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M-Night is the MacArthur Senior awards ceremony that takes place every spring. Every year, members of the senior class are chosen to receive Awards of Distinction.
These awards and scholarships are in memory of former MacArthur students, teachers, or administrators, while others are through local, state, and national businesses and organizations. Each year students are selected to receive these Awards of Distinction because they have demonstrated excellence in academics, athletics, character, leadership, or community involvement--many have shown they know how to use their personal talents for the greater good.
Awards of Distinction
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Art Area Service Award- Each year the Art Department selects one student who has gone above and beyond in their service to Art and the Art Department. Students who are selected to receive this award have not only distinguished themselves as excellent students and talented artists but as individuals who are committed to the betterment of our department and our school.
Athletic Booster Club Scholarship- The individuals who receive The Booster Club’s Thaddeus Williams and Erica Leatherwood Memorial Scholarships are selected not only for their athletic abilities but also for their academic achievements. They have a team mentality, not an individual need to achieve. They exemplify leadership on the field by their actions.
Augusta Boyle Scholarship- Augusta Boyle worked at MacArthur as a counselor from 1962 to 1980. Over the years, her strength of character, impeccable integrity, and devotion to students became legendary. The counseling staff at MacArthur High School has chosen a senior who represents Miss Boyle’s high standards, despite experiencing adversity.
Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award and Scholarship- The Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award has been given since 1933 and is a highly regarded tradition at the University of Rochester. It is intended to honor exceptional students who show academic excellence in science. This includes the rigor of science courses taken, PSAT math scores, and SAT Math or ACT Science and Math scores. The recipient is considered for a $7500 per year scholarship to attend the University of Rochester.
Dutch Riefler Memorial Award- Dutch Riefler was a 1967 graduate of MacArthur High School. He graduated with honors and went to the University of Texas where he graduated in 1972, also with honors. That same year he entered the Air Force, finished first in his class at pilot’s school, and went on to be recognized as the top fighter jet pilot in the 17th Air Force Command. On December 4, 1984, Major Dutch lost his life while flying in a top-secret test program at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Thanks to the generosity of his many friends and classmates, an annual scholarship has been established and awards $1,000 each year to a MacArthur senior who demonstrates the type of outstanding qualities so clearly possessed by Dutch Riefler.
Highest Ranking Graduate- The highest ranking graduate award provides a tuition waiver for the student graduating at the top of their high school class to be used during their freshmen year of college to any Texas public college or university.
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Humanities and Social Sciences Award- The Humanities and Social Sciences Award recognizes the academic achievements of outstanding students and seeks to emphasize the importance of a broad educational background in preparing for future careers. This award program recognizes students at high schools in all fifty states. These award winners are selected on the basis of scholarship in the humanities or social sciences, leadership, and community service.
Katherine Lennard Service Award- Katherine Lennard was the founder of the NEISD Strings Program, some forty-five years ago. Due to her perseverance, insistence, and untiring energy, our NEISD school orchestras exist today. The Katherine Lennard Service Award for Orchestra is earned by an orchestra student who always works hard, has a positive attitude, and is always willing to help others. This student steps beyond the classroom to share musical talent and leadership skills with others of all ages. The award winner consistently contributes energy and musicianship to the orchestra. The Katherine Lennard Service Award has been given for the past sixteen years at MacArthur High School.
MacArthur Student Volunteer Award- Every year, North East students contribute a great deal to the community and to the district through volunteerism. Because of this, the district volunteer program has created the student volunteer award to honor a student’s gift from the heart.
NCTE Achievement Award in Writing- The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) is a professional association of educators in English studies, literacy, and language arts. Students are nominated during their junior year by their English department based on their power to inform and move an audience through control and use of the English language. Students submit two written submissions (best writing and themed writing). 588 students were nominated nationally, 118 were awarded certificates of superior writing, 7 of these came from Texas of which only 2 were from San Antonio.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medalist- The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal was first presented in 1916 to recognize the superlative academic achievement of young men and women. This medal is designed to motivate students towards careers in science, engineering, and technology. The students who are honored with this award also receive a minimum of $1500 per year for four years if they are accepted and enroll at Rensselaer.
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Virginia Flood Service Award for Choir- Virginia Flood was the MacArthur choral director for over 25 years. Mrs. Flood’s leadership, selfless dedication, and perseverance led the MacArthur Choral Department to a high level of distinction. The Virginia Flood Service Award is earned by a choir senior who demonstrates selfless service, a positive attitude, and who works for the benefit of their peers and the entire MacArthur choir both inside and outside of the classroom.
Walter Howard Memorial Award- This scholarship award was established in honor of Walter Howard, the former principal of MacArthur High School. Walter Howard was the consummate cheerleader for every activity and every student at MacArthur. He was a man of character and a true gentleman. The recipient of this award has been selected for high standards, strong character and making valuable contributions to MacArthur High School.
Principal’s Duty, Honor, Country Awards- “Duty… Honor… Country” –According to MacArthur, “These three hallowed words reverently dictate what you want to be, what you can be, and what you will be.” They create in your heart the sense of wonder, the unfailing hope of what is next, and the joy and inspiration of life. In this way, they teach you basic character and good citizenship. The Principal will honor three young men and/or women who encompass these traits.
Principal’s Awards- The Principal’s Award is presented to the male and female graduates who are the most outstanding in the class. They personify the excellence of all MacArthur students and have excelled in all areas of student life- academics, extracurricular, leadership, and service.
Superintendent’s Award- The Superintendent’s Award is given to a student who is judged to have made significant contributions to MacArthur and the community. MacArthur has many outstanding students who are very deserving of this honor, but by excelling in the classroom and bringing honors and awards to our campus this recipient is truly representative of this class.