Geneva High School Students of the Month for February 2013

Geneva School District 304 Students of the Month for February 2013 and motivated, honest, caring, smart, eager to learn and a blessing to have in the classroom.

Anthony Galizia III, Grade 9
Nominated by Logan Evangelista

I chose to nominate Anthony Galizia as student of the month because he has shown great improvement over the year. He has continued to grow in the Spanish classroom, despite having to miss a number of school days first semester. He always comes to class prepared, is always on task, and enjoys sharing his work in front of his peers. I have also had the opportunity to work with Anthony one on one. Our short meetings have shown me what a bright, honest, and caring individual Anthony is. I am so proud of what Anthony has accomplished this year, and I am so pleased to have such a fine individual in my classroom. 

Brianna Carey, Grade 9
Nominated by Marc Nesci

We have seen a tremendous amount of positive change and growth with Brianna over the past few months. She has consistently come to school with a smile on her face and an enthusiastic attitude toward her education. She is a caring and compassionate young lady. When she sees other students that may be struggling, she is the first to lead a helping hand and heart. She participates very well in all of her classes. We are so proud of the progress she has made and her current grades reflect her hard work.

Andy Peruba, Grade 10
Nominated by Kristine Toldness

I am so proud to name Andy Peruba as our Student of the Month in Business. I first met Andy in Keyboarding and Technology class last year, and he was in my Principles of Accounting Class last semester. Andy is currently in my Computer Software Applications class. What strikes me about Andy is what a generally kind, hardworking, and good natured young man he is. Andy is the student that always comes to class with a smile and a kind greeting. When I ask a question, he volunteers to answer. When I need help, he is there to assist. There is a famous saying: “Today will never come again. Be a blessing. Be a friend. Encourage someone. Take time to care. Let your words heal, and not wound.”  Andy, your work ethic and attitude will take you far in life. Congratulations, on being our Student of the Month!

Megan Beitzel, Grade 10
Nominated by Ryan Estabrook

Megan is the type of student that every teacher loves to have in class. She is a smart, responsible and personable young lady. On the day of a test, it is common for Megan to show up at my classroom early in the morning with prepared questions as she seeks clarification. Through hard work and natural intelligence, she was able to earn an A in her Honors math class during 1st semester. While these academic traits are admirable, the most remarkable characteristics that she possesses center around her outstanding personality.  Her classmates note that she is one of the kindest people in her class. Her teammates on the gymnastics team say that she is a very humble person despite her extraordinary skills. Her teachers unanimously say that she is one of the finest people at Geneva High School.

Megan Solner, Grade 10
Nominated by Jim Judson

Megan is the kind of student every teacher loves to have in class. She is a genuinely nice and conscientious young woman who always works her hardest on every assignment and is genuinely interested in the material we cover. Sometimes the good kids are easy to take for granted, but I have seen Megan working hard all year, especially on our latest and largest research project for World War II.

For her presentation, she was thoroughly prepared and did a great job of making a tough topic very clear and easy to understand, but it is usually the case that Megan gives her best when she is asked. So, I just want her parents and everyone else to know that Megan is a super kid, and I am thankful and grateful for the privilege of calling myself her teacher.

Jorge Grango, Grade 11
Nominated by Jen Lechelt

It is a pleasure to nominate George Grango for Student of the Month. George has many attributes that contribute toward this recognition. I have had the opportunity to work with George both freshman and sophomore year. This has allowed me to observe what an outstanding person George is and has become while attending Geneva High School. One of George’s many attributes is his ability to always be personable and attentive to others. Whether it is the role of a peer support, mentor to others or leading a class discussion with his insight. In addition, his sense of humor and gentle nature draw the attention of his peers and teachers. George is a reliable person with great morals and values. Sometimes the pressure of society, high school and peers can get in the way. George is capable of finding a silver lining. He presents himself in positive ways on a daily basis. George responds to adversity by reaching out to others and helping them to find positive ways to cope.

George is respectful and sincere. He is an asset to whatever program he is a part of. Working with George on a daily basis makes a positive difference in my day and others. 

I am proud to know him and look forward to the continuous positive affect he will have on me and others. He is deserving of this Student of the Month recognition!

Kris Brandli, Grade 11
Nominated by Roxanne Curtis

It is my extreme pleasure to nominate Kris Brandli as my choral music student of the month! Kris is a dedicated and enthusiastic member of my Concert Choir ensemble. He is a leader in the tenor section and serves as an exceptional role model for his peers. This young man is passionate about his musical studies; he often comes in for additional practice during his study hall, and he is a fearless performer during class. His attitude is upbeat and refreshing, and each time he opens his mouth to sing, I'm left smiling! I'm anticipating great things from Kris as a senior next year, and I look forward to having him in class each day.  Congratulations, Kris!

Brian Dahlberg, Grade 11
Nominated by Sue Nagle

It has been my pleasure to have Brian Dahlberg in my American History class this year. Brian has been a huge addition to class, for a variety of reasons.  Brian is always prepared for class and always does exemplary work, but the things that make him really stand out are those things related to his character.  He comes to class with outside knowledge, and asks great questions that often lead us down an avenue of learning we hadn’t thought of. Also, Brian works extremely well with other students, and helps anyone he sees who needs it. He takes a leadership role in a group, but he doesn’t push or do everything himself, but rather has an ability to bring in other students who may not otherwise participate or don’t feel comfortable doing so. In a recent class debate, he did a fabulous job leading his Warsaw Pact group against the greedy capitalists, and probably made everyone want to be communist in the end! In short, he is interested and engaged, but most importantly, he shares those qualities with other students and helps and encourages everyone to join in and participate along with him. 

Elle Durovey, Grade 12
Nominated by Doug Ross

The Physical Education Department’s student of the month for February 2013 is Elle Durovey. I have known Elle since she began playing competitive badminton for the school team a few years ago. Since then I have had Elle in Applied Personal Fitness as a student and most recently as a P.E. leader. When making my decision for “Student of the Month”, I concentrated my efforts on students who go above and beyond and set themselves apart from their peers. Elle makes it clear that she has a vision of her own for what she wants to achieve here at Geneva High School. Some students sit back and absorb the information placed in front of them, but Elle makes strides to influence others along the way in their learning. As a leader, Elle has made a difference in my classroom by taking charge of attendance rows, motivating students during warm-up, and organizing exercise log sheets. She helps students when they have general questions and makes sure they stay on-task. What sets Elle apart from her peers is that she can observe when a change needs to take place and then she initiates it. She doesn’t wait for a signal from me to make that change. Elle has proven to be a successful student leader accepted by her teachers and classmates and that is why she is the Physical Education February “Student of the Month.”

Haley Carroll, Grade 12
Nominated by Kevin Gannon

Haley is currently enrolled in my AP Biology this year and I feel both qualified and compelled to write this letter for her. In my opinion Haley ranks as one of the most effective students and responsible individuals I have had in the AP Biology class over this 23-year period. She has distinguished herself in many ways:

From an intellect standpoint Haley has illustrated that her mind is as creative as it is retentive.  She is capable of assimilating vast amounts of knowledge and applying that knowledge to solve problems and make judgments. While others struggle to manage the memorization that is the foundation of learning, Haley is using and applying the knowledge gained and this sets her apart from the norm.

Regarding Haley’s personal responsibility I cannot say enough about this aspect of her personality. She is always prepared without having to be prompted or rewarded. She does not do homework to get the points; she does it because she sees the point of homework is to learn concepts. Her work ethic is as impressive and consistent. Her lab reports and projects show a considerable amount of planning, preparation and revision that make her products powerful and eloquent. Her achievement on exams also shows consistent study habits and effective study skills. 

The truly remarkable thing about Haley is how positive she is about her work and learning. She has never shown frustration, stress or burnout. Rather, she is excited every day to be in class and to learn.  She is easily the most energetic and enthusiastic learner I have in my three sections of AP Biology this year and one of the best I have ever encountered in my 23 year career regarding these qualities.

Finally, Haley is one of the most humble and respectful students that I have taught. Her peers seek her out in group activities as much for her positive influence and interactions as for her abilities in science. She treats all students with personal respect and this respect is paid to her from both faculty and peers alike. As she goes off to college next year, she will be a valued citizen on your campus as well as a high achieving student in your classrooms. A great ambassador for Geneva.

SOURCE: School District 304