GOWANDA - Gowanda High School has announced its October Students of the Month, with outstanding students selected in several different categories.
Kevin Fredrickson 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. Fredrickson participates in cross country, wrestling, and track and field. After high school he plans to attend college and study computer science, ultimately graduating with a programming degree.
Nick Marrocco Grade 11, Mathematics
Marrocco was nominated by Jim Reeves. He has a 94 average in Algebra 2/Trig. He is polite, conscientious and hard-working. Marrocco is frequently observed helping other students during class, by explaining how to do problems. His cheerful manner and willingness to participate in class discussions makes him a pleasure to have in class.
Marrocco is involved in track and field. After high school he plans on becoming a New York state trooper because he likes helping people and keeping them safe.
Colleen Steward Grade 10, Science
Steward was chosen by Ed Von Idernstein. She is maintaining a 100 average in chemistry mostly due to her diligence and work ethic, along with perfect scores on the first two exams of the school year. It is her drive and desire to learn which sets her apart from her fellow students. Her curiosity and need to understand why and how things work is what makes her successful and will continue to give her success in the future.
Steward is a sophomore who personifies an exceptional student. She is involved in both sports and music at GCS and still finds the time to participate in the Chautauqua Children's Chorale. She is part of the jazz band, the high school musical, "Anything Goes" and runs both cross country and track. After graduating she will pursue a career in the science field. She plans to use her love of biology and chemistry to help people.
Danny Macakanja Grade 9, Technology
Macakanja was nominated by Tom Partridge because he has demonstrated that he can complete his technical drawings ahead of schedule and with a nice level of quality. In addition to this, he has a pleasant demeanor.
His interests revolve around woodworking, plumbing and electrical work. He states that his passion lies in building and fixing stuff. His plans for his future involve some sort of trade school and to eventually become a self-employed contractor. It was a friend named Mike who made a positive impression on him and taught him many woodworking skills.
Benjamin Myzel Grade 10, Physical Education
Myzel was nominated by Brian Denea because he has a 100 in his PE class and goes above and beyond to help and be courteous to others. He is a student that will go out of his way to help another student without being asked.
He participates in cross-country running, wrestling and track and field. He plans go to college, get a good job and become a firefighter. Myzel has been greatly influenced by his dad and because of him, he plans to volunteer as a firefighter.
Sarah Grubbs Grade 11, The Arts
Grubbs was nominated by Robin Smith. She is a stellar musician and true role model for others in mixed chorus. As section leader, she takes pride in fulfilling all of her responsibilities. She is a motivated and passionate student, striving for excellence in all she does. From cross country meets to concerts, she can be seen achieving greatness in all arenas!
In addition to cross country, Grubbs participates in basketball and track and field for GHS. She also takes piano lessons, attends church and enjoys spending time with her family. After graduating, she plans to get her bachelor's degree in psychology from UB.
Lucas Brawdy Grade 9, LOTE
Brawdy was nominated by Patti Estrada because he has shown his true spirit in the classroom. Every day he comes to class prepared and ready for the day's challenges. He asks questions to better his understanding of the language. In addition, he volunteers to answer questions and thoughtfully adds his perspective on the topic. He is a great example to all students.
Brawdy is a freshman taking a full class load with many of his subjects at the 10th grade level. He also is very involved in both music and sports. He played football for the Panthers in the fall and plans to participate in both basketball and track and field. He is in the band but had to give up chorus because there wasn't a free period in his schedule. After high school he hopes to attend a college and continue on a sports path.
Amber McKeever Grade 12, ELA
McKeever was nominated by Andrea Geist. She has grown exponentially since the start of the school year, becoming increasingly comfortable in front of the classroom while giving presentations. She tries hard on every assignment and is a positive force in the class, keeping the energy level up. Her personal ethics are an inspiration; she stands up for what she believes in.
McKeever works at the nursing home in dietary when she is not in school because she loves to help people. Her future plans consist of going to college and graduating with a nursing certificate. She also plans to travel the world; her goal is to travel to every state before she dies, and wants to become successful. Her Grandpa McKeever was a very influential person in her life.
Andrew Menoff Grade 12, Social Studies
Menoff was nominated by Jeff Hatfield because his enthusiasm for the class is appreciated. He always turns in his work and is eager to contribute to class discussions in a positive way. He also goes above and beyond the class expectations.
His extracurricular activities include the United States Naval Sea Cadets (USNSCC) where he is learning to be an operations specialist. He also enjoys horseback riding and is a member of the Thespian Society. Upon graduation he would like to be a Marine Force recon where he will wake every day facing the unknown.
