Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • March 29, 2024 17 Congratulations to Matthew Simpson, who has been named a Finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Only about 15,000 students in the United States and territories achieve this honor which also qualifies him for a number of National Merit Scholarships. Originally from Columbia, Missouri, Simpson’s family relocated to Diamondhead. He attended St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School and is the son of Drs. Samuel and Janet Simpson. Simpson entered St. Stanislaus in the seventh grade and has consistently excelled in the academic arena. He holds a weighted grade point average of 4.4 and scored a 35 on his most recent ACT. As a junior he scored five’s -- the highest score possible -- on the AP Biology, AP US History, and AP English exams. He is currently enrolled in AP Calculus, AP English IV, AP Government, Chemistry II Honors, and Physics Honors. Simpson is an accomplished student who has been recognized each year on the President’s Honor Roll and earned memberships in the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. Additionally, he is a member of the SSC Regiment as a bass clarinet player. He participates in the chess club and in eSports. His future plans include pursuing a degree in Data Science at Mississippi State University. Simpson Celebrates National Merit Scholarship Finalist Juniors Ethan Cuevas and Rylan Fairley have received nominations to attend the Trent Lott Institute Pathways to Leadership Workshop in March. This workshop is designed to identify young people who demonstrate the potential to develop skills to take on leadership roles in society. Congratulations to Ethan and Rylan on their nominations and we wish them all the best on this exciting opportunity. Ethan Cuevas and Rylan Fairley Trent Lott Leadership Nominations The Soccer Rock-A-Chaws are the 2024 Class I South State Champions! The team scored two goals in the first four minutes of the game on February 13, which led to their 2-1 victory over the Sacred Heart Crusaders. Oren Doxy scored first and Abram Doxy followed shortly afterward with a second goal. The Rock-A-Chaws played with great determination in defense, and keeper Finn Williford held the Crusaders to a single goal. St. Stanislaus South State Champs Team Soccer South State champs The junior high Soccer Rocks won the District IV Division 2 Championship by defeating North Wool- market 1-0. Jackson Orozco scored the Rocks' goal and Liam McLendon recorded the shutout in goal. Congratulations to the team and Coach Monsalve for an outstanding season. Junior High champion soccer team Junior high soccer champs S t . S tanislaus C ollege , B ay S t . L ouis Pearl River Community College Commits Ian Rioz Gonzalez and Ethan Galloway Seniors Ian Gonzalez Rioz and Ethan Galloway have committed to Pearl River Community College. Rioz, who is a 6-foot-0, 155-pound quarterback, led his team to a 9-2 record by throwing for over 1,800 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,431 yards and scored 17 rushing touchdowns, leading his team to victory against Crystal Springs in the first round of playoffs with a game-winning kick return. Galloway is a 6-foot-0, 175- pound wide receiver and a favorite tar- get of Rioz. He caught 38 passes for over 700 yards and scored 8 touch- downs. Congratulations Rock-A-Chaws!