GOWANDA - The Gowanda Students of the Month for December are as follows:
Austin Stevens- Grade 9, ELA
Austin was nominated by Mrs. Enders because he loves to pick a topic and discover as much information as he can about it. He actively participates in reading activities no matter how difficult the material is. He's not afraid to attempt to answer challenging questions. When writing essays, he adds a great deal of detail. Austin loves to incorporate his sense of humor into his work. When the school day is over Austin often rides his four-wheeler with his family. He would like to get a job where he can watch movies and then write reviews about them. He would like people to know that he has a good sense of humor and that he likes to play jokes on people.
Connie Sawatis - Grade 11, Physical Education
CJ was nominated by Mr. Denea because she always comes prepared and does what is asked of her in class. When she is absent she makes up her work quickly. She is one who exemplifies leadership in all PE units and takes charge when needed. She is always willing to help with demonstrations during class to lend a hand to other classmates. CJ participates in volleyball, softball and basketball. She is also the secretary for NAYO. She would like to go to college for Culinary Arts. She would like people to know that she thinks the tall, white cooking hats are cool.
Cody Zeafla - Grade 11, Technology
Cody was nominated by Mr. Partridge because he has always been respectful and polite in technology class. He is courteous not only to his teacher but to the other students as well. Just as important, he takes pride in what he does. He's one of those kids that everyone enjoys talking to. Cody would like to become a cook after he graduates. Cooking is a passion of his. Cody would like people to know that his favorite thing to do is to have fun.
Colleen Steward - Grade 9, LOTE
Colleen was nominated by Ms. Estrada because of her extraordinary second language skills. She had a first-quarter average of 100 percent. She is conscientious about getting all work completed accurately with an emphasis on quality. She readily asks questions to develop a deeper understanding and assists her classmates when they need help. Ms. Estrada wouldn't be surprised if she minors in Spanish at the college level. Colleen is involved in Gowanda's band and chorus and is a member of the Chautauqua Children's Chorale. She also runs cross country and track for GCS. She hopes to go into a science field after graduation. She is considering becoming a doctor, a veterinarian or a science teacher. Colleen would like people to know that she is very determined and hard-working. She will always try her best in everything that she does.
Dillon Burke - Grade 10, Social Studies
Dillon was nominated by Ms. Jordan because of his dedication to Global Studies. He is a respectful student who always completes his work and helps out his classmates. He has learned to master challenging content by always being an involved and motivated student in the classroom. He knows the answer to every question that is asked but has the maturity to wait patiently to be called upon. Because of his active participation and knowledge of the material, he has the highest grade in his class and is the most worthy of this honor. Dillon participates in both wrestling and lacrosse. He would like to go to college for mechanics and sports. He grew up around cars and mechanics so he feels that this career path would be a natural for him. He would like people to know that he loves sports and cars.
Jonas Aldana - Grade 12, The Arts
Jonas was nominated by Ms. Sickau because he does such a wonderful job contributing his creative artistic abilities to second period crafts class. He arrives to class with a positive attitude and excitement toward his projects. His talent in design, illustration, and graphic art is evident in every project he produces. He is a positive example of true panther PRIDE and inspiration to fellow high school artists. Jonas is an exchange student from Fribourg, Switzerland. He often shares aspects of his life in Switzerland and experiences in America with his classmates. He has been a wonderful addition to Gowanda's art community. Jonas is a cross country runner and on the GHS basketball team. In Switzerland he played soccer. He also sings in chorus and cooks often with his cousin. He has one year of high school left in Switzerland. After he finishes his studies he hopes to be a cook and own his own restaurant with his cousin. Jonas would like people to know that he likes this country but that he misses his town in Switzerland.
Robert Russell - Grade 12, Panther PRIDE
A student chosen for Panther PRIDE illustrates, on a daily basis, what being a panther means - prepared, respectful, involved, determined and excellence. This month's selection is Robert Russell. Robby has been his class vice-president for four years. He was recognized as an outstanding citizen by being selected to attend the 2011 Empire Boys State. Robby has excelled in the classroom, being on the honor roll each year. He has joined the U.S. Army and will report for duty this January.
Robert is an active member in National Honor Society. He is also a confirmed Catholic and participates regular in community based assistance programs. He also holds two part-time jobs. Robby hopes to attend St. Bonaventure University and study psychology. He has joined the Army and plans to take ROTC courses and eventually aspires to be a state police officer. Robert would like people to know that he is thankful for everyone who helped make his time at Gowanda enjoyable and for all the lessons he was taught both in and outside the classroom.
Tia Thompson - Grade 9, Mathematics
Tia was nominated by Ms. Fantaske because she is a student who has a genuine desire to learn, and the willingness to do hard intellectual work to achieve understanding. She participates in math class, asks relevant questions, and works well with her peers. Her work is always complete and well thought out. It is obvious that she studies for tests and has a very mature attitude when it comes to her academics. Tia is a leader and Ms. Fantaske admires her work ethic. Tia participates in volleyball, basketball and softball. She also plays for the Western NY Sting, an elite travel softball team. She would like to major in journalism in college. She would also like to be well known in softball. Tia would like people to know that she is very friendly to others, even if she doesn't want to be.
Zachary Gable - Grade 9, Science
Zach was nominated by Ms. Piscitelli because he comes to Living Environment full of energy and always has a smile on his face. Zach is ready to take on any and all challenges presented to him in class or Lab. He is, by far, a leader who stands behind the GHS Panther PRIDE image. Zach is a Gowanda bowler. He hopes to go to college after high school so that he can get a good job. Zach would like people to know that he enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
