numerous great students in Indiana schools and this is a great way to ‘shine a spotlight’ on them.”
Kantor was among 275 students from across the state who were nominated with 90 being selected to be Indiana Academic Regional All-Stars through the IASP. The students were honored at the 32nd annual Recognition Ceremony on April 27 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.