Tomorrow, Regina Jessica Maxwell, a 2009 graduate of Notre Dame Preparatory in Scottsdale, will once again earn one of her college’s top academic honors, a Gold Star.

(Regina) Jessica Maxwell with her parents Brandon and Jill. (courtesy photo)
(Regina) Jessica Maxwell with her parents Brandon and Jill. (courtesy photo)

They’re presented to students at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, who achieve a 3.7 grade point average or higher during a semester. Gold Stars are worn on the collar of the cadet full dress and dress uniforms as well as the summer leave uniform.

Maxwell, who lettered in volleyball all four years at Notre Dame and served on two state championship teams with the Saints, is reportedly among the two highest ranked women in the corps and the 4th Batallion Academic Officer in charge of four companies of cadets. She is also a cadet seeking a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Maxwell is the only female Gold Star recipient from Arizona and one of two from the Grand Canyon State. This will be Maxwell’s third consecutive Gold Star Award. The Citadel will award nearly 395 Gold Stars during the military dress parade Jan. 25. The Citadel serves nearly 2,275 students.

Notre Dame Preparatory, like all Catholic schools in the Diocese of Phoenix, offer a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for college. Notre Dame, for example, offers 23 honors courses, 15 advanced placement courses, three dual enrollment courses and a Summa Cum Laude and Honors program.

Maxwell was an AIA Scholar-Athlete award recipient from 2005-08 and an All-American Scholar in 2008. She also made the Principal’s List and Dean’s List while at Notre Dame.

Don’t get too used to seeing Maxwell’s name around though. The criminal justice senior plans to be an FBI special agent and she already has an internship there. Hear more from her in this video interview posted on Notre Dame’s Facebook page.