Camas Student Wins National Scholarship

Lisa Nicholson, a Camas High School senior, has been named a recipient of a NASSP/Herff Jones Principal's Leadership Award Scholarship (PLA), co-sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and Herff Jones, Inc. One hundred national state PLA winners were chosen from among more than 3,000 applications. Each winner will receive a $1,000 college scholarship.

To quote Principal Steve Marshall "There are many students who succeed academically, but shy away from taking the time, or risk, to get involved and challenge themselves in areas outside of scholastics.  Lisa takes on all challenges and stretches herself as a student, citizen, and leader."

Participating high school principals from across the country could nominate one senior high student to compete in this year's program. Winners were selected on the basis of their leadership skills; participation in service organizations and clubs; achievements in the arts and sciences; employment experience; and academic record. They also were required to write an essay.

While at Camas High School, Lisa has held leadership positions in several clubs, been a state participant in tennis, performed weekly community service hours, and served as one of only 11 International Trustees for Key Club International, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

"The qualities recognized by the PLA scholarship and demonstrated by Lisa Nicholson have never been more important than now. Academic excellence represents an aspiration for all students, leadership exemplifies an essential skill to possess in the 21st century, and service to others symbolizes the spirit of America. Students like Lisa stand out to bravely face the  challenges of today and lead us to a better tomorrow," said Gerald Tirozzi, executive director, NASSP. "We warmly thank our partner, Herff Jones, without which this program would not be possible."