Students of the Month Schools’ high achievers named for January
Tuolumne County schools have announced Students of the Month for January:
Hannah Laine, fourth grade, Belleview Elementary
— “January’s Student of the Month is one that represents the total package a teacher looks for in both their classrooms and as a future member of the community,” said teacher Allen Aldridge. “She is kind, diligent, respectful, hardworking, and is generally wonderful to be around. It is with tremendous pride and an honor that I can say these things about Team 17’s very own Hannah Laine. Hannah has worked hard this year to improve her skills and abilities in several areas academically as well as showing genuine empathy and kindness towards everyone she interacts with at Belleview. Congratulations Hannah! Keep up the great work!” Hannah is the daughter of Lindsey and Kevin Laine, of Sonora.
Norah Gillum, fourth grade, Chinese Camp Science Academy
— “Norah is new to our school this year and has built a reputation for herself as a dedicated and conscientious student,” said teacher Linda Cazares. “If she has a challenging assignment, she intensifies her efforts to get the job done. She has come a long way in mastering her phonetic patterns and is quite the entertaining writer, where we can see her wry sense of humor shining through! Norah is a calm and quiet presence in the classroom, and her peers enjoy being around her. We are happy that Norah is part of our Dragon Family.” Norah is the daughter of Sarah and Joseph Gillum, of Columbia.
Autumn Renault, fifth grade, Columbia Elementary
— “Autumn is a young lady who strives to be her best,” said teacher Mary Bickley. “She holds herself and those around her to a high standard. When she doesn’t understand something, she asks for help — and this is not always easy for her. She is brave and thoughtful. She’ll work to get a tough job out of the way before playing, while striving to do her best. She always has a ready smile and a kind word, and she stands up for what she believes to be right.” Autumn is the daughter of Melinda and Dameion Renault, of Groveland.
Ane Tangitau, 12th grade, Connections Visual and Performing Arts Academy
— “Ane is an active member of Connections Academy,” said Kellen Ditler, grade level coordinator. “She portrayed Sally in our fall musical, “Snoopy.” Ane excels academically and is an exceptionally
talented visual artist. She is quick with a smile and is a kind and friendly student. Connections is proud to recognize Ane’s contributions to our student body.” Ane is the daughter of Mosese and Leilani Tangitau, of Soulsbyville.
Liam Boucher, fourth grade, Curtis Creek Elementary
— Liam, the son of Brittany Boucher, of Sonora, “is a kind, hard-working and determined young man,” said teacher Liz Burr. “He is engaged in his school work and always gives his best effort in everything he does. He has a kind, warm heart and is a good friend to all. Liam is an amazing fourth-grade student.”
Kassie Pender, 12th grade, Dario Cassina High
— “Kassie has attended Cassina HS for her senior year,” said counselor Eric Knapp. “Throughout her time here she has demonstrated what an excellent student looks like on a regular basis by regularly attending school and consistently turning in her coursework. She has
gone above and beyond by showing kindness and respect to her peers and staff. Due to her dedication to her school work Kassie will now be graduating early upon completing this block.” Kassie is the daughter of Allyson Henderson, of Soulsbyville.
Mathew Walsh, 12th grade, Dario Cassina High — “Mathew is an excellent choice for student of the Month,” said counselor Eric Knapp. “He is respectful to his fellow classmates and
teachers, he regularly attends school, and he will be graduating early due to his self-discipline and determination.” Mathew is the son of Shane Walsh, of Soulsbyville.
Logan Mcdaniel, third grade, Mother Lode Christian — Logan, the son of Mike and Karen Mcdaniel, of Sonora, “is a hard-working, cheerful, helpful student,” said teacher Chara Revord. “When things around him are different he dives in to meet the challenge. Logan has a
smile every morning and eagerly asks how he can help. His diligence has paid off academically, as well. He shows growth in every academic area. We are very thankful Logan is a third-grade student.”
Jack Conte, 12th grade, Sonora High
— “Jack Conte is one of Sonora High’s most remarkable seniors,” said Stacy Kroeze, counselor, and teacher Gretchen Birtwhistle. “He is an amazing friend, a respectful and kind student, a hardworking teammate and naturally a good human being. ‘Jack makes me believe in the future of the world!’ said Culinary Arts teacher Birtwhistle. Multi-talented, Jack is also a thriving Middle College student, a successful AP scholar and a three sport varsity athlete, competing in water polo, soccer and tennis. A joy to have in class or as a friend, Jack embodies all the qualities that best represent Sonora High School’s graduating class of 2023.” Jack is the son of Traci and Tony Conte, of Sonora.
Audrey Landaverde, third grade, Soulsbyville Elementary
— Audrey, the daughter of Carlos and Carly Landaverde, of Sonora, “is a wonderful student and kind friend to all,” said teacher Jason Coultrap. “Audrey always tries her best, and I know I can count on her to do the right thing. She’s a great friend and works well with all of her classmates. She is a joy to be around and I am privileged to have her in class.”
Sophie Williamson, eighth grade, Summerville Elementary
— “Sophie is a wonderful student and an all-around well-rounded young lady,” said Assistant Principal Heather Shepherd. “Not only does she excel at her studies, she is also very active on Student Council, participates in school sports, and on her own time extracurricular sports outside of school including soccer and softball. Sophie pays attention in class, adds to class discussion,and turns her work in on time. Sophie is a model citizen and shows respect to her fellow students.” Sophie is the daughter of Amy and John Williamson, of Tuolumne.
Richard Peasinger, fifth grade, Tenaya Elementary — “Richie is a pleasure to have in class,” said school staff. “He always tries his best and gets along with everyone. He has a kind heart and always adds great insight to classroom discussions.” Richard is the son of Mike Barnes, of Groveland.
Zackary “Zack” Clem, seventh grade, Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools Office — Zack, the son of Heather and Ed Clem, of Sonora, “is a true asset to our class and community,” said teacher Paul Nelson. “His hard work and commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to us all. I am constantly impressed by his ability to tackle any challenge that comes his way and his willingness to support those around him. He is a shining example of what it means to be a dedicated student and team player.”
Cyrus Cross, fourth grade, Twain Harte Elementary — Cyrus, the son of Jason Cross and Hailey Kimmel, of Sonora, “is a very dedicated student,” said teacher Shannon Fulkerson. “He takes pride in his work, is willing to help others, is patient, and consistently actively participates in class. He sets an excellent example for his peers by being engaged, kind, organized, helpful, respectful and trustworthy. Cyrus is a good friend to all and I know I can count on him to be fair should a problem arise. Overall, he is an amazing individual and I am so glad I get to be his teacher!”