Via Baltimore Sun
Twelve 11th grade girls from Harford County high schools were honored Saturday at the 26th annual Judith Resnik Mathematics/Science Awards luncheon at Harford Community College.
Sponsored by the American Association of University Women Harford Branch, the luncheon recognizes Harford County’s outstanding junior class girls who excel in math and science.
One female junior from each public high school in Harford and John Carroll School was recognized for her work in school and achievements in the field.
Anne Heidenreich, chairperson for the AAUW Harford branch, explained the significance of the award to the honorees and other luncheon guests.
She told the story of Judith Resnik, an AAUW member and the second American woman in space for whom the event is dedicated to. In 1986, Resnik lost her life in the horrific Challenger explosion, along with her fellow astronauts aboard.
Since the tragic event, the Harford Branch of AAUW has held the award luncheon in her memory.
Each junior girl was presented with a certificate and was introduced by an AAUW member.
Jasmin Madrigale, from Aberdeen High School, was introduced by member Karen Gyolai.
“She’s the 11th grade top-achieving female in math and science,” Gyolai said. Jasmin hopes to become a pediatrician and is on her school’s wrestling team, only the second female to do so at Aberdeen.
Mariel Gaviola, from Aberdeen’s Science and Mathematics Academy, “comes from a family of high achievers,” said her introducing AAUW member Peggy Diamond. Three years ago, Diamond also introduced Mariel’s sister at the luncheon.
Mariel’s favorite subject is chemistry. She is a member of the school’s tennis team and a member of the Spanish National Honor Society.
