STUDENTS: Schools recognize March high-achievers,
Tuolumne County schools have announced Students of the Month for March:
Lilliana “Lily” Fox, second grade, Belleview Elementary — Lily, the daughter of Jennifer and Tucker Fox, of Tuolumne, “is a hard worker and kind friend,” said her teachers. “Lily is always respectful to her peers and teachers. She is always on time, and working hard and working independently. She is a kind student who is always helping others. She is a great student to have in class. (We are) proud of her hard work and the kindness she shows every day.”
Bella Smith, fourth grade, Chinese Camp Science Academy — Bella Smith, the granddaughter of Debra and John Smith, of Jamestown, “is creative, industrious, and loves to learn about animals, food, and nature,” said school staff. “She has a keen eye for details when observing the world around her. She is kind to others and can count many of her peers as her friends. I especially enjoy her hard work in two subject areas: In math, where she strives to complete her work quickly and correctly, and in reading, where she is currently at 300% of her AR reading goal, which is amazing! We are proud that Bella is part of our Dragon Family.”
Jeremiah Schatz, fourth grade, Columbia Elementary — Jeremiah, the son of Hana Nevarez, of Columbia, “is an intelligent, honest, and funny student who always adds great insights to classroom discussions,” said teacher Katie Pelfrey. “He is always trying to do better and has grown so much as a student. He is a great kid and he has a bright future.”
Isabella Wickman, eighth grade, Connections Visual and Performing Arts Academy — “Isabella joined Connections Academy this year and has been a fantastic addition to our program,” said school staff. “Academically she has been tremendous, earning straight A’s throughout the school year. All of her teachers have been impressed with her performance this year. Her math teacher had the following to say: “She has a quiet persistence. Isabella’s calm demeanor is an absolute asset to our classroom environment.” Mr. Johnson says “Isabella has been a diligent worker since day one and has done an exceptional job all year.” Mrs. Alomia commented that “Isabella is so kind, respectful, and has a very funny, undercover sense of humor. She is always willing to start discussions and answer questions. She is a hard worker and an absolute star!” We are looking forward to having her in high school next year.” Isabella is the daughter of Susan Wickman, of Tuolumne.
Trevor Baughn, 12th grade, Connections Visual and Performing Arts Academy — “Trevor has matured tremendously since his freshman year at Connections,” said school staff. “Academically, he has always been solid, maintaining an impressive 3.91 cumulative GPA. He was instrumental in our robotics team and his passion in that area was evident to all. His band teacher commented that Trevor has been a committed band member since his freshman year. A member of Orange Crush and Zero Hibernation Jazz band, he has made HUGE strides in his four years at Connections. Our film teacher Mr. Bainbridge said Trevor is consistently contributing to class discussion and delivers original and quality work for his projects. After graduation, Trevor will be heading off to the University of Advanced Technology (UAT). He will be dual majoring in Game Design and Game Programming and we wish him the best.” Trevor is the son of Bill and Trin Baughn, of Sonora.
Landon Neese, sixth grade, Curtis Creek Elementary — “You can count on Landon to do the right thing,” said teacher Merv Cancio. “Besides being a hard worker and trying his best with school work, he would make a great neighbor when he grows up. He exhibits character traits that exemplifies our rural lifestyle: friendly, kind, and helpful to others. He enjoys playing baseball. He is looking forward to the school band starting up again. He plays the trumpet, trombone, and drums. His quiet demeanor and humility is a refreshing quality for a sixth-grader.” Landon is the son of Victor and Samantha Neese, of Soulsbyville.
Gage Rodia, 12th grade, Dario Cassina High — “Gage is a respectful student who has excellent attendance and consistently earns the majority, if not all of his credits,” said counselor Eric Knapp. “I highly recommend him for student of the month.” Gage is the son of Robert Rodia and Christine Melvin, of Sonora.
Mikael “Misha” Pashchenko, 9th grade, Don Pedro High — Misha, the son of Val Pashchenko and Olga Guchek, of the Don Pedro area, “is liked by all his teachers, staff and peers,” said school staff. “He always shows interest in other students and helps when he can. Misha’s willingness to try new activities and make new friends is an admirable trait. He is consistently polite to everyone and always shows up to school with an upbeat positive attitude.”
John “JT” Lang, 11th grade, Gold Rush Charter — JT, the son of Emily Lang, of Sonora, “has demonstrated a development of metacognitive skills that I don’t often see in teenagers,” said teachers Mark Lynch and Alison Schult. “He thinks about how he is going to approach tasks in class and the strategies that work best for him to accomplish those goals. He is always respectful and friendly to his classmates and is genuinely a good kid to have in class. JT has an exceptional attitude about school and is kind to his peers and teachers. JT is also very helpful, as he will often tutor his peers and carry paper and files back-and-forth for his teachers. Additionally, JT has maintained a 4.0 GPA this entire school year, and as an 11th-grader, he has already fulfilled his algebra requirements. JT never has to be asked or reminded to complete his schoolwork and homework.”
Scarlett Werner, fifth grade, Hickman Charter — Scarlett, the daughter of Jake and Trisha Werner, of Sonora, “is a student that every teacher dreams to have,” said teacher Sarah James. “Every morning, she greets each adult with a smile, eye contact and a hello, and is the first to offer help in any situation. In class, Scarlett is focused and engaged on every task. Her school work is completed with care and with her best effort. She is musically gifted and can sing while playing the piano. In every aspect of her life, she is self-motivated and always willing to step out of her comfort zone. For all these reasons and for being an amazing student she was chosen for student of the month.”
Riley Bray, sixth grade, Jamestown Elementary — “Riley has shown an unwavering dedication to learning,” said teacher Adrian Nickols. “She is determined to figure out the problem in front of her and doesn’t hesitate to ask for help in class or after school. With such a willingness to learn, there’s no doubt in my mind that she will achieve her goal of becoming a veterinarian or anything else she puts her mind to. But her dedication to learning goes beyond her own interests as she regularly goes out of her way to offer help to her classmates. Riley is a hardworking student and a kind person.” Riley is the son of Anthony Anderson and Krystal Bray, of Jamestown.
Nate Smith, fifth grade, Mother Lode Christian — “From day one, Nate has established himself as a leader among his peers for everything that is good and right,” said teacher Stephanie Torok. “Whether it’s hard work, following school rules, demonstrating sportsmanship, or building up others, Nate stands out. His cheerful, flexible spirit is a wonderful addition to his brilliant mind and caring heart. He is an inspiration to all who know him.” Nate is the son of Dan and Julie Smith, of Sonora.
Sarah Bowman, 12th grade, Sonora High — “Sarah Bowman makes Sonora High School a better place,” said counselor Stacy Kroeze. “Her bright smile can be seen around campus, and her positive attitude and strong work ethic inspire other students to improve. Additionally, Sarah shines on the stage. She has taken on various roles in the past few drama productions at Sonora High School and she has wowed the crowd! Her total commitment on stage has the audience in hysterics. We are proud to call Sarah Bowman a Wildcat!” Sarah is the daughter of Pam and Brian Bowman, of Sonora.
Jack Berg, eighth grade, Soulsbyville Elementary — “Jack comes to class every day with a kind, positive, and helpful attitude,” said teacher Mike Skutches. “He asks me how I am and is often happy to jump in to help when something needs to be done. Jack participates consistently in class. I am so glad to have him as one of my students.” Jack is the son of John Berg and Jamie Berg, of Soulsbyville.
Daniela Arenas, 12th grade, Summerville High — “Daniela is among the top students attending Summerville High School,” said Deputy Principal Stephen Sweitzer. “In fact, she has earned straight As every semester. Along with her excellent performance in classes, Daniela participates in our student government and helps do our morning announcements for school each day. Daniela is also a member of the academic decathalon team who recently won the regional competition. When asked about Daniela, her teachers responded with the following comments: Daniela is such a kind, conscientious student. She is hardworking and thinks of others before herself. She is the perfect student! Summerville High is proud to have Daniela Arenas as our student of the month.” Daniela is the daughter of Jose and Jen Arenas, of Sonora.
Scott Dougherty, 12th grade, Tioga High — Scott, the son of Bob and Dawna Dougherty, of Groveland, “is at the top of his class not only in terms of his GPA, but also in the deepness of his thought, the breadth of his interests and in his commitment to doing his work well. Competitive by nature, he was an avid basketball player until current events made that impossible, but he was a team player for Academic Decathlon, not only competing for himself but working with his classmates to help them also find success by taking leadership in class, by making presentations and by helping his classmates stay focused and, most importantly, by becoming immersed in the subject matter. While planning a career in business rather than in liberal arts, Scott has been very successful in AP English literature. He applies himself; he thinks through the various levels of meaning and makes connections to other works of literature and the world at large — he brings his wide-ranging interests and commitment to excellence to all his classes. Scott has been accepted to the University of Arizona where he intends to study sports business.”
Emily Knoles, transition, Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools Office
— “Emily is a kind and compassionate student, and she is a joy to have in class,” said teacher Amy Belding. “She is always trying her hardest and does so with a positive attitude. Emily does a wonderful job of uplifting those around her with an encouraging smile or uplifting word. Emily is always willing to help others in the classroom. It is an honor to select Emily as a student of the month.” Emily is the daughter of Tom Knoles and Darla Barton, of Tuolumne.
Chloe Brown, second grade, Twain Harte Elementary — Chloe, the daughter of Naomi and Mike Brown, of Sierra Village, “is an amazing student who always does her very best,” said teacher Kelly Mcgraw. “She is an enthusiastic learner who always goes above and beyond in all tasks. She is an excellent writer and reader and also excels at math. She is a great role model for other students by being helpful, respectful and a good friend.”