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RIDGELY – Shari Macario is a senior at North Caroline High School. She is the current Vice President of the Spanish Honor Society and the Leo Club, as well as a member of the National Honor Society and the schools’ pool of news anchors. She chairs the NCHS Student Government Association’s Spring Fair committee, volunteers for Martin’s House and Barn food pantry, and spent last summer helping out with Caroline County Public Schools’ summer meal distribution program. Macario now gets to add Emerging Scholar to that long list of accolades, as she was chosen as one of 24 students across Maryland to receive the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education’s Emerging Scholar award.
Macario has lived in Caroline County her entire life. She got involved with the Next Generation Scholars program at NCHS, which provides support for hopeful first-generation college students. Through her experiences with Next Generation Scholars, she learned about the Emerging Scholar award, and applied for consideration. “I believe my involvement in my community, both in school and out of school, allowed me to be chosen for this award,” she said, “Receiving [it] means that my dedication and service involvement aren't going unrecognized.”
Macario and the other awardees were recognized at a state-wide event in February. She said that meeting those fellow scholars was her favorite part of the event, because she “liked seeing how each person is different and unique in their accomplishments.”
After graduating this Spring, Maracio plans to attend college to major in nursing. “After obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I plan to specialize in Intensive Care Unit nursing. Then I plan on pursuing a Master's or doctoral degree in nursing,” she said, “My experience with the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education has helped me by encouraging me to speak to others and find opportunities.”
For those starting high school soon, Macario’s advice for success is as follows: “high school will go faster than you think, so make sure to find what your passions are and what you like… focus on your schooling, keep up good grades, and join clubs that may interest you…Speak for yourself and what you want. School is always first. Yes, clubs and extracurriculars are important, but make sure to focus on your grades…Build a routine and schedule to help you stay organized. You will find what you like.”
Macario especially wants her younger peers to know that “If you are first-generation and feel like you don't have support, you do! There are specific clubs and organizations, like Next Generation Scholars and Trio Upward Bound, that can help you figure out what you want to do. They will help you learn about colleges and higher education, presenting you with opportunities.”
“Speak with your counselors, don't be afraid to reach out; they will help you. Everyone is capable of doing a lot; just put your mind to it and set goals,” she added.
