GHS April Students of the Month

Geneva High School has many outstanding students. Here are the Students of the Month for April 2013.

Elise Watson, Grade 12
Nominated by Sophia Michelak

For my student of the month, I chose Elise Watson. I have had the honor and joy of being Elise’s P.E. teachers for the last four semesters. Elise brings this unbelievable positive energy to class every day which makes my job that much more enjoyable. She is hard working, enthusiastic and creative in my class. She is very easy to work with and gets along well with all students. Elise will truly be missed next year and my class will not be the same without her. Good luck in all you that you do, Elise!

Grace Cerny, Grade 11
Nominated by Mary Limberis

It is with great pleasure I nominate Grace Cerny as this month’s “Student of the Month.” I have only known Grace this school year as a student of Anatomy and Physiology, but in that short time I have come to learn that this quiet, unassuming, smiley young person has much to offer the world. Grace has many endearing qualities, but the one that stands out to me is simply her kindness. Both in and out of the classroom, I have witnessed her positive energy and cheerful spirit affect those around her. She genuinely cares about people, and in a world where many are looking out for themselves, Grace happily gives to help others without question or consequence. She stands up for what she believes in, and for that, she should be applauded and celebrated!

Courtney Lardas, Grade 11
Nominated by Senorita Gina Manson

When choosing a student of the month, there are many names that come to mind, but none are more deserving than Courtney Lardas. I have had Courtney in class for three years now. My journey with Courtney started her freshman year in Spanish 2, and it has continued with Spanish 3 and Spanish 4.  Throughout these three years, Courtney has proven herself to be an extremely positive, hard- working, and intelligent girl.  Courtney has an impressive work ethic which will undoubtedly carry her far in life and her cheerful and kind- hearted nature further add to the great student that she is. I know I can count on Courtney to work to the best of her ability with anyone in class at any time, and she always does so in the utmost positive manner. I have seen Courtney grow an incredible amount not only in her Spanish skills, but also as a person, and I am grateful to be able to give her the recognition she truly deserves.

Jamie Maher, Grade 11
Nominated by Pat Frederick

It is my pleasure to recognize Jamie Maher as the Music Department’s Student of the Month. Each and every day, Jamie enters my classroom with a positive attitude, a creative soul, and an unselfish team spirit. She can always be counted upon to be respectful, responsible, prepared, helpful, and focused during rehearsal, making working with her a genuine pleasure. 

Recently, Jamie earned the position of principal clarinet in the pit orchestra for the GHS production of Fiddler on the Roof. This particular musical involves some of the most technically and musically demanding solos available for clarinet, but Jamie proved that she was more than equal to the challenge. Her hard work and dedication were evident at every rehearsal, and her performances were nothing short of stellar.

I am so proud of Jamie and the growth that she has shown as a musician. The love, care, and effort that she brings to her craft make her not only an outstanding performer, but also an invaluable asset to our entire band program and an excellent role model for her peers. Bravo!  

Jacob Kochniaczyk, Grade 10
Nominated by Joanna Hogan

Jacob Kochniaczyk is my Student of the Month because he is just about the nicest kid I’ve ever met. He came into my class this semester due to a schedule change and I have told him many times, he radiates sunshine. He is not just polite, but “old school” polite. He says “yes, ma’am” with a big smile on his face; always makes me smile. He is thoughtful and courteous toward others in class; never sarcastic, flippant, or rude. I have not met many teens that so display this level of sensitivity and emotional maturity so consistently. I believe he possess a unique and sincerely concern for the world around him, and while he is young, only a sophomore in high school, Jacob will make the lives of those around him and the world we share, a better place just by being in it.

Erin Hayes, Grade 9
Nominated by Lori Dowd

I have chosen Erin Hayes to be the English Department’s student of the month for April. Although I am fortunate to have many, many amazing students in my freshman and sophomore English classes, Erin is truly exceptional. Not only does she clearly have a passion for the subject matter, and a terrific work ethic, her enthusiasm has greatly enhanced the class. Before the class bell even rings, Erin — often daily — will draw on the board some illustration which ties into the story with which we’ve been working. Reflecting her positive attitude, those simple drawing reflect insight about the works and help keep the rest of the class entertained and engaged. Other students have even followed her lead and will occasionally contribute their own drawings. Erin’s positive, sharing attitude makes her an outstanding English student and my choice for the department’s student of the month.

Kaitlyn Wessel, Grade 9
Nominated by Bryan Ketter

Kaitlyn is my choice for student of the month. Kaitlyn is an excellent social studies student who brings a happy go lucky attitude to the class every day.  On top of having a great attitude, Kaitlyn is a big part of the entire class’s learning experience. Kaitlyn asks excellent questions during almost every class period.  Students in my classes are asked to participate every day, and with some students I have to initiate that participation, but not with Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn’s questions are frequently about things I have not covered, or not adequately covered, which means they are helpful to everyone.  On top of Kaitlyn’s great discussion performance, Kaitlyn maintains a great letter grade, and although this is very important, it is Kaitlyns intellectual curiosity which will help her to continue her academic success here at GHS, in college and most importantly in life. 

Nicholas Burgwaldt, Grade 9
Nominated by Mark Flodstrom

Nick is my selection for student of the month because he always comes to class on time and ready to work. He listens and follows directions in the lab and will stop to ask questions if he is unsure of the task at hand. He always does his very best and his projects reflect that. Nick is a respectful, responsible and conscientious young adult.

Samantha Reattoir, Grade 9
Nominated by Anna Zahn

Sam Reattoir is my student of the month because she always comes to class with a positive attitude and ready to learn. Sam realized during the first few weeks of school that Algebra IA was not going to be enough of a challenge for her and chose to transfer into my Algebra I class. It seemed it was more difficult than she was anticipating at first but throughout the year Sam has developed excellent study habits that have helped her to bring her grade up.  She has been a hard worker in my class since the day I met her and has not been hesitant to put in as much time as she needs before and after school to master the material.  She is an extremely diligent student who is always putting forth her best effort and asking excellent questions in class. There has not been a day this year where I have seen Sam get discouraged or have a negative attitude. She brings a smile and enthusiasm to everyone in my class each day.

SOURCE: Geneva School District 304