Student at Pickering Campus In Phoenixville Wins Good Citizen's Award

PHOENIXVILLE, PA —Gianna Sangiacomo, a senior from the Technical College High School Pickering Campus, has been recognized for embodying good citizenship.

Sangiacomo, a student in the carpentry program, was awarded the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen’s Award, an award celebrating a student nominated by their school who exemplifies the traits of a good citizen.

"I try to be an advocate for everyone and be everyone’s friend," Sangiacomo said. "I try to be nice and caring because even when people seem happy, they can be going through a lot on the inside. So, I try to be a good example of something I want in my life."

Nominated students provide information about their high school activities, volunteer participation and a description of how they have exhibited the qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism.

The students have two hours to write an essay with no reference materials.

After the essay is completed, three judges read the essays and evaluate the nominees’ overall grades, activities and recommendations.

A winner is selected from each of the competing schools.

Teachers react

Gianna’s success is celebrated by her teachers and everyone else in her school community.

Heather Mulford, social studies teacher, described Sangiacomo as a joy to teach.

“She always has a smile on her face, is kind to her peers, and has a laugh that brightens everyone's day,” Mulford said. “ Gianna has a sense of personal responsibility that has impressed me since the day I first met her.”

Shelia Bowman, a mathematics teacher, reflected on why she nominated Sangiacomo for the award.

“It was with great pleasure that I nominated Gianna for the DAR Good Citizen’s Award,” Bowman said. “ Gianna is a great leader amongst her peers. She is dependable, trustworthy and hardworking regardless of the situation. Her positive, selfless and kind personality is a great addition to any setting.”

Sangiacomo’s success comes as no surprise to Lauren Critelli, school counselor.

“Gianna is more than deserving of this award,” Critelli said. "She has been through a lot in the past few years, and she continues to persevere. She is a bright young woman with so many talents and so much to offer. While she was hesitant to apply, I think she now sees that this was a great opportunity and that she is capable of more than she realizes.”

Sangiacomo's post-graduation plans include going to college and participating in an internship where she can be involved in interior design. Though her success is a pleasant surprise for her, the faculty who supports her expects even greater things to come.