GHS May 2012 Students of the Month

As the 2012 school year nears its close, Geneva Community High School takess one last opportunity to honor its students.

The May 2012 students of the month are:

Sam Viebrock, Grade 11
Nominated by Kate Hertz and Jo Hogan

Sam is a vital member of the English III TM class taught 6/7 hour. His positive attitude and can-do spirit really sets a phenomenal example for others in the room. Each day he walks into the classroom eager to learn and excited to interact with others around him. His participation marks him as a class leader. However, what sets his participation truly above others is that he is exceptionally self aware and perceptive—never dominating the discussion, yet happy to engage with the class’ materials. Sam’s effort is always 100 percent and sometimes more. It is truly a delight to have Sam walk through the threshold of A106 each day. 

Cory Champer, Grade 12
Nominated by Eric Simoncelli

Cory Champer is my student of the month because she exhibits many qualities that are essential in being an outstanding student. Every day in math, she is ready to solve any problem, regardless of the level of difficulty. Cory is extremely reliable in that I can count on her to work towards the solution of all types of problems. She has a wonderful outlook on why math is important, and she has made this apparent through her work ethic. I truly value the energy she brings to my class, her positive approach, and her genuine interest each day. It is easy to see that she loves to think and she loves to learn, and I am so proud to recognize Cory as my student of the month.

Kevin Farley, Grade 10
Nominated by Jason Lesatz

Kevin Farley is my student of the month because of the contagious positive attitude and strong work ethic that he brings to class every day. He enters with a smile on his face and is always eager to get started. If there are ever problems or questions with assignments, Kevin will never get discouraged but rather ask, in the most polite way, how to solve the problems and adversities faced in class. He is always very grateful for the help he receives. Many times in horticulture, Kevin is the first to volunteer for extra duties around the class, in the greenhouse and out in the field. He is very diligent and takes pride in all of his work. He is also always looking for ways to better his grade and his knowledge base. In a class dominated by upperclassmen, Kevin has stood out as one of the great students in the class and school because of his eagerness to learn, his gratefulness for help and his positive relationships with everyone. For those reasons, I nominate Kevin Farley as my student of the month for the Science Department.

Jordan Hunter, Grade 11
Nominated by Jamie Dunlap

Jordan was in my Business Law class last semester. He is an awesome student and has a genuine interest in law. When the class did the mock trial in January, he did a fantastic job, so much so that I asked him if he would like  to compete in the Kane County mock trial. Jordan jumped at the chance, took the lead and basically allowed me to step WAY back ... He did an awesome job coordinating and organizing the team, and ultimately, they won one of the three charges (which was a very difficult job to do!) On top of that, I contacted a friend of mine at the Kane County Judicial Center about internships. She got Jordan a contact, and Jordan took that contact and ran with it. ... He has an internship this summer! I feel that Jordan will accomplish whatever he sets his mind to. He is a very dedicated, determined and professional young man.

Ferris Nolan, Grade 12
Nominated by Dana Manarchy

Ferris Nolan is an exceptional senior. He is working hard to finish his high school career with a big bang! No senioritis for him. I have had the privilege of knowing Ferris since the time his was a baby, having taught his older brother the year he was born. I have watched him grow in skill and confidence over the past four years, from the time he was a freshman in Modern World History, when he describes himself as a "just not getting it," to the self-motivated young man we see now. Ferris is such a happy-go-lucky person that people enjoy being around him. Teachers and students alike benefit from his kind nature. He holds the title of "best middle name ever"—Aloysius! With motivation, kind nature and a name like his, Ferris Nolan is destined for great things. 

James McClose III, Grade 12
Nominated by Julie Mueller and Megan Young

James McClose III is being recommended as our Student of the Month for many reasons. He is one of the most kind-hearted students that we’ve had the pleasure of working with. James always has a smile on his face and is extremely respectful to students and staff alike. When faced with adversity, James has shown amazing resiliency and perseverance. With these amazing qualities we know that no matter what James sets his mind to in the future, he will be able to achieve it! He is truly an inspiration to us, and he will be a student we will always remember.

Maggie Bodine, Grade 10
Nominated by Gina Manson

Maggie Bodine is an easy nomination for student of the month. Maggie is the epitome of a hard-working student. She constantly strives to do the best she can in and out of class. Maggie’s “A” does not do justice to the work she has done to earn it. She always comes prepared, asks great questions, and has really grown to be an amazing Spanish student. While studying Caminos Peligrosos, a month-long Spanish novel that has proven to be a daunting task to most students, Maggie has really excelled and shown her superior Spanish comprehension skills. In addition to being a wonderful student, Maggie is enthusiastic, positive, and great to everyone around her. She puts her all into everything she does, and she has an infectious energy that is impossible not to be affected by. I have truly enjoyed the opportunity to work with Maggie this year, and I know her hard work, kind heart, and positive spirit will bring her great success in life.

Kailey Rote, Grade 12
Nominated by Tom Chernich

Kailey Rote is the first varsity athlete I have ever nominated as student of the month. Kailey is a good role model for all student athletes. She is considerate, she always participates and she is helpful with equipment clean-up. I have had the pleasure of teaching Kailey three of her four years here at Geneva High School. She has been an ideal student her entire high school career. It is refreshing to have a senior athlete who continues to give excellent effort in their final days here at the high school. Kailey has qualities that are going to help her succeed not only in college, but in all of life's endeavors. I wish her the best.

Emma Peters, Grade 9
Nominated by Bryan Ketter

Choosing a student of the month out of 150 social studies students is tough. I do not choose the student with the highest grade, the best debating skills, the most love for the subject matter or even the most profound knowledge; I choose the student who contributes the most to the overall education of all the students in the class. This semester, that is Emma Peters. Emma asks great questions every day  Although I value great answers, great questions ensure that the students are getting the important information that I have failed to think of, or failed to present in an understandable manner. I sincerely appreciate that! Emma also brings a cheerful attitude and real collegiality to class every day, and this contagious spirit is also important to our classroom environment. It is NOT the norm to bring a positive, energetic and happy-go-lucky attitude into the building every day, but Emma does just that. Emma makes my job more fun, which makes the students’ learning experience more enjoyable. Besides all of the tangible and intangible positives that Emma brings into the classroom learning experience, she is also an A student. Emma is also the first freshman and/or Tar Heel I have ever chosen for this award.

SOURCE: Geneva School District 304