Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Armstrong selected as STEM top student
DOWNINGTOWN » Downingtown STEM Academy graduate James Armstrong was selected by school officials as the top student.
Armstrong will attend the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in the fall semester. He graduated from STEM earlier this month.
Below are his accomplishments:
DECA (an international organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management).
• He was selected as DECA Student of the Year 2018 (top state honor and scholarship).
• He ranked in first place at the state competition for Automotive Marketing Services event and recipient of Pennsylvania Food Merchants Scholarship.
• International finalist, top exam, top role play and ranked fourth place world-wide at the International Career Development Conference and he was awarded the national NAPA scholarship.
• Founding member and chapter president at STEM Academy; grew membership tenfold.
• Elected State Officer representing the largest region in Pennsylvania.
• Organized chapter, regional and state-wide fundraising for Alex’s Lemonade Stand raising more than $15,000, including raising $1,000 in a “miracle minute.”
• Coordinated and led DECA workshops and conferences, and developed business partnerships.
• Recipient of Philadelphia 76er’s scholarship.
University of the Sciences Healthy Lifestyles Social Media Competition – ranked first place (2017).
Created an online media campaign and developed a mobile music therapy “app” called Adagio.
• Awarded a $2,000 cash prize and a $5,000 scholarship to University of the Sciences.
Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (2017) he was selected as Company CEO and graduation speaker at the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry Youth Leadership Program (2016-17).
Benchmark Federal Credit Union $4,000 scholarship recipient (2018).
• Epee fencer (advanced from unrated to B in 18 months after starting at YMCA).
• Selected to USA Fencing All American First Team-for superior skills, excellent leadership and sportsmanship.
• Selected to USA Fencing All Academic First Team recognizing the highest academic achievement for fencers.
• Member of Zeljkovic Fencing Academy in Willow Grove, PA.
• Compete at North Atlantic Cups, ROC, RJCC Tournaments and Summer Nationals.
• Member of University of Pennsylvania Division I Fencing Team in Fall 2018.
Solo Piano Performance
• Studies classical piano under Dr. William Carr, Steinway Artist and Chairman of the Music Department at Immaculata University.
• Selected to perform in Vienna, Austria with the Golden Key Music Festival.
• Performed four times at Carnegie Hall (three times solo and once with the STEM String Orchestra).
• Performed solo at Lincoln Center.
• First prize winner at Triumph Music Festival (2017), Performance at Academy of Music, Philadelphia.
• Benefit Concert at Children’s Hospital.
Bearness for Awareness Service Project collecting and delivering 2000 stuffed animals to hospitals, shelters and OHAAT for children. Helped OHAAT deliver beds, mattresses, bedding and stuffed animals to children in Center City Philadelphia.