Samantha HoangLong is a student leader who actively works to improve school and community culture for everyone at Burnsville High School, according to her teacher Katie Burke.
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That’s why Burke nominated Samantha for the 2016 Youth Frontiers Character Award, which is presented each year to a student who stands out as an exceptional leader who exemplifies the values of kindness, courage and respect.
Samantha was selected and received her award at a ceremony attended by hundreds of the area’s top corporate, nonprofit, education and civic leaders on Dec. 15. [Watch video]
Samantha also received a $5,000 college scholarship from Luther Automotive Group.
“Samantha’s community values place all whom she encounters in an environment of acceptance and respect, qualities that are #FutureReady and #CommunityStrong,” said Superintendent Joe Gothard. “I am very proud of Samantha and her many peers and mentors at Burnsville High School for their efforts to lead with respect.”
Samantha has been a vital member of BurnsvilleStrong, a student group whose goal is to inspire, support and unite the student body and community at large. She has also been a committed member of BrainPower in a BackPack, which provides weekend food for elementary students in need.
“Samantha is one of the kindest students I know,” said Burke. “She is always trying to include others by reaching out and making people feel comfortable and generally trying to make her school a better place and her peers better people.”
Youth Frontiers is a nonpartisan organization funded through a partnership between schools, private foundations, corporations and individuals. The group offers one-day retreats on kindness, courage and respect for students in grades 4 through 12, which students in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 have attended.