Meritas Students Excel in Academics, Fine Arts, Literature and Athletics

CHICAGO, Feb. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Midway through the 2010 - 2011 school year, students of Meritas Family of Schools have already excelled across a variety of disciplines including academics, fine arts, literature and athletics.

Meritas Family of Schools, with nine K-12 schools in an international network of over 11,000 students around the world, includes schools in Arizona, China, Florida, Nevada, Mexico, Switzerland and Texas. Meritas schools have educated more than 50,000 students and have over 50 years of proven academic success.

"We are excited to recognize the remarkable achievements of our students and schools," said Mac Gamse, CEO of Meritas." At Meritas, we have always been committed to bringing world-class resources to develop well-rounded students. This year, more students than ever have risen to the challenge to achieve their personal best, excelling both academically and in fine arts and athletics, thanks in large part to the encouragement of excellent teachers."  

Students across the Meritas network are achieving world honors in academics. According to the Cambridge International Examinations board, a Meritas student, Carmen Carmino Garcia, from College du Leman in Switzerland, scored the highest mark world-wide in the IGCSE Math Exam in June 2010. An essential subject for all students, IGCSE Mathematics is a fully examined course which encourages the development of mathematical knowledge as a key life skill. This score is an impressive achievement for Carmen and a great honor for the College du Leman.

A North Broward Preparatory School student and alto saxophone player from Coconut Creek, Florida, William Bridges was recently selected from a group of 1,000 high school students nationwide to play in this year's GRAMMY Jazz Combo. He was one of only five student musicians to participate in the Combo and walked the red carpet at the 53rd annual GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 13, 2011.

Every February, the music departments from each Meritas school convene in Tempe, Arizona to perform together at the Meritas Music Festival, a tradition now in its fifth year. Middle and high school students experience live performances while taking the opportunity to meet other students from the greater Meritas network. They also participate in master classes facilitated by leading industry professionals.

At Meritas schools, students are encouraged to pursue literary opportunities that blend their personal interests and classroom learning. A model of Meritas student success, Victoria Garcia Ramirez, a 2nd grade student at Instituto San Roberto in Mexico published her first book through Editorial Font entitled "I Imagine Things… Because I Picture Myself There" this school year. At just five years old, Victoria began writing the collection of ten English and Spanish stories and drawing accompanying illustrations. Francisco Hinojosa, a well-known children's author, presented the book at this year's International Book Fair, hosted by Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM).

Another example of collaborative, student achievement can be found at Windermere Preparatory School in Windermere, Florida, where the middle school literary magazine, Voice, has received an award of excellence by the National Council of Teachers of English, for the second year in a row.  The student publication was chosen out of more than 400 entries around the country.

Each December, middle school students from every Meritas school descend upon Orlando, Florida to complete in the Meritas Games. Students from across the globe at Leman International School in Chengdu, China participated for the first time and joined their sister schools to compete in basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, track, tennis, swimming, and the newly added flag football. Meritas believes that participation in sports promotes character development and strong leadership skills. Rancho Solano took home the coveted Meritas Cup.

"The 2010 Meritas Games was the best event we have had so far, with over 450 students competing, having fun, and getting to know their peers from all over the world," said Meritas Vice President of Athletics Danny Haney. "The addition of some new athletic events and evening activities really added to the overall experience for each student. We are already in planning mode for next year's event and look forward to continuing this exciting, one-of-a-kind event."

About Meritas

Meritas is a worldwide family of college-preparatory schools that provides highly personalized education to more than 11,000 K-12 students at our nine schools across the globe. Meritas dedicates itself to helping each student reach their highest potential, both academically and socially. Meritas student's go on to become critical thinkers and ethical leaders who succeed at their top-choice university and contribute to society throughout their lives. For more information, visit www.meritas.net.

SOURCE Meritas