The Churchill Observer received an All-American ranking from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) for last year’s publications.

The All American is the highest rating that the NSPA gives to a publication. To receive this ranking, the Observer needed to earn a total of 3,200 points or more, along with at least four marks of distinction.

In addition to earning 4,038 points, the Observer received four marks of distinction for leadership, coverage and content, layout and design and photos, arts and graphics.

Kramer, who is a founding member of the CHS Key Club chapter, was nominated by Principal Joan Benz.

“[Being named Youth of the year] is a confirmation that people have recognized what I’ve done,” Kramer said. Collins was nominated by the CEO of Bluemercury, Inc., a company for which she has interned for the past two summers. Collins has been involved in the local community throughout her high school years.

Additionally, she has been a longtime volunteer for the Potomac Chamber of Commerce, and last year, she created her own column in the Potomac Almanac newspaper in which she focuses on local high school life. She also co-founded a tutoring and mentoring program at Herbert Hoover Middle School where she works each week to help middle school students with their work.

“I am very honored to receive the award and look forward to continuing work within my local and school communities,” Collins said.

Crawford was crowned Miss Maryland Teen USA 2010 on November 1, 2009 and since her first pageant she has begun to travel around the state of Maryland and has had many public appearances.

After being crowned, Crawford has been working with many organizations including Girl Talk, is an organization founded by teenagers in order to inspire and mentor young and teenage girls, and Best Buddies, an organization for people with mental disabilities.

After the 2011 Miss Teen USA is announced next summer, Crawford plans to attend the University of Alabama and medical school to eventually become a dermatologist.

“After graduating, I realized that all of the drama, it’s just not that important,” Crawford said. “After you’re a senior and you go to college, you’re just another fish in the sea.”

Desai assisted office administrators, as well as surgeons and physicians, in the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department of the VAMC for eight weeks over the summer.

“Volunteering [at the Medical Center] was one of the most amazing experiences of my life,” Desai said. “I definitely plan to return next year and help provide care to those who have served.”

The Quill and Scroll Society also named the Observer as an International First Place Winner for Superior Achievement.

At the April 29 Awards Assembly, Principal Joan Benz called Fahimi, “an exceptional young lady who strives to do well and succeeds” and who “gives 100 percent every day in class.” Her English teacher said she is “truly a pleasure to teach.”