La Pietra School senior Angela Assante earned a top composite score of 36 on a recent ACT test, the school announced.
On average, less than one-tenth of 1 percent of students who take the ACT test earn the top score, the school said in a press release.
"We are more than proud of Angela’s achievements," said Mahina Hugo, head of schools for La Pietra. "On top of her scholastic accomplishments, she is a wonderful, well-rounded person with many interests and now has even further opened the door to opportunity."
Assante speaks Japanese and reads Russian fluently, and is interested in pursuing computer linguistics. She is on the air riflery team, participates in drama and was recently named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist.
In other awards and honors:
» PUNAHOU SCHOOL received renewed status as an Apple Distinguished School for its leadership in integrating technology into the learning environment.
Punahou said the Apple Distinguished School designation is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership and educational excellence and that demonstrate exemplary learning environments.
"Punahou is pleased to be recognized again by Apple for our continuing role in educational innovation," said Punahou School President Jim Scott in a press release issued by the school. "The creativity of our faculty is supported by the school’s strong commitment to professional development, and ensures that our students are gaining the skills they need to navigate a complex, interconnected world."
Punahou students in grades 4 to 12 participate in the one-to-one Apple laptop program; teachers have piloted the use of iPads in classes that range from art to algebra; and faculty have developed e-textbooks that create an interactive learning experience for students.
The annual Lab School@Punahou is a hub for educators from around the world, who last summer gathered to explore project-based learning, instructional technology and global education. With a special focus on "The iPad and Personalized Learning," the 2013 Lab School drew more than 200 teachers from public and independent schools across Hawaii and the world, the school said.
» The state Legislature’s Kupuna Caucus was given the Alzheimer’s Association’s State Champion Award.
Christine Payne, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Aloha Chapter, joined by advocates from across the state, presented the award Friday.
"The Alzheimer’s Association would like to recognize and thank the members of the Kupuna Caucus for their dedication and commitment to serving Hawaii’s senior population," Payne said in a press release.
"It is important to our advocates across the state that all of Hawaii knows about the great work the Caucus is doing to meet the needs of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their family caregivers."
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ON VACATION: June Watanabe is on vacation. Her “Kokua Line” column will return Jan. 3.
