West Essex Middle School Announces Students of the Month

West Essex Middle School Principal Vee Popat and West Essex Middle School Assistant Principal Lisa Tamburri have announced the school’s four Students of the Month for March.

Every month, West Essex Middle School selects four students to be recognized and honored as the Students of the Month. Two students from each grade are selected, and the selection for each month comes from one academic team at each grade level. Cross-teamed students are not neglected and are included in the selection process.

According to a release, to be selected as a Student of the Month, the middle school staff decides to base candidates and selections on a review of the “whole” student, not just the student with the best grades. Character traits such as honesty, perseverance, responsibility, integrity and leadership as well as a student’s academic qualities are included in the selection process.

Honored students have their pictures displayed in the middle school display case outside of the main office and on the middle school website. Honorees are also recognized during the morning announcements and receive a certificate recognizing their accomplishment, a “Student of the Month” locker magnet and a $5.00 Student Store Gift Card.

The school released some facts about March’s Students of the Month, which are reprinted here.

7th Grade Students of the Month

“Juliana Hanna is a naturally gifted young woman with profound knowledge of all subjects. She is always prepared for class, works significantly well with her classmates and actively participates in class. She is always willing to go above and beyond for all classwork, homework, projects and assignments, making her a model student. Juliana, a resident of Fairfield, also enjoys playing soccer.”

“Chase Morrone is a wonderful student who is extremely hard working, participates with enthusiasm, and acts as a role model for the rest of his peers. He demonstrates leadership qualities and is always willing to help his classmates out when needed. He adds significant value to the classroom both academically and socially. Chase, a resident of Fairfield, enjoys playing tennis. He said he is proud to follow his older brother Cole, a sophomore at West Essex High School, who was also named Student of the Month in the seventh grade.

8th Grade Students of the Month

“Jessica Mintz has had an outstanding year in all of her classes. She is hard-working, conscientious and determined to search tirelessly for the correct answers. She is deeply involved in extra-curricular activities and she has vast respect of her peers. Jessica, a resident of North Caldwell, plays clarinet in the Middle School Concert Band and also plays the piano. She plays soccer and runs track for West Essex.”

“Teddy Press is a bright, inquisitive young man who doesn’t let anything stop him from getting to the truth or the solution. He is an excellent writer, and is a leader in classroom discussions. His depth and devotion make him not only one of our most motivated students, but a role model for all students. Teddy, a resident of North Caldwell, plays the piano and is a member of the boys’ Middle School vocal group Knights Out. Teddy also plays lacrosse for the Middle School team and is a member of the Ski Racing Team at Mountain Creek where he specializes in the giant slalum. He is a member of Boy Scout Troop 856 in North Caldwell and the Middle School Student Council. Teddy also plays the French horn in the Middle School Concert Band.”

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