GOWANDA - Gowanda High School selected Students of the Month for February in several different categories. Honored students are as follows:
Alex Fox Grade 12, Business
Fox was chosen as student of the month in Business by Paula Ondus. She has taken several business classes over the last few years and always puts forth 110 percent. She is bright, energetic, compassionate and genuinely well-rounded. She is academically a superior student, has a pleasant personality, gets along well with everyone, offers assistance where needed, and provides feedback to her peers and instructors. Fox has been an asset to her fellow class officers, teachers, and class advisors, she is always willing to try new things and encourage others along the way.
Fox is the secretary of a variety of clubs including yearbook, NHS and class representative. She also participates in both Cross Country and Track and Field. She has always been interested in math and science. Her plan is to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall and study for a degree in environmental science.
Ashley Dankert Grade 11, ELA
Dankert was nominated by Carol Propp. Propp describes Dankert as an exceptional student who has maintained above a 90 average for the past two quarters. She participates effectively in class discussions, works well in small groups, always does her best work and takes pride in what she turns in which is always on time.
Dankert participates in band, is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary for Perrysburg Fire Department and was inducted into the National Honor Society of Gowanda this year. She plans on attending Jamestown Community College after high school and then transferring to SUNY Brockport for meteorology.
Beth Myers Grade 10, Science
Myers was nominated by John Swanson. Myers always shows up for class prepared, with a positive attitude. She shows a genuine interest in earth science, she tries hard and is never hesitant to ask questions if she doesn't understand something. Myers is a pleasure to work with and she is a fine example of what Panther PRIDE is all about.
Myers manages both track and field and girls' basketball. She stays active in the summer by participating in soccer. After high school Beth hopes to major in journalism and music. Music is her life and when she writes, she feels like herself.
Jenna Grainer Grade 10, Social Studies
Grainer was nominated by Mark Leous. Grainer always has a smile on her face during first period social studies class. She consistently works beyond the requirements of the course, and she cares deeply about how well she performs in class. She participates in Youth Court and is also a member of the Gowanda Wave Runners Swim Team. After she graduates, Grainer plans to go to college and get a four-year degree in criminal justice and continue her education at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va. Her goal is to become a criminal profiler or a digital forensic technologist.
Jessica Sowa Grade 10, Mathematics
Sowa was nominated by Jim Reeves. He said that in addition to being the only Gowanda student to ever score a perfect 100 percent on the State Integrated Geometry Regents Exam, Sowa has maintained a 100 perce GPA in Algebra 2/Trig for this entire school year. She has handed in every homework assignment and has a 100 percent test average. She is polite, respectful and helpful to other students. Her character and dedication are outstanding, and she is a pleasure to have in class.
Sowa participates in tennis, basketball and softball for the Panthers. She is also involved in the Youth Group through her church. After graduating from GCS, she hopes to go to college for veterinary science or any other science; she has always been interested in science and in animals.
Meaka Jimerson Grade 10, LOTE
Jimerson was nominated by David George-Shongo because she is a pleasure to have in class. She exemplifies the Seneca word "O'tgad:myo'dagai:" (hoh!-tqwa-day-nyoh!-daw-gah-eeh!) which translates as struggled. The literal meaning of this Seneca word is, "I took advantage of it." Jimerson is a member of NAYO, and participates in both basketball and softball. After high school she plans to continue playing sports and is going to college to study sports medicine. She would like to either become a trainer or a physical therapist.
Sarah Grubbs Grade 10, The Arts
Grubbs was nominated by Colleen Stoffel because she is a hardworking student who brings leadership, positive energy and focus to every choral rehearsal. She is always prepared, gives 100 percent and leads her section in mixed chorus. She serves as a positive role model for her peers.
Grubbs participates in cross country, basketball, and track and field at GCS. In her spare time she enjoys going to church, participating in the youth group, playing the piano, reading, and spending time with her family. Her future plans are to go to college and study Psychology while still participating in sports.
Scarlett Lisjak 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. Lisjak has impressed her teachers with her dedication to her studies and her leadership. She is a mature young woman who exemplifies every quality that PRIDE stands for. She is in her senior year at Gowanda. She plans to go to college next year and become successful in a high-paying job.
Shania Martin Grade 9, Physical Education
Martin was nominated by Amy Cassidy. Martin has had perfect class attendance the whole school year. She has also been prepared for every class, not only with her clothes, but with a good attitude and plenty of effort. She willingly accepts suggestions for any type of improvement, takes responsibility for her own learning and helps teammates when needed. Martin demonstrates all aspects of Panther "PRIDE" in physical education (prepared, respectful, involved, determined and excellence).
Martin is new to GHS this year and is hoping to participate in activities next year. She has been in six different schools and moves from Alabama to New York almost every year. Her future plans are to go into the Air Force because of her desire to see the world.
