L to R: Joe Byrne MTA President, Keegan Farnham, Myra Earle, Deven Bryne, Patrick Weissend from Bank of Castile, and Chris Hughes Principal of Clifford H. Wise Intermediate School
The Medina Teachers Association, the Medina School District and the Medina Area Partnership are proud to announce the February selections for Students of the Month. This award is a combined effort of these organizations to recognize students who go above and beyond to help teachers and fellow students succeed and enjoy school.
The Bank of Castile has graciously sponsored the award for February. This month, students are being honored with this article and a yard sign from the MTA to celebrate their achievement. The yard sign was presented by Joseph Byrne, President of the Medina Teachers’ Association. Mr. Hughes also presented the winners with a pen and pencil set. In addition, Bank of Castile presented each of this month’s winners with a gift card to Dollar General and a bag of goodies.
Nominated by Jamie Brooks of Oak Orchard, was second grader Myra Earle. Mrs. Brooks shared the following about Myra. She goes above and beyond with her school work and is a friend to all. Each Monday, Myra is given extra practice to take home and every night she works on her work without complaint. Mom even sends pictures of her smiling face at home as she is as proud of herself and as I am of her. What second grader has that much grit?! In class, Myra cheers on other students and offers to help. She has a positive attitude and reminds others to make good choices and try their best. She hands in her work in a timely manner and always makes sure it is thoroughly completed. She is determined to make her teacher and parents proud of her, but more importantly, she works hard not for a reward or compliment, but to know that she puts in her best effort. Everything she does is completed joyfully with a smile! She is a role model in my classroom.
From Wise Middle School, Allison Duhow nominated one of her fifth grade students, Keehan Farnham. When Ms. Duhow indicated her reasons for nominating Keegan, she shared that Keegan is a responsible, honest, caring and friendly student in and outside of the classroom. Keegan works incredibly hard from our morning class work to our core subjects. Before Keegan turns his work in, he always takes the extra minute to check it after reviewing his answers. He always asks for help when he needs a better understanding, and isn't shy to do so. We break out into fluency groups during our AIS time, and Keegan is always taking the leadership role in his group, making sure they are on task. While he has these great characteristics, he keeps to himself about his grades and hard work. Keegan is also the friend in the room who may not always be noticed for how quiet he is, but his kind heart of checking in on friends, helping them if they are confused about what page to turn to, the math problem we are on, or even help with figuring out what time band practice is at, does not go unnoticed. I am proud to say Keegan is a great role model in this classroom. While he does these wonderful things in our classroom, he is very involved outside the room. Keegan is dedicated to band and basketball. In those activities, I hear classmates talking about practice or the game they recently had and Keegan is highly spoken about through his peers.
From the High School, Deven Byrne, a ninth grader, was nominated by Stacey Ali, Alissa Dunham, and Chad Kowalik. Mrs. Ali shared the following about Deven. This young man is in a class that I push into (he is not my student), however, he is always, always working hard in class, even if things aren't easy for him. He is not afraid to come to me and ask me for help either. If he is out, he is ALWAYS responsible for going to the teacher and asking for his work and will then bring it to me and ask for help on completing the task. When you work with him, he is so kind, polite, respectful and APPRECIATIVE. Not only does this young man have a great work ethic, I find it even more prominent that he is kind to everyone in the class. He is always patient and will work with a student in the classroom that can be a little more challenging to work with. He treats this child with the utmost respect and kindness, and never thinks twice about it. I have mentioned his name in passing to one of his other teachers who has said the same thing and sees the same AMAZING, well brought up young man. This teacher mentioned that he also witnesses the same amazing qualities as he works with him throughout the day. It is also a shared view with his teacher that I push into the class. We always comment on what a great, well-behaved and responsible kid he is. Devon Byrne is one of the kindest, most well-rounded students and role models I have seen in 24 years of teaching. Mrs. Dunham added to Mrs. Ali’s report that Deven is all of the above! He is a kind, well mannered, and gentle young man. He shows that kindness to everyone he meets. He goes above and beyond to make sure that he is all caught up, doing well in class, and has his notes. On top of that, he makes sure that others around him have the things that they need to be successful. On multiple occasions, I have seen Deven loan a pen or pencil or his notes to someone around him. He is just a great role model for his peers. We are lucky to have him in class!! Finally, Mr. Kowalik added, I have Deven in Living Environment and Math. Deven Byrne is a hard worker, always puts his best foot forward, and has an amazing attitude. He is kind and friendly to his peers and teachers. He is always willing to help someone in need or when someone is down. His smile truly does light up a room. His work ethic is exceptional and he has done a really great job of putting forth the extra effort needed to be successful in 9th grade and for the rest of high school. Deven truly embodies what it means to be a Mustang.
Congratulations to this month’s winners! The MTA, MCSD, and the MAP will continue the student of the month program throughout the school year. Be on the lookout for the next honorees in the coming months. Look for posters in the windows of Medina businesses identifying them as proud supporters of this program. Who will be the next outstanding Medina student to be honored???
