'Prompt,' Cordial,' 'Inspiring,' 'Brave' — October 2013 GHS Students of the Month

Thomas O’Brien, Grade 12

Nominated by Tim Pease

My student of the month is Thomas O’Brien. It is with great honor and respect that I nominate Thomas O’Brien as our Physical Education student of the month. This is the first time I have had Thomas in class. It did not take me long to see the great characteristics and the leadership of this outstanding young man. They were evident the first day I met him. Thomas leads by example. His actions and passionate approach to achieving a goal are inspiring and contagious to those around him. He attacks each challenge with vigor and determination. Thomas’s work ethic, coupled with his no-nonsense approach has earned him respect from his peers, teachers, and coaches at Geneva High School. He has demonstrated in a short time, a high degree of character and integrity. These characteristics have continued to develop and mold Thomas into an outstanding young man. Thomas recently injured his knee. Knowing what I know about Thomas, the injury picked the wrong person. Thomas will attack this recovery period and be back to normal in no time. Thomas O’Brien simply gets it done.

Tyler Schleicher, Grade 12

Nominated by Mark Flodstrom

Tyler Schleicher is my student of the month because he is the epitome of what I look for in a student. Tyler is prompt, cordial, pays attention to detail and clarifies questions he may have, if necessary.  My class is 100% hands on and requires the students to work both as a group and independently. Students need to stay focused not only because of safety concerns in using equipment and power tools, but also because my classroom is based on introducing the students to working conditions outside the walls of a classroom. Tyler not only takes the lead, but will show others by example. Tyler uses what we have learned and builds on it in taking the next step in the building of the project. If I am leading a small group of students, I can count on Tyler to show absent students what they missed, what they need to do and how to do it. Tyler will clean up his work station, put away tools and help others who may need it when class has ended. Tyler is a young man that will succeed in whatever he chooses to do in life.

Madelyn Juby, Grade 12

Nominated by Brian Burns

I am pleased to nominate Madelyn Juby as October’s Student of the Month.  Madi has been in two of my classes, and in each she has been at or near the top of the class.  Madi is quiet; she does not draw attention to herself, but her intellect and inquisitiveness cannot be ignored. Her academic future is as bright as any student’s here at GHS.  When we do our daily vocabulary words, Madi is the safety valve every student counts on.  To date, she has not missed a single word, with possibly one exception. In addition to her mastery of vocabulary, Madi is a prolific reader, and, with a little coaxing, she is happy to discuss what she is reading.  While so many classmates are pondering another novel about narcissistic teenage vampires, Madi has her nose in the classics. With this basis, I have no doubt Madi will make a significant contribution in the academic world.  Madi is also a connoisseur of fine music; ask her what she has playing on her iPhone and be prepared to be impressed by her eclectic tastes.  As stated before, Madi does not draw attention to herself.  She may “fly below the radar” as the saying goes, but her dedication and excellence are undeniable.  For these and many other reasons, I am happy to nominate Madi Juby as October’s Student of the Month.

Alyssa Hensley, Grade 12

Nominated by Martha Behlow

I am delighted to nominate Alyssa Hensley as student of the month for French.  Alyssa is currently a student in French V Advanced Placement, as well as the Co-President of our French Club, and her newest responsibility is as a member of the Executive Council of the French Honor Society, la Société Honoraire de Français.   Alyssa has an unfailingly optimistic outlook, a willingness to dive into our coursework, and a bravery in using her French as much as possible in class.  She is coordinating our French Club activities this year with that same level of energy and enthusiasm, and is a fantastic model for students in lower levels of French.  This is the third year I’ve had Alyssa as a student in my French classes, and the fourth year that I’ve worked with her as a club member and club officer, and she is an absolute delight, as charming as she is dependable!  She brings kindness and compassion along with humor to our class.

Lizzy O’Loughlin, Grade 12

Nominated by Roxanne Curtis

It is my pleasure to nominate Lizzy O’Loughlin as my Choral Music Student of the Month.  Lizzy moved to Geneva her sophomore year and was eager to join choir, but she was very unsure of her singing capabilities and was a hesitant participant in rehearsals.  Even so, through diligence, hard work, and practice, she has earned the title of Soprano Section Leader and become an exceptional musical role model for her peers.  Most recently, she volunteered to help me with the annual choir robe fittings, a task which is extremely time-consuming and tedious.  She recorded the garment numbers and helped with student sizings, saving me a great deal of rehearsal time in the process, for which I am eternally grateful.  This young woman has matured into an outstanding ensemble member, and I am so pleased with her progress as a singer!  I feel most fortunate to have Lizzy in my Concert Choir, and I am extremely proud of her today!

Luis Gonzalez, Grade 9

Nominated by Jen Schwartz

I am pleased to nominate Luis Gonzalez as the October Student of the Month for Mathematics.  Luis is a freshman enrolled in Algebra I.  Having taught Algebra I for many years, I know that freshmen often find it difficult to transition to the high school and adapt to the rigor that is inherent in a high school mathematics course.  Luis has had no difficulty making that transition.  He enters class every day eager to learn and I am impressed by both his work ethic and motivation.  He is attentive and engaged throughout the entire lesson and I appreciate the questions that he asks.  Luis asks questions to clarify content and also poses insightful questions that lead to a deeper understanding of the concepts.  These inquiries spark lively class discussions; thus, every student benefits from his participation.  In addition, Luis thoroughly completes every homework assignment and demonstrates understanding by asking about the finer nuances of the problems the next day in class.  His attention to detail, inquisitive nature and enthusiasm will serve Luis well in Algebra I and all future endeavors.

Miranda Mannarelli, Grade 9

Nominated by Alyssa Hayden

It is my pleasure to recommend Miranda Mannarelli for student of the month. She started off the school year a reserved participant in class, but it has been wonderful to see her blossom into a confident leader. Miranda consistently shows an unwavering strong work ethic and positive attitude. She regularly goes above and beyond the expectations set for her. Her work ethic and attitude translate outside of the classroom too as Miranda is a valuable member of the athletic training team. Even with her commitments to extra-curricular activities, Miranda continues to excel academically. Miranda’s dedication to excellence makes her a role model to her peers, and an example of what it means to be a Geneva Student of the Month.

Rebecca Koskiewicz, Grade 9

Nominated by Brad Wendell

Due to her academic performance in Modern World History, Rebecca Koskiewicz is a well deserving Student of the Month.  Throughout the first unit, Foundations of the Modern World, we studied the early civilizations to assess the influence they still may have on our world today.  During this unit Becca earned 98% of the points possible for the unit.  Her near perfect work reflected pride, attention to detail and a high level of thinking.  This was specifically apparent in her written responses. Becca consistently answered complex historical questions in a clear and concise manner well beyond her years. Her obvious understanding of the historical concepts and her ability to write makes her work easy and satisfying to read. Beyond her academic performance, Becca is a nice young lady who is a pleasure to have in class.  Although she is not always vocal, her observable effort and ability make her a model student and the October Student of the Month for Social Studies.  

Jacob Glyzewski, Grade 9

Nominated by Tom Anderson

Jake Glyzewski is my choice for student of the month because of his positive approach in biology class every day.  In addition to being a model student, Jake has a natural aptitude for science.  He is always engaged and asks thought provoking questions.  I look forward to Jake’s interesting questions and comments during class.  Jake has an uncommon curious nature.  This curious nature coupled with his aptitude for science makes him excellent lab student.  He has done an outstanding job with the labs so far this year.  He often takes the lead during a lab and helps other students in his lab group when necessary.  I look forward to working with Jake throughout the school year.