Every year, Bowie holds a special tradition that allows teachers to recognize seniors who have made a lasting impact throughout their four years at Bowie. Students are selected for their unique qualities and personality making them stand out among their peers.
This contest is called Who’s Who, and the students who are selected get their portrait hung in the library. Teachers are able to nominate their students each year to give them a chance to be voted for the final group of seniors. Teacher and content interventionist, Wendy Uzzle has a large role in these nominations and makes this recognition possible for seniors.
“The Who’s Who award recognizes 24 outstanding seniors who have made a deep impact on our campus,” Uzzle said. “They have set themselves apart by breaking records, starting new programs, changing the direction of clubs or programs, or as amazing leaders.”
Although the nomination and voting process has changed over the years, the award has always focused on recognizing students who make a strong impact on the Bowie community.
“The award was created the first year Bowie was open, and has been the award that only faculty decide on. It is given regardless of grades or academics,” Uzzle said. “So it is open to all students. The nomination and decision process has changed over the years, but the goal has always been for faculty to nominate, vote for and decide the winners.”
Senior Roman Jacobs was a recipient of the Who’s Who award this year. He has found pride in the traits he possesses which have gotten him here
“Being nice to everyone, being open minded for sure and not judging people at all and making an effort to be nice to everyone,” Jacobs said. “I always make an effort to communicate with others and ask how their day is as well as keeping the school really clean, and I always try to be a leader for others whether it’s working hard in sports or just working hard in the classroom.”
After graduating high school at the end of May, Jacobs has plans to further his education overseas.
“After I graduate I’m hoping to go overseas and study business administration, so that’s my definite goal right now,” Jacobs said. “I just applied to a school in Prague so hopefully I get in there.”
Another recipient of the Who’s Who award this year was senior Joaquin Flores, a student who has made a strong impact at Bowie through his involvement and connections with others.
“I believe I had the honor of being recognized with the award from the contributions and impact I’ve had at Bowie throughout my time here,” Flores said. “A key takeaway that I take pride in was my connection to my teachers I’ve had throughout my time at Bowie. I’ve learned many things from them that I will take on with me, and I don’t take any of it for granted. I am extremely grateful for having these people in my life.”
As Flores looks back on the impact and relationships he built during his time at Bowie, he is now preparing to take those experiences with him into the next chapter of his future.
“After graduating this spring, I will be attending Purdue in the fall,” Flores said. “I will be majoring in engineering with the hopes of declaring for Aero/Astro engineering.”
