GOWANDA – The Student Council of Gowanda High School named seven outstanding Panthers as Students of the Month for October 2023.

Honorees are selected based on the following attributes – collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity – otherwise known as The Four Cs. These skills and characteristics are central to the district’s mission and values.

– Devan Giambrone for communication: “Devan consistently participates in class discussions and contributes thoughtful comments. She works well with her peers and engages in productive discussions about class work. Additionally, Devan asks for feedback and has had many meaningful conversations about her writing. Her strong work ethic and energy help establish a positive environment, which is especially beneficial during first period when we could all use a boost,” says English teacher Lauren Giancola.

– Addison Kota for collaboration: “Addison includes everyone while in PE. She is always the last one to help clean up equipment and lend a hand,” says physical education teacher Tim Denea.

– Cadence Luther for communication: “As a first-year yearbook staff member Cadence has really taken ownership of her new role on the team. She is an active listener, asks great clarifying questions, is willing to share feedback to her peers, and shows respect for fellow classmates. Cadence can be seen on the sidelines of numerous sporting events taking pictures. The quality of her photographs has really improved in just a few short weeks, practice really does help!” says business teacher and Valley Bugle yearbook adviser Paula Ondus.

– Ella Luther for creativity: “Ella has been willing to take on new creative problems and has adapted to the various challenges each new step brings. She takes creative risks and explores various solutions. Ella also demonstrates a healthy balance between confidence in her decisions and a willingness to revise her work based on compelling feedback,” says art teacher Heather Rydzik.

– Lily Scanlan for communication: “I am impressed with Lily’s passion for my course so far this 2023-2024 school year. She participates in class on a daily basis all the while asking for help when she doesn’t understand something. Lily realizes what it takes to be successful in a challenging course like chemistry and is willing to put in the time. She takes full responsibility for the grades that she earns. I am lucky to have her in chemistry this year and am loving to see her outside her comfort zone.” says science teacher Emma Relosky.

– Hannah Valentine for communication: “Hannah’s remarkable ability to engage with the content we’ve created for her this year has not only earned her excellent grades, but also made her an exemplary student. Her dedication, outstanding work ethic, consistent attendance, and commendable behavior have set her apart as a role model for her peers. Hannah’s active participation in class discussions, her willingness to collaborate with her fellow students, and her adeptness in articulating her thoughts clearly have been truly commendable. Her exceptional communication skills not only enrich our classroom discussions, but also reflect her commitment to academic excellence and her positive influence within our school community,” says social studies teacher David Bohn.

– Julia White-Pigeon for creativity: “Julia has an innovative spirit and boundless imagination that consistently stands out. She possesses a unique ability to think outside the box, bringing fresh and ingenious ideas to every class. Her dedication to pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking and remarkable contributions to fostering a more imaginative and innovative environment are truly commendable,” says teacher Brian Hahl.