Boothbay Region High School held its 2016-2017 fourth quarter Renaissance Awards last Friday, Sept. 1. The awards acknowledge students who have exceeded in performance in the classroom.

German language teacher Ingrid Merrill — Frau Ingrid to her students — presented awards to Isabel Harkins and Mason Erhard for first and second place, respectively, for an essay contest held by the Interact Club.

“The contest is held by the Interact Club for the eighth graders towards the end of their school year,” said club secretary Lilley Harris. “The task has changed from year to year, but always has to do with bettering our community, which is something the Interact Club is very passionate about. This past year (2016-17) the students were asked to write an essay on a problem in our community and how they would fix it.”

Harkins’ essay concentrated on the need for more art programs at BRHS while Erhard’s essay focused on the need for a proper running track. First and second place participants are awarded $100 and $50 respectively as donations to their favorite charity.

Perfect attendance for the fourth quarter of the 2016-17 school year went to Ashley Ames, Lauren Barclay, Colin Campbell, Jacob Echols, Hannah Gentry, Lilley Harris, Alexandria Lane, Joseph Lane, Edward Rines, Savannah Sedivy and JoAnna Shaw.

Alexandria Lane, Joseph Lane and JoAnna Shaw won awards for perfect attendance for the entire second semester, with Shaw winning an award for perfect attendance for the entire academic year.

Ethan Barter and Stephen Bennett won merit awards for freshman science. Tim Chappelle won a merit award for recent history and literature, Gabby Boord for honors English 10, and Jamie Major for CP English 10.