Youth Appreciation Award: Stellar senior

NEWS > YOUTH & SCHOOLS

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Jun. 14, 2011

Debora Mele

When Veronica Oster, admissions director for Neumann-Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St., thinks of the epitome of the ideal student, high school senior Debora Mele is one of the first student to come to mind.

“I would take Debora anywhere to promote Neumann-Goretti because she is the definition of what we want our students to get out of their education and experience here,” Oster said.

Mele, of the 1200 block of Porter Street, will leave her high school days knowing that she has had an impact on those surrounding her.

“She has a unique personality, causing her to be liked by all her teachers and peers,” Oster said.

The outgoing, selfless senior looks up to her parents, Raffaele and Carmela, “because they came to America in 1987 and made their way through as immigrants from Italy and created a great life for them and me and my sister,” Mele said.

The 17-year-old has been very involved throughout the years and has participated in numerous extracurricular activities including mathletes, pro-life club, cheerleading, green team and ambassador’s club to name a few. In addition she has been honored with Millay Scholars and the Presidential Award, among others.

Mele, whose favorite subject is math, acknowledges her problem-solving skills.

“I enjoy solving problems and making my mind work with the complex problems I am given,” she said.

As Mele’s high school days come to a close, Oster has confidence that this star student will continue to be brilliant in college because of her dedication to hard work.

“She has an excellent work ethic that helps her to be successful in her academic studies here at school,” Oster said.

Oster has described Mele as selfless and this attribute is reflected in Mele’s possible career choice. Mele hopes to continue her desire to help others by studying physical therapy in college at either Penn State Abingon or St. Joseph’s University.

Debora Mele will receive a $150 savings bond. If you are a teacher or full-time educator and would like to nominate a student (first through 12th grades), call 215-336-2500 ext. 123 or e-mail editor@southphillyreview.com.

To see more outstanding youngsters, visit the Youth Appreciation Award photo gallery.