Thirty-seven years ago, high school seniors from throughout Indiana were the first to be named Indiana Academic All-Stars. This year the program received 276 outstanding nominees from the state’s private and public accredited schools.

Academic 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. Additionally, 50 other students recognized as Regional Academic All-Star Regional Honorees. 

From these nominees, a selection committee chose the Regional winners (representing five regions in Indiana) and the 40 Indiana Academic All-Stars.

Union County High School Senior Carly McCashland is one 0f the 40 Indiana Regional Academic All-Stars.

The IASP Indiana Academic All-Stars program salutes academic excellence in the same manner that student athletes traditionally are honored. By providing a showcase for academically talented seniors, the sponsoring organizations hope to accomplish the following objectives:

•Give academic achievement the prestige it deserves;

•Motivate students to recognize the value of academic excellence;

•Provide students with an incentive for academic achievement and

•Promote a positive image of Indiana’s young people.

Selection of the school’s nominee is based upon the following considerations:

•Student transcript, with a focus on Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, International 

•Academic achievements and honors, academic courses and academic extra curricular activities. Carly included Volleyball, Basketball and Track and Field Teams, where she was All-Conference player along with other outstanding awards in each. Carly is a Summa Cum Laude 3.9 GPA student, vice president of Student Council, member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Liberty FFA, National Honor Society, and Unified Sports Club.

•Other extracurricular activities, community service and leadership qualities. She is a 4-H Yes Grant recipient, UC Epic Award for Volunteer work, and Lilly Endowment I-Star Student. She is First Aid and CPE certified and enjoys babysitting. To date, Carly has 200 hours of community service to use for graduation - Union County High School requires 40 hours to graduate.

To say Carly McCashland is qualified is an understatement and the Indiana Academic All-Star Program reinforced that statement at the Indiana Academic All-Stars program on April 2 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom, Downtown Indianapolis.