Ayenna Cagaanan, a freshman at Fort Dodge Senior High, was honored at the University of Iowa for earning an ACT score in the top 1% nationally as an 8th grader. She received a $2,000 scholarship from the university. Cagaanan excels academically and in debate, and hopes to study abroad and pursue an international career in the future. The school board will recognize her achievement at their upcoming meeting.

1. Fort Dodge Community School District
Our Schools. Our Community. Our Pride.
For Immediate Release
12/09/2010
Contact: Ashton Newman
Fort Dodge Community School District
Director of Communications and Community Relations
515.574.5668
anewman@fort-dodge.k12.ia.us
Senior High Freshman, Cagaanan, Receives University of Iowa Academic Honor
Fort Dodge, IA - Ayenna Cagaanan, freshman at Fort Dodge Senior High, was among 535 students from across Iowa
and the nation honored at the University of Iowa Belin-Blank Recognition Ceremony October 17, in Iowa City.
The annual recognition ceremony is an opportunity to acknowledge students who earn scores in the top 1 percent
of the Belin-Blank Exceptional Student Talent Search, or who are selected to one of the Belin-Blank scholarship pro-
grams. Cagaanan is a recipient of both.
The Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development is an international full-service gifted education
center at the University of Iowa’s College of Education.
As an 8th grader, Cagaanan’s ACT score was among the top 1 percent in the country. The ceremony acknowledged
her outstanding academic achievement and awarded her a $2000 scholarship to the University of Iowa.
Each student honored was given the opportunity to select a teacher or individual who has had a profound impact
on them. Cagaanan recognized her Cooper Elementary, Talented and Gifted teacher, Janet Singer.
“Surprisingly, at Cooper I wasn’t much of a reader, but she [Singer] helped me to explore a lot of different topics,”
said Cagaanan who scored her best in reading on the ACT.
Cagaanan said she gets her academic drive from herself and the support of her parents. She has not decided where
she will continue her education after high school. In the meantime, she plans on taking advanced placement and
college courses at Senior High, while also studying for the ACT which she plans to take again as a sophomore.
“I am aiming to score higher than my older brother,” said Cagaanan with a smile.
Cagaanan chose to attend Senior High after middle school because of their large class selection, advanced classes,
and activities.
“I am able to excel here,” said Cagaanan. “Debate group has also helped me to explore world issues and look at
things without a bias.”
Central Administration Office
104 South 17th Street • Fort Dodge, IA 50501
515-576-1161 • Fax 515-576-1988
www.fdschools.org An Equal Opportunity Employer

2. Fort Dodge Community School District
Our Schools. Our Community. Our Pride.
Senior High Freshman, Cagaanan, Receives University of Iowa Academic Honor
11/30/2010
-Page 2-
Born in the Philippines, Cagaanan said her family places a lot of emphasis on academics. Her international back-
ground has fueled her interest in learning about world cultures. In the future, she plans to study abroad and work
in an international career, but at only 15 years old, Cagaanan is in no hurry to decide her future. Currently, she is
enjoying high school, debate, and playing the piano.
The Board of Education will recognize Cagaanan for her achievement at their 6 p.m. meeting on Monday, December
13.
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Central Administration Office
104 South 17th Street • Fort Dodge, IA 50501
515-576-1161 • Fax 515-576-1988
www.fdschools.org An Equal Opportunity Employer