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Student Recognition
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 and Susan Enloe for pictures and news releases.
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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KCKPS Board of Education Honors May Student of the Month
Tasha Jackson, eighth grade student at Argentine Middle School was recognized as May 2011 Student of the Month at the Tuesday, June 28 meeting of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education.
Tasha was nominated by her math teacher and family advocate, Kathy Rosenberg. In her nomination letter, Rosenberg wrote of Tasha's cooperative nature, work ethic, and appropriate behavior. "Tasha is willing to take part in all classroom activities and is willing to help peers as needed. She works well with her neighbors and shows pride in her work."
Since Tasha was unable to be present at the student of the month presentations in May, and Ms. Rosenberg could not be at the June meeting, Tasha was presented to members of the Board of Education by Jennifer Bosserman, reading teacher at Argentine. Bosserman told board members of Tasha's helpfulness in the classroom, and her love of reading. She also talked about a skating party when Tasha was just learning to skate, her trials, and her determination to learn — and she did!
Asked what she wants to do when she gets out of college, Tasha spoke of her love of Greek Mythology. "I think I'd like to study and learn more about Greek Mythology, then teach others about it!"
– June 28, 2011 Email to Media
KCKPS Awards Promise of Possibilities (POP) Scholarships
The Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education recognized eleven graduating seniors who were selected to receive the Promise of Possibilities (POP) Scholarships at their meeting on Tuesday evening, May 31.
Pictured are: Back Row (L-R): Ashley Doffoney, F.L. Schlagle; Jennifer Vasquez-Rodriguez, Wyandotte; Dorrian Porter, Wyandotte; Andrew D. Dawn, Washington. Front Row (L-R): Lydia Knopp, Sumner Academy; Hari Ghimire, J.C. Harmon; RiKayla Barnett, F.L. Schlagle; Erica McCoy, F.L. Schlagle; and Anissa Elena Martinez, Sumner Academy. Not pictured are Kimberly Frazier and Ivan Villagrana both graduates of Wyandotte High School.
The Kansas City, Kansas Public School District established a scholarship fund for current Kansas City, Kansas students. The scholarship is funded through revenue generated through soft drink machine sales. Scholarships in the amount of $1000 are paid directly to the college or university. Students submitted an application which included verification of acceptance into the college or university, 2.5 cumulative grade point average, ACT or SAT scores, letters of recommendation, and a summary of personal background that included school and community activities.
– June 2, 2011 Email to Media
KCKPS Board of Education Honors May Students of the Month
Members of the Kansas City Kansas Board of Education recognized four students as Students of the month for the Month of May, 2011. Students honored were (L-R) McKayla Crouss, 11th grade student at Washington High School; Angelo Santoyo, student at Morse Early Childhood Center; DaTasha Carlock, 5th grade student at Hazel Grove Elementary school and (not pictured) Ben Hadley, 6th grade student at Argentine Middle School. Another student, Tasha Jackson, 8th grade student at Argentine Middle School, could not be present at Tuesday's meeting. She'll be honored as May 2011 Student of the Month at a future meeting.
Angelo Santoyo was nominated by teachers Jami Dodig and Michelle Walter, Sandy Fey, Speech Pathologist, and Yogi Guess, Paraeducator. Angelo has been a student in Morse Early Childhood Program since he was three years old. He came to the school with a significant speech sound program, wrote Mrs. Fey. "Although he was difficult to understand, he showed no overt frustration toward me and he worked hard to do everything I asked of him." His teachers spoke of Angelo's sense of humor and his love of learning. They credit that to the support of his family. They ended their recommendation letter by saying that they, "know that Angelo will become an excellent example of what a student who is 'ready to learn' should look like as he enters elementary school."
Hazel Grove Assistant Principal Collette Chaney and teacher Jenny Nickelson nominated DaTasha Carlock for student of the month. In her nomination letter, Mrs. Chaney wrote of DaTasha's dedication with everything she does. A true leader, DaTasha is a member of the student council, drill team captain and a "Hornet Hero". She acted as a facilitator at a Hazel Grove's Family Fun and Fitness Night. Ms. Nickelson recounted an incident that happened last year. "Once, when DaTasha was in fourth grade, she forgot to do an assignment. Before I asked for the assignments to be turned in, DaTasha had already put herself on punishment because she knew that was the right thing to do." Her teachers all agree that DaTasha is a joy to have in class and at Hazel Grove. Chaney ended her nomination letter with, "She is born to lead and succeed in everything she does."
Teachers MacKenzie Gamble, and Terry Thompson nominated Ben Hadley. "Ben is a wonderful student," she wrote. "He works hard in class and goes above and beyond my expections." Ms. Gamble spoke the board of Ben's politeness and his positive attitude and how he encourages both teachers and students alike. Mr. Thompson wrote of Ben's outstanding academic skills. "I believe Ben to be gifted in many areas," he said. Though Ben doesn't know where he wants to go to college yet, he knows that he wants to be a photographer.
McKayla Crouss was nominated by teacher Brandi Stout. "I am nominating McKayla Crouss for student of the month because without her, I don't believe our yearbook would have survived this year," wrote Ms. Stout. Presenting McKayla to the board, Ms. Stout elaborated. Stout went on maternity leave in September, but McKayla took it upon herself to cover school events to make sure that photos of each event would be included in the yearbook. When this year's editor left the yearbook staff to enroll in KCKCC's TEC program, McKayla stepped up and took over the editor's duties. She also wrote and shot pictures for the school's newspaper and helped to launch a school news website. McKayla wants to pursue a career as a photo-journalist. "She is not the only active member of my staff," concluded Stout, "but she has an innate ability to motivate and teach her fellow staff members."
– June 1, 2011 Email to Media
KCKPS Board Recognizes Scholarship Award Winners
The Kansas City, Kansas School Foundation for Excellence is proud to award twelve $3000 scholarships to graduating seniors who have demonstrated academic success and determination to continue their education post-high school. These twelve students, along with students receiving various scholarships from several community partners were honored at the meeting of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education on Tuesday, May 10.
More information on the Kansas City, Kansas School Foundation for Excellence and their community partners, consult the foundation's website http://www.kcksffe.org/.
Scholarship recipients are:
FFE Scholarship ($3000):
Front Row: (l-r) Ikeisha Smith, Wyandotte High School; Amy Pittman, J.C. Harmon High School; Jourdan Davis, Wyandotte High School; Keyuna Le'Doux, Washington High School
Back Row: Chris Parker, F.L. Schlagle High School; Myles Hibler, Washington High School; Paul Scott III, F.L. Schlagle High School; Joshua Wallace, F.L. Schlagle High School; Ivan Villagrana, Wyandotte High School
Not Pictured: Michelle Marron, Sumner Academy; Kaleesa Simmons, F.L. Schlagle High School; Candace Villanueva, Sumner Academy
Other Scholarship Awards:
Bill Self Assist Scholarship ($10,000):
Shakeya Stanley, F.L. Schlagle High School; Gerardo de la Cruz, Sumner Academy; Michael Hibler II, Washington High School; Anissa Martinez, Sumner Academy
Lois Crabtree Scholarship ($500):
Norma Floyd, F.L. Schlagle High School
Key Impact Scholarship ($1000):
RiKayla Barnett, F.L. Schlagle High School; LaKeisha Young, Wyandotte High School
Not Pictured: Aalim Langford, Washington High School; Andre Reyes Jr., Sumner Academy
Providence Medical Center Scholarship ($1000):
Gabrielle Meeks, Sumner Academy; Stranjá Gordon, F.L. Schlagle High School; Arthur Bolton IV, Wyandotte High School
Virginia Shinkle Scholarship ($2000):
Shanae Alberty, Wyandotte High School; Darrian Porter, Wyandotte High School; Jessica Cervantes, Fairfax Campus High School
McAnany, Van Cleave & Phillips - Reasons to Believe Scholarship:
Kiana Williams, Washington High School; Ismael Hernandez, Sumner Academy
Not Pictured: Yazmin Martinez, Wyandotte High School
Gates Millenium Scholarship:
(Scholarship pays for all college costs as long as student wants)
Ismael Hernandez, Sumner Academy
Second Chance ($2500 renewable each year they stay in school):
Not Pictured: Curtis A. Smart, F.L. Schlagle High School; Eboni Freeman, Wyandotte High School; Yazmin Rios, J.C. Harmon High School; LaDarius Kirkendoll, Wyandotte High School
– May 19, 2011 News Release
Sumner Academy Senior a Recipient of 2011 Gates Millennium Scholarship
Ismael A. Hernandez, a senior from Sumner Academy of Arts & Science, has been named a 2011 recipient of the Gates Millennium Scholarship. He is one of only 1,000 students selected nationwide for the scholarship, and the only Kansas City area student to be selected.
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program was established in 1999 to provide outstanding low income African American, American Indian / Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline they choose. The goal of program is to promote academic excellence by providing thousands of outstanding students, who have significant financial need, the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Ismael is the son of Victor and Delia Hernandez of Kansas City, Kansas, and has been accepted to Kansas State University's architectural engineering program for the fall of 2011. He credits Sumner Academy's rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, along with his caring teachers and staff, for his success in high school.
He has been recognized as a Kansas Scholar, a National Honor Society student for three years, a Spanish National Honor Society student for three years, and as a Sumner Academy Scholar / Athlete for four years. Ismael will depart for Washington, D.C. the day after his graduation to compete in a National Forensics Tournament for which he qualified on April 2, 2011. Among other school activities, Ismael has served for two years as a student representative on Sumner Academy's Site Council, and he is very active in community events where he lives in the Argentine area of Kansas City, Kansas.
– May 3, 2011 News Release
KCKPS Board of Education Honors April Students of the Month
Four students were recognized as April 2011 student of the month by members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education at their meeting on Tuesday, April 26, 2011. Those students are (L-R) Angel Lyons, preschool student at Kansas City, Kansas Early Childhood Center, Jose M. Romo, senior ROTC student at Washington High School; Andres Lobato, 7th grade student at Argentine Middle School; and Brajaé Crosby, 3rd grade student at Banneker Elementary School.
Angel Lyons was nominated by Speech Pathologist Kerri Schreiber. In her nomination, Schreiber wrote of Angel's compassion, kindness, and generosity. Besides having excellent attendance and working hard to learn new skills, Angel takes time each day to engage with several students in her class who are severely disabled. "If they are upset," wrote Schreiber, "she is the first to offer a reassuring word or comforting touch .... She will often get a book and read to them and makes sure that they can look at the pictures.
Third grader Brajaé Crosby was nominated by her first and third grade teacher Nicole Ragsdale. "When she enters a room, she always smiles and gives a warm greeting ... Brajaé enjoys helping others and making new students feel welcome," wrote Ragsdale. When introducing Brajaé to the Board of Education, Ragsdale spoke of her focus and drive to go above and beyond what is required. She enjoys reading and writing. When asked what she wants to be when she finishes school, Brajaé said that she wants to be an author.
"Andy is a great student in all of his classes," wrote teacher Amanda Howard of her 7th grade math student, Andres Lobato, "he tries very hard and asks questions for clarification during his math class ... Andy is not a follower of unfavorable behaviors when peers are acting up. He is friendly and polite to peers and adults!" Andres plans to go to either KU or K-State and study zoology.
Lt. Col. Patrick McCormack nominated AFJROTC Cadet Jose M. Romo for student of the month. McCormack wrote, "Last week Jose Romo asked me to help him with a speech he was crafting for the Rotary Club Scholarship Luncheon. I have known Cadet Romo for the 4 years he was in our ROTC program, and was aware that he was an outstanding young man. In reading his speech about his life journey, I knew I needed to share this story." Instead of telling the Board of Education about Jose and his accomplishments, McCormack asked him to repeat the speech he gave to the Rotary Club. Romo spoke of his parent's dream of moving to the United States and raising a family, and their long wait for their visas. A 12-year-old when they finally were allowed to come to the United States, Jose started school in the Newcomers Class at Argentine Middle School. His first year at Washington, Jose did not participate in any extra-curricular activities because he was so afraid to let his parents and their dreams down. His final three years, besides excelling in academics, he was a member of the soccer, wrestling, and baseball teams, and advanced rank in the ROTC program. "I stand before you 6 years after arriving in America unable to speak English, Captain of the soccer team, and Cadet Lt. Colonel in the ROTC program and in 5 weeks I will walk across the stage a graduate from Washington High School and valedictorian of my class," Jose concluded. "In the fall, I will start my next journey where I will attend the University of Kansas majoring in engineering. Now, let me take a moment to introduce you to the two people who sacrificed their dreams to make mine possible, Jose and Maria Romo.
– April 26, 2011 Email to Media
KCKPS Board of Education Honors March Students of the Month
At their meeting on Tuesday, March 22, 2011, members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education recognized four students as March 2011 Students of the Month. The students are: (back row l-r) David Van Bawi Thawng, 6th grade student at Northwest Middle School, Mariajose Partida, junior at Wyandotte High School, (front l-r) Mohamed Madey, 2nd grader at New Stanley Elementary School, and Nadia Pemberton, preschooler at the Kansas City, Kansas Early Childhood Center.
Nominated by her teacher, Becki Donahue, Nadia Pemberton has been a student at the Early Childhood Center for two years. She has overcome many obstacles, thanks to the cooperation of her parents and her teachers. Donahue wrote in her nomination letter, "When she first started, she was very shy, wouldn't talk and had a very hard time following directions. Now, 3 years later, she is almost like a new person! Thanks to help from Nadia's parents, she has had many quarters of perfect attendance and has made many improvements sin her speech, academics and behavior!" When asked what she wanted to be when she grows up, and finishes college, Nadia gave it much thought, then said, "I want to be a dragon!" "Nadia, you can be anything you want to be," said Mrs. Gloria Willis, board president, as she presented Nadia with her Student of the Month medal.
Mohamed Madey was nominated for student of the month by his teacher, Heather Nicole Hamtil. Mohamed's first language is Somalian. Hamtil wrote, "When I first met him (Madey), he spoke little English ... if any. In fact, in kindergarten, he spoke very little." Now, three years later, Mohamed is no longer the quiet one. He "loves to participate in class, loves to read aloud, has really worked on his fluency, and he even volunteered for a classroom video story retelling ... He has begun to take off in his story writing and illustrations." Coming from a large family, Mohamed helps out at home, too. He helps with the cooking and taking care of his younger sisters. Mohamed recently received schoolwide recognition of the character trait of honesty.
Teacher Amy Culey nominated David Van Bawi Thawng for student of the month. A native of Burma, he has been in the United States less than two years. When presenting David to the Board of Education, Culey spoke of what an inspiration David is to her entire class. "This has been an amazing journey to watch, as Van Bawi ... has gained confidence and joy in the reading process." When asked about his future plans, to the delight of the audience, David said that he wants to be a teacher! Culey ended her nomination letter by saying, "Van Bawi is truly one of the most dedicated and committed students I have ever had the pleasure of working with."
Kathryn Stegall, science teacher in the Hospitality Small Learning Community at Wyandotte High School, nominated Mariajose Partida for student of the month. As a student in her Biology and Chemistry classes, Stegall wrote of Marijose's commitment to excellence through effort and hard work. "She gets satisfaction from going the extra step to insure she does her very best. She is also willing to help others who may not be as far along as she is." As a part of the Hospitality Learning Community, Mariajose is required to help with various catering events. This includes preparation, cooking, serving, and cleaning up. She is one of the first to volunteer to help, ask what she can do, then, when she has finished that task, quickly asks what else she can do. "She is a great asset to the Hospitality Community," said Culey.
– March 24, 2011 Email to Media
KCK Board of Education Honors 2011 All-State Musicians
The Kansas City Kansas Board of Education recognized students who were selected and performed as members of the 2011 Kansas All-State Choirs, Bands or Orchestra members at their meeting on Tuesday, March 22, 2011.
Students auditioned last fall to be selected to the All-State Middle Level Chorus, the All-State Jazz Bad, the All-State Choir, the All-State Orchestra, and the Kansas Choral Directors Association Treble Honor Chorus. Students chosen are considered among the finest musicians in the state, and are State Champions in their respective areas of study.
The musicians and their teachers pictured are: (back row l-r) Paul White, Sumner Academy band director; Michelle Sweeten, Summer Academy orchestra director; and J. Warner Bailey, Northwest Middle School vocal music instructor. (front row l-r) Jerome Butler, Sumner Academy, All-State Jazz Band (bari-sax), Lucas Behrens, Sumner Academy, All-State Orchestra (harp); AJ Reyes, Sumner Academy, All-State Jazz Band (piano); Kalen Allen, Sumner Academy, All-State Middle Level Chorus; Todd Kennedy, Northwest Middle School, All-State Middle Level Chorus; and Dallas Germany, Northwest Middle School, All-State Middle Level Chorus. Not pictured are Becky Thomas, Sumner Academy vocal music instructor and Shawn Kerr, Sumner Academy, All-State Choir.
– March 24, 2011 Email to Media
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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