David Abramchuk, left, poses with his M.A.S.S Certificate of Academic Excellence during the School Committee meeting on Nov. 12.
Reminder Publishing screen capture by Tyler Garnet
AGAWAM — During the Agawam School Committee meeting on Nov. 12, Assistant Superintendent Cheryl Salomao presented the M.A.S.S. Certificate of Academic Excellence to Agawam High School senior David Abramchuk.
Salomao said each year the superintendent’s office presents the Massachusetts Association of Superintendents award of academic excellence. This award is given to a high school student who has distinguished themselves in the pursuit of excellence during their high school career.
The criteria for this award include the student’s three-year cumulative average, their rank in class and overall school citizenship.
Presentations of this award are made at the beginning of the student’s senior year to allow for the inclusion of this prestigious award in their credential package and counselor recommendation.
On behalf of Superintendent Sheila Hoffman, the award was presented to Abramchuk.
“David is a shining example of academic excellence, leadership and membership,” Salomao said.
Abramchuk is currently the National Honor Society vice president, a member of the peer-to-peer tutoring club, chess club, a pole vaulter for the boys track and field team, a member of the soccer team and has been playing the violin since he was four years old.
Abramchuk has also won multiple awards during his time at Agawam High School including Agawam High School excellence in AP Chemistry, Agawam High School social studies department certificate of achievement, certificate of award pre-calculus honors, Massachusetts student achievement award, Spanish honor society and honor roll since sixth grade.
Salomao talked more about why Abramchuk was deserving of the award.
“David displays relentless dedication to learning an unwavering commitment to his studies enrolling in as many honors and AP classes as possible. In his junior year, David enrolled in three AP courses. The rigor of his senior year continues enrolling in five courses this year of AP,” she said.
In his experience, the learning environments have supported his ability to collaborate, self-advocate and thrive academically.
Abramchuk is considering majoring in something related to the field of law and Salomao said he can excel at whatever he sets his mind to.
“David is not only a scholar of exceptional caliber but also a model of active engagement demonstrating the true excellence encompassing both academic achievement and commitments to clubs and organizations that are making a lasting impact on the Agawam High School community,” she said.
Mayor Chris Johnson also talked about the recipient and said, “On behalf of the School Committee and the entire community, I offer congratulations. Outstanding job.”
The School Committee also gave their thoughts on what the award means for Abramchuk and his family.
School Committee Wendy Rua said, “Congratulations to David and to his parents for supporting him. What a wonderful young man you are raising there. The leadership qualities that we heard about; all the accolades are amazing. You should be very proud. Good luck to him for the rest of his senior year and all that he has ahead of him.”
