IN Norwin Fall 2026 | Page 26

Remembering, Learning and Celebrating Our Nation

Throughout September, Norwin students took time to reflect on two important occasions in our nation’ s history: Patriot Day and Constitution Day. Through age-appropriate lessons, classroom activities and meaningful discussions, students explored themes of remembrance, service, citizenship, rights and responsibilities.

For Patriot Day, students across the District learned about the significance of September 11, 2001, with a moment of silence honoring those who lost their lives and recognizing the courage and compassion of first responders and other heroes. Students and staff proudly wore red, white and blue as part of the day of remembrance.

Elementary students explored the meaning of heroism through books, classroom discussions, writing activities and patriotic crafts. After reading This Very Tree by Sean Rubin, first grade students reflected on resilience, remembrance and community before writing about heroes in their own lives and the qualities that make those individuals special. Other students participated in age-appropriate lessons focused on courage, helping others, kindness, service and unity.

Constitution Day provided another opportunity for students to explore the foundations of our country and what it means to be a citizen. At the elementary level, students learned about the Constitution in ways that connected the document to their everyday lives. Kindergarten students discussed what their classroom might be like without rules before learning that, as citizens of the United States, the Constitution serves as our nation’ s most basic set of rules. Students then read and colored a mini-book about the Constitution and its creation.

Fourth grade students took a closer look at the meaning of the Constitution by breaking down the Preamble and exploring the ideas behind its words. To bring the lesson to life, students then signed a class Constitution, just as the Founding Fathers signed the U. S. Constitution.

At the High School, students marked Constitution Day on September 17 by examining the foundations of the United States government and the U. S. Constitution. Lessons focused on eight core principles, including popular sovereignty, republicanism, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, limited government, individual rights and judicial review. Students investigated how the Constitution divides governmental power among three branches and between federal and state governments, while others explored the Preamble, Bill of Rights and additional amendments.

Together, these activities provided opportunities for students of all ages to connect history and civics to the world around them. From recognizing the heroes who served others during a time of tragedy to exploring the rights and responsibilities established by our nation’ s founding documents, Norwin students continue to build a deeper understanding of citizenship, community and service.

Norwin Students Recognized for AP Achievement orwin

NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

Norwin High School students have been recognized for their outstanding achievement in Advanced Placement coursework, with 102 students earning AP Scholar recognition from the College Board for the 2025 – 2026 school year. The honors include 35 AP Scholars, 32 AP Scholars with Honor and 35 AP Scholars with Distinction, recognizing students who demonstrated strong performance across their AP Exams.

Through Advanced Placement courses, students have the opportunity to challenge themselves with college-level coursework while developing the skills and knowledge that prepare them for success beyond high school. These honors celebrate the dedication, perseverance and academic achievement of Norwin students who embraced that challenge.

“ AP courses provide students with opportunities to challenge themselves, explore subjects in greater depth and prepare for the academic expectations they will encounter after graduation,” said Dr. Natalie McCracken, superintendent of the Norwin School District.“ We are proud to recognize these students for the dedication and effort they demonstrated throughout their AP coursework and exams. Their accomplishments are a reflection of their commitment to learning and continued growth.”

AP Scholars with Distinction are students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams they take, as well as scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams. Students recognized at this level included Joshua Bauer, Thomas Casey, Aiden Catterall, Adyson Clemens, Aiden Colaiuta, Joseph Cramer, Christopher Elliott, Ian Feingold, Gianna Fernandez, Olivia George, Cassandra Halaszynski, Reed Hoyle, Allison Knoechel, Kartheek Kodavali, Marlee Kotch, Grayson Laney, Libby Link,

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Sydney Lucas, Elin Miller, Jaxon Momeyer, Preston Montag, Roman Ola, Jace Pirillo, Logan Plichta, Jillian Ryba, Liam Samuels, Carson Shi, Shae Sida, Callie Sloan, Sophia Tokay, Daniel Tyskiewicz, Conner Urey, Evan Zalevsky, Ivy Zheng, and Richard Zula.

AP Scholars with Honor are students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams they take, along with scores of 3 or higher on four or more. Students earning this honor included Jessa Adkins, Siena Ali, Riley Baker, Gabriella Beresnyak, Lucas Brahim, Santino Brasco, Joseph Brown, Finnian Cunning, Brynn Darland, Lydia Dzvonick, Joshua Elliott, Ashton Hardy, Madison Hearn, Korbin Holliday, Alexander Irwin, Ana Kelley, Anthony Knouse, Carter Kunciky, Gianna LaJevic, Annabell Lyle, Eva Martina, Ellie McGonigal, Maerek Moenssens, Gemma Moffat, Sarah Petranka, Elizabeth Petteway, Cammrick Reesman, Noah Smith, Brayden Volkay, Madalyn Wagner, Xavier Watkins, and Daniel Zheng.

AP Scholar students are those who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. Norwin students earning this distinction were Aidan Beveridge, Amelia Bilinsky, Ava Bobby, Jocelyn Cao, Isabella Capozzoli, Tyler Caskey, Lillian Chaney, Jazzy Cherry, Jameson Dixon, Addison Farrah, Gray Gardner, Zachary Gibson, Dominic Kantz, Amber Klingensmith, Milo Korhnak, Rebecca Kostrobala, Cade Kubistek, Carmela Lio, Victoria Marflak, Alexander Marrero, Maria McAdams, Benjamin McBride, Michael McDonald, Kambria Mossburg, Angelina Moyer, Rylee Pavel, Aiden Perry, Alexander Petrisko, Kalaina Phetsomphou, Nikolai Powanda, Owen Rankin, Alexander Sacunas, Sean Stukus, Ava Usko, and Jazzelle Wallace.

To learn more about the AP Scholar Awards, visit https:// apstudents. collegeboard. org / awards-recognitions / ap-scholar-award.