Smiles were everywhere as Gem State Adventist Academy (GSAA) celebrated the graduation of 35 of its finest and brightest. In the midst of these marched Jacque Giem, newly awarded National Merit Scholar.
To celebrate the occasion, Giem's friends made and distributed T-shirts to her friends and family with an "i" added to Gem to read, "Giem State Academy, it’s a state of mind."
"We are very proud of Jacque and her accomplishments," said her parents, Ross and Jodi Giem. "We have always encouraged her to be involved."
To qualify as a National Merit Scholar, students must score high on the PSAT during their junior year, then prove their good grades and involvement in their schools and communities. Only 800 students in the United States are awarded the honor.
In addition to fullfilling these requirements, 18-year-old Jacque Giem participated in the real-life work program at GSAA as an intern at Christian radio station KTSY-FM, located on the academy campus. She also leads out in Pathfinders and church activities.
As a National Merit Scholar, Giem will receive a $2,500 scholarship from Modine Manufacturing and have her pick of colleges, most of which will award her a full four-year scholarship. Giem is considering a career in school counseling and is planning to attend Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich.
Will Mason and Brandon Loucks wearing celebration T-shirts flank Jacque Giem, who graduated from Gem State as a National Merit Scholar.
