Tara DSilva '21 Named Academic All-Star
Mount Saint Mary Academy Valedictorian, Tara DSilva '21, has been chosen as one of the 10 MyCentralJersey.com Academic All Stars for 2021. On June 13, both The Courier News and The Home News Tribune newspapers will salute Tara's accomplishments with publication of her stories. Tara's recognition will also be shared on the digital platform, MyCentralJersey.com.
Tara said, "It is a privilege to have been chosen as an Academic All-Star this year. I must thank the Mount for inspiring me to become the best version of myself. Throughout my time here, I have been uplifted by the supportive spirit of the Mount community. I received an outstanding education from my teachers, who have always encouraged me to challenge myself. With this foundation, I feel equipped to take on greater challenges. I believe that this honor reflects all the lessons I’ve learned these last four years."
In her letter of recommendation for Tara, Sofia Santos (then-Director of School and College Counseling) stated, "Watching Tara, one would never know the rigor of her schedule and the demands of her courses. Tara has a calm and cool demeanor and she makes it all look effortless. Students constantly ask Tara how she does it! Tara has greatness in her and a passion for what she studies. One teacher described her well, 'Tara has that combination of a positive attitude, resilience, and the belief that she can always improve.'"
Ms. Santos added "Tara has shown great initiative in learning and in her kindness toward others. She has pursued her interest in learning different languages of Spanish, Sanskrit, Mandarin, and Tamil. She has studied Spanish at the Mount, but has pursued her learning of other languages outside of school. During the pandemic, Tara realized she was able to continue her academic studies, but others may not have been as fortunate. Tara developed 'Sequoia Scholars,' offering group lessons in a variety of different academic disciplines, and contributed proceeds to the local town food bank. Another creation was Tara’s social media posts of 'Impacts in Isolation,' highlighting teens contributing to their communities in service which not only recognized these efforts, but allowed teens and young adults to be aware of volunteer and service opportunities they could still do despite the pandemic."
Joe Martino, News Director of the Courier News/Home News Tribune, said, "Please accept our congratulations and our wishes for continued success as you venture to college and beyond."
Tara will study anthropology in the fall at Princeton University.
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