Soroptimist Club Recognizes 'Most Improved' Students From Area Schools

Students, parents, educators and members of Soroptimist International of Healdsburg gathered on Wednesday to honor ‘most improved’ students from area schools.

After a lunch of Mountain Mike’s pizza, salad and cookies, awarded certificates to eight schools. The focus was on middle school students, though that meant different grades for different schools. The eight students represented fifth, sixth and eighth grade students.

“We used to recognize high achievement,” said Soroptimist member Liz Thompson, “but the same students got all the recognition every time.

“Someone suggested ‘why don’t we change to most improved because those students are often overlooked,’” she continued. “We started this form of the program about 10 years ago.

“The teachers love the program since the change,” Thompson summed up.

Middle school students from Geyserville, Healdsburg, Alexander Valley and West Side schools are eligible for the awards which are teacher-nominated. The grade level depends on the configuration of the school involved.

“It’s nice to recognize the students who are improving,” said Paula Wurlitzer Soroptimist member. “It’s a great way to recognize those that have improved over last year, or the last couple of years.

“[It creates] proud parents, and it’s fun for the schools to see their students,” continued Wurlitizer.

“I had a really good math teacher at the Junior High, Robin Doherty” said awardee , eighth grader and Patch blogger. He admits to feeling more confident with math now.