INDIANAPOLIS — Forty high school seniors from throughout Indiana have been named 2011 Indianapolis Star Indiana Academic All-Stars, including Warsaw’s Zac Erba and Triton’s Sarah Stichter. The all stars were honored at a luncheon Wednesday at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indiana-polis. In addition, 46 other students were recognized as Academic All-Star Regional Honorees, including Wawasee’s Mattia Rostochak. The students were selected from a field of 170 outstanding nominees from the state’s private and public accredited schools. All-Star distinction recognizes seniors who excel in the classroom first and foremost, but who also are actively involved in their schools and communities, and take on leadership roles in those activities. The program is produced by The Indianapolis Star, the Indiana Department of Education, and the Indiana Association of School Principals. This year’s presenting sponsor was Marsh. Each nominated student submits an essay recognizing his or her most influential educator. For the past several years, Franklin College has sponsored two Influential Educator Awards and this year honored Reitz Memorial (Evansville) math teacher Rebecca Nimnicht, who has recognized by All-Star Ryan Schultheis, and Park Tudor social studies teacher Margo McAlear, nominated by All-Star Richard Ni. Each teacher received $1,000. Each public and private high school accredited by the Indiana Department of Education may nominate one senior for consideration as an Indianapolis Star Indiana Academic All-Star. From these nominees, a selection committee chose the Regional Winners and the 40 All-Stars.
