Brian Benitez, Our Student of the Week

Student of the Week: Brian Benitez, 12 years old

School: Stripling Elementary School, 5th grade

Accomplishments: When Brian first arrived in teacher Joanie Hess's classroom, he, like all students, had some areas in which he could improve.  Brian and his parents worked with the staff at Stripling Elementary to devise a plan that would enable him to reach his highest level of learning.

Brian's teacher says she has witnessed the miraculous transformation of her student as he has become a conscientious, driven, goal-setting and achieving individual.

Brian routinely scores the highest in the classroom on assessments in ALL subject areas and has reached the academic excellence she said she knew all along that he was capable of achieving. 

He recently scored in the area of Exceeds on the Georgia State 5th Grade Writing Test.  Brian also was tested and qualified for the Focus Gifted Program at Stripling.  He now attends gifted education classes in the areas of Science and Math.

Rotarians look to honor people who exemplify and foster a feeling of goodwill and understanding through their ethics, service, and fellowship.  Brian is blossoming into exactly that kind of leader. 

He uses his bilingual skills to help non-English speaking students in the classroom.  His teacher said she can count on him to communicate important information that she would have difficulty with due to language barriers. 

He very often takes on leadership roles in small group projects and activities by making suggestions and organizing the group to achieve the desired outcomes.  Students want to work with him, because they know if Brian is on the team, they will experience success.

Brian also serves as his class representative to the Stripling Elementary Student Council.  His fellow classmates voted him into this leadership position.  He is known around the school by students and teachers alike, and his huge, friendly smile is welcoming to all.

Brian Benitez has touched the hearts of many during his years at Stripling Elementary said his teacher who says it is most appropriate that he be honored as the upcoming leader of tomorrow. 

Ms. Hess said she looks forward to hearing of the great things that Brian will achieve in the future and she will carry a great sense of pride knowing that Brian achieved such exponential growth and is honored to call him, her "Miracle Student.”