County Executive Congratulates Straight-A Perry Hall Middle Students

Good grades don't go unrewarded at Perry Hall Middle School. 

On Thursday morning, County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, state legislators and school administrators congratulated students who achieved straight A's on their third quarter report cards. Sixth, seventh and eighth grade students, joined by their parents, also received a catered breakfast, candy and certificates of achievement. 

Out of the more than 1,500 students who attend the county's largest middle school, 168 were honored. "We tend to have about 140 to 150 per quarter ... This is the most we've ever had,"  said Ron Lebowitz of the school's guidance department. 

Victoria Oji, 13, said she worked especially hard for her grades this quarter. "I spent four days at the library working on a project ... and turned in all of my assignments on time," said Victoria, an eighth grade student.

Her father, Madumere Oji, a chemist, said he takes an active role in his daughter's education. "I do encourage her to perform to the best of her ability." 

"Events like this are as much for the kids as they are for the parents," Kamenetz said. "After all, the kids don't get here by themselves."

While speaking to students, state Sen. Kathy Klausmeier encouraged the children to thank their parents for support. "If not for them, you wouldn't be at this wonderful breakfast," she said.

Del. Eric Bromwell joked about his own years at Perry Hall Middle.

"Guess where I was 20 years ago?" he said. 

A member of the audience called out, "Right here." 

"Not at this breakfast," he responded, "I wasn't getting straight A's."

John Young, whose 13-year-old son, Jack, has received straight A's for the past three quarters, said the breakfast provides a worthwhile incentive. 

"His little brother will be starting sixth grade here next year—hopefully, it'll give him something to strive for," Young said.

But Jack said that the rewards of good grades extend far beyond the school breakfast.

"Everyone looks up to you when you start getting straight A's," he said. "Hard work definitely pays off and it gets easier as you go along."