April Comperda, Grade 11Nominated by Cathy Pool April Comperda’s compassion and kindness toward others goes far deeper than simple expressions. An active member of our local Snowball chapter, April decided this year to plan and implement a demonstration of Geneva High School’s climate of caring with the implementation of a “yellow ribbon” campaign. This amazing young woman spent countless hours assembling more than 2,000 yellow ribbons and implemented a plan of distribution through a schoolwide homeroom in May. She also adorned the school with Yellow Ribbon flyers encouraging students and …

Mike Sellberg, Grade 11 Nominated by Bill Koehn I nominated Mike Sellberg for student of the month because he has worked very hard to become an excellent woodworker and to do the best job possible on his project. He is always the first to come into class and one of the last to leave every day after the shop has been cleaned. His confidence and skill level have grown from the beginning of the school year to now. He is always available to help out one of his classmates who may be having problems adjusting the saw or making a part fit. He has grown into one of our class leaders and someone that …

Zumba instructor Laura Webb is offering dance classes to any student, faculty member or even parent that wants to learn. All classes are sponsored by the GHS Activities Department, so there is no charge to participate.  As a GHS staff member, I attended the first session and not only worked up a sweat but had a blast doing it. My previous dance-class experience includes ballroom dance in college and square dancing in elementary school gym class.  Things have changed a lot since those days, and the steps can’t compare to what I learned from Laura. I never knew there were moves such as “The …

Geneva High School celebrates education and student achievement by nominating students of the month. The following are some of Geneva's achievers, this group from the senior class. We published the freshmen, sophomore and junior winners earlier today in the story thread linked here. Vanessa Coffland, Grade 12Nominated by Mrs. Grissinger It is my pleasure to write this recommendation on behalf of Vanessa Coffland for “student of the month." I have had the pleasure of having Vanessa in my Studio I Art and Ceramics classes. She has been one of the most genuine, honest and respectful students. …

Geneva High School celebrates education and student achievement by nominating students of the month. The following are some of Geneva's achievers; these from the junior class. We published the students of the month from the freshman and sophomore classes earlier today; senior class nominees are up next! Ana Martinez, Grade 11Nominated by Mr. Wicinski Ana Martinez is my student-of-the-month nomination. She does an excellent job in class with homework, test taking, classroom etiquette—all those things that we as teachers expect out of our students, Ana does. But to nominate anyone for doing …

Geneva High School celebrates education and student achievement by nominating students of the month. The following are some of Geneva's achievers, from the sophomore class. Juniors next, then seniors! Sydney Parado, Grade 10Nominated by Roxanne Curtis It is my pleasure to nominate Sydney Parado as my Choral Music Student of the Month. Sydney is hard-working, energetic and enthusiastic in my Concert Choir ensemble. She remains consistently on task and continually strives to improve her musicianship and singing ability. Additionally, Sydney serves as an outstanding role model in class, singing …

Geneva High School celebrates education and student achievement by nominating students of the month. The following are some of Geneva's achievers, starting with the freshmen class. We'll publish the students of the month from the sophomore, junior and senior classes throughout the day!  Reid Plinske, Grade 9Nominated by Ms. Toldness I am proud to name Reid Plinske as Student of the Month in Business. Reid is a new student to Geneva High School this year, and he has hit the ground running in Computer I class. Reid is the first to arrive in class nearly every day, and he is logged in and ready …

Students, staff and faculty sported the finest in holiday wear to celebrate the last day of school before holiday break. The third year of this spirit day brought out more sweaters, hats and lighted items than ever. I walked the halls for only 20 minutes and took these photographs and asked where they found such outfits. The best part was the few who wouldn't let me take their photo when they found out it would be for public viewing ... since some of the sweaters were gifts! Brooke Binette and Connor Quinn (seniors) wore sweaters from Brooke's sister's closet. Connor must have had first dibs…

Principal Tom Rogers reminisced about sitting in the auditorium in the early '80s as a GHS senior listening to graduates talk about college life. The program was called "Breaking Away" when Rogers was a senior, but today it's "The Next Step," a chance for GHS seniors to meet with a panel of GHS graduates to learn more about what life is like after high school This year's graduates included Jake Cartmell, '10, now a freshman at Judson University; Meagan Holbrook, '09, now a sophomore at University of Mary Washington; Rebecca Stith, '08, now a junior at Northwestern University; and Kelly Kaspar…

Geneva Community High School named its Students of the Month for December. An award is earned by a student who stands apart, succeeds despite circumstances, or contributes in some special way to the school. Students were recognized with a certificate and an engraved medallion at a breakfast ceremony on Dec. 14. The awards are sponsored by Image Awards and Engraving, Geneva. Alex Herman, SophomoreNominated by Mr. Koehn "Alex Herman is one of the hardest-working students I have ever had the privilege of teaching, and his positive attitude reflects his personality. When Alex first started …

Don't let the big houses and upscale shops fool you. These are tough times for many families in Geneva—so many that it was difficult for the Geneva Counseling and Advising Office to identify just a few this year for the Student Council to sponsor for their annual holiday shopping effort. Geneva High School Student Council makes it one of their missions to assist a charity each year during the holidays. For many years, they purchased gifts for the Humanitarian Service Project and Tri-City Family Services. About five years ago, after learning there were people in need at school, the students …

If Friday didn't get me in the holiday spirit, I'm not sure anything will. Twenty-one GHS students, Assistant Principal, Scott McPeak and I visited with residents at Arden Courts Alzheimer's Assisted Living Center at Randall and Bricher Roads. Working together, the students and residents created ornaments to decorate their tree, enjoyed lunch and caroled through the halls. This is the fifth year of what Sharon Brazill, marketing director of Geneva's Arden Courts, titles "Arden Angels." "The students are our angels." Brazill said. "I remember coming to Geneva High School years ago to talk …

This is the second year the city of Geneva and GHS students are working together to make downtown Geneva even more special for the Christmas Walk. About 20 students offered their time this Friday evening to stand in store windows and become live mannequins to direct more attention to the shops. Senior Melissa Barber and freshman Megan Rush recruited friends and fellow students to choose a shop and work with the store owner on what they would like portrayed in their window.  "I was a volunteer intern this summer with the city of Geneva. When they told me about the live mannequins, I was, like…

Driving south on Kirk Road I noticed orange vests picking up trash. Slowing down to take a closer look, I recognized Emma Williams, Environmental Club sponsor from Geneva High School. I pulled over to find out more. Williams and her students adopt a section of Kirk Road each year and pick up litter in the fall and spring. "To get trash off the ground is a good thing," said senior Kelly Fatten when I asked her why she was spending her free time picking up litter on the side of the road. Senior Brian Fogerty has been in Environmental Club for three years, but this was his first time …

All Physical Education classes participated Thursday in the annual Turkey Trot Run. Teachers and staff were invited to run with students each class period around the Burgess Field path, about ¾ of a mile. Social Studies teacher Mary Keyzer ran both third and 10th periods and came in the top 10 of the females. "I did it to show kids that no matter what your age, you can still be physically fit," she said. "I enjoyed the challenge." Jen O'Leary, Industrial Technology teacher added, "I did it because I can! The students have been watching me change to a healthier lifestyle, and I'm trying to set…

Geneva Community High School teachers honored 14 Students of the Month for November. An award is earned by a student who stands apart, succeeds despite circumstances or contributes in some special way to the school. Students were recognized with a certificate and an engraved medallion at a breakfast ceremony on Nov, 17. The awards are sponsored by Image Awards and Engraving, Geneva. Beth Martens, senior—Nominated by Mrs. Pfeiffer I have chosen Beth Martens as my student of the month. This is the first year I have had the pleasure and honor of having Beth in my classes. I feel so lucky to …

Fifteen Geneva High School students saw first-hand how the City of Geneva works as they shadowed city employees Tuesday during the 10th annual Geneva Student Government Program. Students spent the day learning, asking questions and taking behind-the-scenes tours at City Hall, public works, Tri-Com, and the fire and police departments. In 2001, the city of Geneva's Strategic Plan Advisory Committee partnered with Geneva High School to create this unique program that promotes civic pride and provides a forum for city officials to interact with Geneva students. The Student Government Program …

Geneva High School students will once again prepare an elegant meal for the Geneva History Center's annual Crèche Luncheon in December. The event showcases the antique Neapolitan nativity set which was first displayed by Kate Raftery, founder of The Little Traveler. Tables will be decorated by members of the community using their finest china, crystal, silverware and centerpieces. A distinguished group of Geneva notables serve as waitstaff, making this a true community event. This is the second year students in Kathy Jankovic's Restaurant Management class have partnered with this History …