Burnsville High School women leading the way in STEM, two more students receive recognition for computing abilities

Burnsville High school junior Zakia Essa and freshman Julia Osmolski have been selected as Aspirations in Computing Award Honorees through the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT), in partnership with the Minnesota Aspirations in Computing Awards (MNAiC) year-round program. 

Julia and Zakia were two of 43 students in Minnesota to receive Certificates of Distinction. Both students received this honor for demonstrating an evolving interest, aptitude and commitment for computing – indicating that they merit recognition and entry into the AiC Community.

“Julia and Zakia are both passionate and driven to excel in the work they do in the computer science class,” said Cindy Drahos, technology education teacher. “Their attitude and openness to learning and sharing their knowledge with other students make them so worthy of their awards at the state and national level. I see great opportunities for both of them as they pursue the field of computer science.”

Earlier this year, seniors Alexis Bunnell and Maria Pena Chavez received awards for their passion and work in the STEM field. Alexis was chosen to be the 2021 student honoree speaker at this year’s awards ceremony. You can watch her presentation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG0sZ_oOjxc. 

The team of STEM award-winners created a video to inform and inspire their peers to get involved in STEM. [Watch video]