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2011- 2012 Student Recognition (Archive)
The Student Recognition Program is designed to recognize students for their exemplary academic efforts, community service, citizenship, athletics, volunteer service, etc. If students are nominated for a reason besides academics, they should have demonstrated at least average academic effort, good school attendance and good discipline.
To nominate a student, please complete the nomination form under PDF Documents on the right. Fill out and click on the Submit Form button. The form will be emailed to the Communications office and we will submit it for consensus to your school principal. If you have problems submitting the form online, hard copies should be submitted to your principal and then forwarded to the Communications office.
Thanks to Tammy Dodderidge for pictures and news releases.
KCK Board of Education Honors Students of the Month
The Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education honored four students as Students of the Month at their meeting on May 22, 2012: (back row, from left) Alex Alvarado, F.L. Schlagle High School; Vanessa Sanchez, Central Middle School; (front row, from left) Natalia Young, J.F. Kennedy Elementary School; and Paw Wah, Quindaro Preschool.
"The little girl Paw Wah from Quindaro preschool has changed us ... not just as teachers, but as people. She came to us with many obstacles in her life in every area. The obstacles make things very challenging for her, but she is determined and has made so many accomplishments already. We know no matter what she faces, she will overcome and succeed!" Sincerely, Karin Rettinger & Bernadette Bray, Preschool Teachers & Michele Garrett, PreK Teacher Leader
"Natalia Young is an outstanding student and citizen. She is encouraging and kind to her peers. As a team decision, we felt like Natalia was the student that could best represent our school this school year. She is an exemplary scholar here at John F. Kennedy Elementary School!!" Sincerely, Dawnyel McCollum, Teacher, Cherl Owens, Nurse & Canise Salinas, Principal
"Vanessa Sanchez is one of the hardest working students we have ever taught at Central Middle. Vanessa is also a very sweet and compassionate girl. She never has a problem working with someone in a group . She is an asset to any class and she always has a smile on her face!" Sincerely, Karen Rodgers, Robin Kraus, Mark McVay, Jerome Bobbitt, Cindy Siefkas, Barbara Nave, Kathy Drumwright, & Wanda Paige, Teachers
"Alex Alvarado, senior from F. L. Schlagle is a remarkable story of transformation. He was born in Denver, Colorado but due to negative influences in his life, relocated to Kansas in 1999. He had a very rough childhood and lived in foster care. He came to F. L. Schlagle in March of 2011 and that is when more of the transformation took place. I will share with you tonight how proud I am of Alex Alvarado and how he excels and people admire him. Poetry and God keep him balanced." Sincerely, Dave Oland, Teacher
– May 25, 2012 News Release
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KCKPS Students of the Month Recognized
Members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education recognized April Students of the Month at the April 24, 2012 Board of Education meeting. Students honored were (back row, from left) Stacie Brooks, Washington High School, Ted Bynum, Arrowhead Middle School; (front row, from left) Alexandria Radford, Stony Point North Elementary School; and Eduardo Moya; Morse Early Childhood Center.
Congratulations to April Students of the Month for the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools.
Eduardo Moya, preschooler at Morse Early Childhood Center was nominated by Christine Baird, At Risk Teacher & Jennifer Bruns, Special Education Teacher. Eduardo is a kind, caring and sensitive friend towards his peers. He readily helps anyone who needs assistance, especially those that are new to the classroom or have a disability. As a result of his social progress, Eduardo has made outstanding academic gains. He has marked enthusiasm for learning and we are proud to have him in our class.
Alexandria Radford, kindergartener at St. Pt. North Elementary School was nominated by Christy Martin, teacher. Alexandria comes in every morning with a smile on her face and a good attitude. She brings such a happy spirit to our classroom! Alexandria is very helpful to her classmates as well as myself. She is a hard worker and very responsible. She pushes herself to do quality work in the classroom. I want to recognize Alexandria so she can see that hard work and a good attitude really DOES pay off.
Ted Bynum, 7th grader, Arrowhead Middle School, was nominated by Denise Stafos, Social Studies Teacher, Denise Dixon, Math Teacher, William Brame, Theater Teacher & Debate Coach, Jan Isabell, Science Teacher, & Michael Rebne, Reading Teacher. Ted is an extraordinary student because he always puts that extra special touch of his to each assignment. It doesn’t matter if the assignment has little credit value, or if it is a project that will affect his grade a lot because he will always do his best. Ted is humble, has a sense of humor, and is able to critically think at such a high level that he rarely loses an argument in debate. Ted deserves this award for the quiet way he does what he is supposed to do, day in and day out.
Stacie Brooks, 11th grader at Washington High School was nominated by Chuck Watson, Art Instructor & Jr. Advocate. Stacie impresses all her teachers with her quiet drive and gentle demeanor every day. Stacie is a spot of calm in a sea of daily chaos and has more friends than she realizes probably because she is so gentle and sweet to everyone. Stacie does everything that is asked of her and goes the extra mile to get good grades. I would like to nominate her for student of the month.
– April 27, 2012 News Release
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KCKPS Students of the Month Recognized
Members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education recognized March Students of the Month at the March 20, 2012 Board of Education meeting. Students honored were (from left) Davia Gladney, Quindaro Preschool; Van Rem, J.C. Harmon High School; and Brooke Blanchard, Stony Point South Elementary School. (Not pictured: Miriam Villegas, Central Middle School).
Congratulations to March Students of the Month for the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools.
Davia Gladney, preschooler at Quindaro Elementary, was nominated by teachers Julie Fletcher, Jessica Harck and para educator Debbie Byers. Davia is a very special preschool student that is an inspiration to all of us at Quindaro Elementary. After some struggles early on, Davis has now become a leader and role model in our afternoon preschool class. She gives us all a most important lifelong lesson in that you can do anything, as long as you set your mind to it.
Brooke Blanchard, 2nd grader at St. Pt. South Elementary was nominated by teacher, Stephanie Sorenson. Brooke is an outstanding second grade student who is worthy of the recognition of student of the month. She is an exceptional student who is always eager and ready to learn. She is one of the nicest students I have had the privilege to teach! She is always attentive and on task, and works towards her fullest potential. She is also a role model for her fellow students.
Van Rem, 11th grader at J. C. Harmon High School, was nominated by Anita House and the ESL Team. From the very first day, she has been an eager learner who wants to excel at everything she does. Besides being a wonderful student, Van strives to help her fellow students understand the lesson in whatever class she is in. The team of teachers that have Van agree that she is a highly motivated student.
Miriam Villegas, 7th grader at Central Middle School, was nominated by teachers Stephen Gaughan, Danny Long, Alison Voma, Emilee Rose, Kelli Henry, Jodi Reno, & Wanda Paige. Miriam Villegas is a wonderful young lady. She is a great pleasure to have in class and can brighten anyone's day. She is very intelligent and always pushes herself. We have no doubt that whatever she sets her mind to that she will succeed.
– March 21, 2012 News Release
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KCKPS Students of the Month Recognized
Members of the Kansas City Kansas Board of Education recognized February Students of the Month at the February 28 Board of Education meeting. Students honored were (from left) Ryan Curtiss, Central Middle School; Mariah Elmore, F.L. Schlagle High School; Alizea Appleton, New Stanley Elementary School; and (front, middle) Omarion Cheatom, KCK Early Childhood Center.
Congratulations to February Students of the Month for the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools.
Omarion Cheatom, preschooler at the KCK Early Childhood Center, was nominated by teachers Dorothy Betts and Karen Ramsey; paras Maralyn Robinson and Evette Ozkan; and secretary Renee Madden. Omarion is truly a special child. Some of his leadership skills consist of helping another student get safely to his bus, allowing children to go before him in the lunch line and at the drinking, and making sure his classmates are accounted for when his class transitions from the playground back to the classroom. He is always polite and mannerly. He is also very intelligent. He is eager to learn new things and does not forget what he has learned.
Alizea Appleton, 5th grader at New Stanley Elementary School, was nominated by teacher Cindy Moore. Alizea is a very dedicated student. She has great attendance and is very responsible. She takes pride in her work and often times goes above and beyond what is expected of her. She was on the Principal's Honor Roll for the first quarter. She is Student Council president and a member of the Safety Patrol. She plays violin and made the All City Honors Orchestra. Alizea is a model student who sets high expectations for herself.
Ryan Curtiss, 6th grader at Central Middle School, was nominated by teachers Karen Rodgers, Jerome Bobbitt, Mark McVay, Cindy Siefkas, Barbara Nave, Robin Kraus, Kathy Drumwright and Wanda Paige. Ryan is more than the ideal student. He strives to achieve his best in everything. He takes the task of school and of improving seriously. He is one of the most respectful and mature 6th graders we have encountered in all our teaching years. He eagerly shares in class discussions with thoughtful and interesting comments. He has excellent leadership and teamwork skills.
Mariah Elmore, 12th grader at F.L. Schlagle High School, was nominated by teacher Keith Jones. In her four years at Schlagle, Mariah has blossomed into a dynamic talent in Schlagle's journalism department. She has found her niche in the department's video production program. She is available with expertise and is always willing to help. She has very good grades and works hard to get everything done. She recently was involved in the creation of a public service announcement for public television that focuses on the prevention of cyber-bullying.
– February 29, 2012 News Release
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KCKPS Students of the Month Recognized
Members of the Kansas City Kansas Board of Education recognized January Students of the Month at the January 24 Board of Education meeting. Students honored were (from left) Lesly Sosa, Whittier Elementary School; Holly Ratliff, J.C. Harmon High School; and Darrena Bagley, Eisenhower Middle School.
Congratulations to January Students of the Month for the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools.
Lesly Sosa, 4th grader at Whittier Elementary School, was nominated by Gerry Garcia, teacher. Lesly is a student you can always count on. She is consistently on target academically and behaviorally. She works very hard to accomplish her goals. Lesly is also very compassionate, can be depended on to help and takes initiative to make our building a great place to learn.
Darrena Bagley, 7th grader at Eisenhower Middle School, was nominated by Marjorie Riggio, school nurse; Joyce Wade, secretary; and Mary Mikijanis, teacher. Darrena is a bubbly, vibrant student who is an inspiration and role model to both students and staff. She has such a positive outlook and says it is her goal to get "straight A's." She is a joy to know and have in class. Her warm smile is contagious to all those around her. She is truly our hero and our role model.
Holly Ratliff, 12th grader at J. C. Harmon High School, was nominated by R. Steve Howard, teacher. Holly is a dependable, motivated young lady who has the drive to be successful at whatever she attempts. It has been my pleasure to work with Holly in Student Council, at which she serves as the president. Her resume reads like a list from Who's Who, but she always finds time for others. She helps tutor her classmates and younger students. She has the ability to make others feel important.
– January 25, 2012 News Release
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KCKPS Students of the Month Recognized
Members of the Kansas City Kansas Board of Education recognized four students as December Students of the Month at the December 13 Board of Education meeting. Students honored were (from left) Alexis Covington, Silver City Elementary School; Bruce Saccucci, West Middle School; and Joseph King, Washington High School.
Congratulations to December Students of the Month for the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools.
Alexis Covington, 2nd grader at Silver City Elementary School, was nominated by her teacher Lynell Sadeghi. Alexis has worked very hard to make changes for the better. She started the year by interrupting instruction by talking and not paying attention. She has made a 360-degree turn. I can count on her to serve as a role model as she not only pays attention, but also participates regularly in class discussions, is well-focused on her work and is showing responsibility for learning.
Bruce Saccucci, 7th grader at West Middle School, was nominated by Shelly Beech, principal. Bruce is one of those students whose mere presence impacts all of those who come in contact with him. Bruce is a learner who understands the importance of hard work. Each and every day you can find him working diligently in his classroom. He wants to make the most of each day and will be quick to tell you what he is learning and why it is important. Bruce is not only an example of a good student, but he is also a leader in his classroom. He keeps other students on track with his enthusiasm and involvement in the classroom. He simply does what is expected and continues to be the best student he possibly can.
Joseph King, 12th grader at Washington High School, was nominated by teacher Gayle Kebodeaux. As a sophomore, Joey did not particularly buy into the educational process. Fast forward two years and now as a senior he was elected by his peers as president of the National Honor Society. He is a mature, driven and wonderful young man who leads his fellow honor students. NHS was not a student-run organization before Joey took the helm. He completed his entire requirement for community service over his summer vacation. He is the idyllic candidate for student of the month. This normal, not quite mature student has developed into a leader whom we can be proud to call a "soon be graduate" of Washington High School.
– December 15, 2011 News Release
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KCKPS Students of the Month Recognized
Members of the Kansas City Kansas Board of Education recognized four students as November Students of the Month at the November 22 Board of Education meeting. Students honored were (back row, from left) Brytani Anderson, 11th grader at J.C. Harmon High School; Cierra Littlejohn, 8th grader at Argentine Middle School; (front row, from left) Christian Scruggs, preschooler at Morse Early Childhood Center; and Kevin Lor, 3rd grader at Silver City Elementary School.
Congratulations to November Students of the Month for the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools.
Christian Scruggs, preschooler at Morse Early Childhood Center, was nominated by teachers Tricia King and Sherri Johnson, para Tracy Holliday, and speech pathologist Marcia Hurt. Christian was born without any arms and only one leg but this does not hold him back from doing anything in the classroom. He loves playing and interacting with the other children and is more than willing to help when he is needed. He is an inspiration to everyone at Morse.
Kevin Lor, 3rd grader at Silver City Elementary School, was nominated by his teacher, Megan Mejia. Kevin went from typically scoring below proficient throughout kindergarten and first grade, to really improving his assessment scores. I have seen such a drive and determination in him to succeed. Kevin passed all his checkpoint assessments so far this year and continues to grow and improve daily. His behavior is excellent. He is always on-task and is always putting his maximum effort into his work.
Cierra Littlejohn, 8th grader at Argentine Middle School, was nominated by her teacher, Selina Smith. Cierra’s excellent attitude is reflected in the work she does. She puts excellent effort into every task. When she doesn’t do well, she seems eager to improve. Cierra is a very dependable student. She possesses great self-discipline, accepts responsibility and is a wonderful role model and citizen.
Brytani Anderson, 11th grader at J.C. Harmon High School, was nominated by her teacher, Steve Howard. Brytani has a magnetic personality and likes to work with others. She has volunteered as a tutor and even has been paid to help other students. She is a member of the National Honor Society, ranks number one in her class and takes advanced classes. Brytani is a highly motivated young lady who is dependable, trustworthy and reliable.
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– November 28, 2011 News Release
KCKPS Students of the Month Recognized
Members of the Kansas City Kansas Board of Education recognized three students as October Students of the Month at the October 25 Board of Education meeting. Students honored were (back row, from left) Fua Her, 8th grader at Coronado Middle School, Wendall Mitchell, 12th grader at Washington High School, and (front row) Ke'Von Black, 2nd grader at Hazel Grove Elementary School.
Congratulations to October Students of the Month for the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools.
Ke'Von Black, 2nd grader at the Hazel Grove Elementary School, was nominated by teacher Christi Brown. This was his first year at Hazel Grove and he jumped in head-first and started the school year off with zeal. He is polite, follows the rules and leads his peers by example. He methodically and meticulously completes assignments, making sure that every single portion is the best he can do.
Fua Her, 8th grader at Coronado Middle School, was nominated by teacher Barbara Green. Fua is all about doing what is right so he can get better at learning all he can. He works hard in the classroom and out. He is well organized and this makes it easy for him to keep up with and complete assignments. He is also on the Coronado Robotics Team. He went to Kansas State and placed third with the Sumo event.
Wendall Mitchell, 12th grader at Washington High School, was nominated by Chuck Watson, art instructor, and Chris Green, band director. He has an overall upbeat and goal-oriented attitude at school. He is an advocate student and is always willing to bring things back to the seminar table when they get off track. As a member of the Washington High School Band and music department, he is continuously working to improve his musicianship and influences those around him. He takes great pride in the band and their improvement.
– October 26, 2011 News Release
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KCKPS Students of the Month Recognized
Members of the Kansas City Kansas Board of Education recognized four students as September Students of the Month at the September 27 Board of Education meeting. Students honored were (back row, from left) Capria Cannon, 8th grader at Arrowhead Middle School, Claudia 'Karina' Rivera, 12th grader at J.C. Harmon High School, (front row, from left), Candie Caldwell, 2nd grader at Banneker Elementary School, and Mildred Casillas, preschooler at the KCK Early Childhood Center.
Congratulations to September Students of the Month for the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools.
Mildred Casillas, preschooler at the KCK Early Childhood Center, was nominated by educators Linda Leavell and Melissa Keuchel. She started school in the district at age three at the Early Childhood Annex. She continues to be academically strong and exceeds checkpoint goals. She frequently translates between the other students who speak Spanish and their teachers. She is a leader and the other students look up to her.
Candie Caldwell, 2nd grader at Banneker Elementary School, was nominated by her teacher Dr. Carol Pitchlyn. Candie is a model student. She aims high academically and takes the time to help her classroom peers excel as well. She is always courteous and respectful toward adults, modeling appropriate classroom behavior before her classmates.
Capria Cannon, 8th grader at Arrowhead Middle School, was nominated by her teacher Michael Rebne. Capria is a student who has risen to the expectations put to her by her 8th grade teachers. She routinely gets her homework done for each and every class, every single evening. She helps build a climate of kindness and respect with the warmth she shares with adults and classrooms. Despite extraordinary challenges, Capria rises to the occasion both inside and outside of the classroom and is a great example of Arrowhead Middle School.
Claudia 'Karina' Rivera, 12th grader at J.C. Harmon High School, was nominated by her teacher R. Steve Howard. Claudia is a very goal oriented and hard working student. She is an honor roll student, plays volleyball, soccer and is a member of the Student Council and LINK program. She has a personality that sets her apart from others. She is very caring, sincere and treats everyone special. She is a dependable and motivated young lady who has a drive to be successful.
– September 28, 2011 News Release
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Schlagle Student Preparing for National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Danielle Stegall is not afraid of speaking in public. In fact, she rather enjoys it. This will be an advantage to her as she prepares for possibly the biggest presentation of her life.
The F.L Schlagle High School senior is a finalist in the 2011 Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. The event will take place October 6 in New York City.
The competition brings together top students from throughout the nation who will present individual business plans they created in their high school classrooms. Students will be judged by a panel and the student with the top plan will be awarded $10,000 in venture capital. Danielle is one of 30 students to make the nationals, and the first student from the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools to advance this far in the competition since it began in the district six years ago.
"I didn't know this would be as big as it has become," Danielle said. "I just thought of this as a project that we get a grade for in class."
Danielle's business plan is called "Amusement Park GPS" and it is exactly that. She believes that amusement parks need GPS systems to help park goers navigate their way to rides and attractions easily.
Having taken many trips with her family to theme parks, including Walt Disney World in Florida, she has experienced the frustration of getting lost while trying to visit the many attractions.
"We would go and never be able to find our way around the park," she recalled. "We would go in circles and were always losing each other."
That's when she came up with the idea, which she shared with her mom. When she found out this year in her business plan class that she would be required to create a proposal for a start-up business, she remembered her idea and put it down on paper.
In preparation for the national competition, Danielle will be fine tuning her business plan with the help of Vernon Birmingham, a Youth Entrepreneurs of Kansas program advisor who works with several school districts in the metro area to implement and carry out the business plan curriculum. Danielle also will be making presentations around the community to practice for the big event.
Does she think she has a shot at winning the top prize? Definitely.
"I have a lot of people standing behind me and supporting me," she said. "And I know that with their help, anything is possible."
– August 25, 2011 News Release
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PDF Documents:
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Each month during the school year, an elementary, middle and high school student will be recognized at a meeting of the Board of Education. Nominations may be made by students, teachers and school-based administrators.
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