By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

A SOPHOMORE student at Marianas High School, Jayce Emmalin Cucal Jurado, has been recognized for her superior academic achievements and was accepted into the National Society of High School Scholars.
The society recognizes top scholars in the nation and invites only students who have achieved academic excellence.
Jurado was informed of her selection by NSHSS founder and chairman Claes Nobel, a senior member of the Swedish Nobel family.
“On behalf of NSHSS, I am honored to recognize the hard work, sacrifice, and commitment that she demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence. She is now a member of a unique community of scholars that represents our very best hope for the future,” Nobel said in his letter to Jurado.
According to the society’s president, James Lewis, their aim is to help students like Jurado build on their academic successes and enhance the skills and desires to have a positive impact on the global community.
“Our vision is to build a dynamic international organization that connects members with meaningful content, resources, and opportunities,” Lewis said.
Membership in the society entitles qualified students to enjoy a wide variety of benefits including scholarship opportunities, academic competitions, free events, member-only resources, publications, participation in programs offered by educational partners, online forums, personalized recognition items, and publicity honors.
“I am happy and I didn’t expect it,” Jurado told Variety yesterday, adding that she has no idea who nominated her.
Her mother, Yolly Jurado, said her daughter’s honor serves as an “inspiration” for the family.
Jayce Jurado is very active in school and community activities that enhance her academic skills.
She recently finished second in the district-wide Democracy Essay contest sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and received various awards during the thespian and math court competitions.
Jurado is also active in school theater productions.
Formed in 2002, the National Society of High School Scholars recognizes academic excellence at the high school level and encourages members of the organization to apply their unique talents, vision, and potential for the betterment of themselves and the world.
Currently, there are more than 150,000 society members representing 15,000 high schools in nearly 20 countries.
NSHSS has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships since its inception four years ago.