| APRIL 17, 2011 -- Katrina Sebastian, an active member of Ekonk Community Grange, has been named one of 104 High School Seniors across the United States to receive the prestigious Horatio Alger Scholarship.
Horatio Alger was author to over 100 books for youths. His usual theme was rising from a humble background to success, through hard work, determination, courage and honesty. He also wrote under five pen names. Alger himself came from a humble New England childhood and through hard work graduated Harvard eighth in his class.
Katrina is an accomplished singer, musician and actress; she has achieved academic success. She sang to the National Grange delegates at Ekonk Community Grange in 2006 when the delegates, on their tour, stopped from lunch. For several years she has opened the ceremonies at the town of Sterling, CT annual “Family Day” by singing the National Anthem. She has starring roles in each Plainfield High School production; is active in the band (playing the French horn and violin); is a member of the Tri M (National Honor Society Band). She is a member of the Plainfield High School “Chamber Choir”; is a member of the National Honor Society and at this writing in the top 5% of her class.
Katrina and her family are active in the Park Congregational Church in Norwich, CT, where Katrina sings in the choir every Sunday. She teaches voice at Sterling Community School every Friday afternoon and it was she who established the Sterling Community School Friday voice and instrumental lesson program, which is free to all interested students.
On Mondays, after school, Katrina teaches students at Plainfield Central School how to play the French horn.
Katrina was extremely active in Ekonk Community Junior Grange and when a Junior, placed first in the State Grange Talent Contest.
July 17th, Katrina will entertain at the Ekonk Community Grange Awards Luncheon, when twelve membership awards will be presented, ranging from 25 to 75 years and totaling 625 years of Grange membership. Among those given out will be to Past Voting Delegate, Russell M. Gray, who will receive his Golden Sheaf certificate (as will his sister) and each of their daughters will receive their 25 year certificates at the same time.
Katrina plans a career in Musical Theatre and at this writing is still in the midst of the selection process for the college of her choice.
Katrina and the other recipients will be sent, all expenses paid, to Washington, D. C., from April 6th to 10th. They will attend college preparation seminars; listen to esteemed speakers; participate in ceremonies at the United States Supreme Court, the Department of State and the DAR Constitution Hall. Each recipient will receive a total of $20,000.00 over the four years that they are in college.
Katrina Sebastian is an exceptional young woman and a real asset as a Grange member and a friend. |
