The Student Council of Gowanda High School named four outstanding Panthers as Students of the Month for November 2024. 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.

— Serena Darling for collaboration: “Serena is off to a strong start in biology. Serena puts forth her best effort every day and collaborates effectively with her lab partners. Serena provides detailed and thoughtful explanations on her assignments, supported with clear evidence and reasoning.  Keep up the great work!” said Margaret King, science teacher.

— Alyssa Golden for collaboration: “Alyssa has been an invaluable leader in American Change Movements. She has helped to build a great classroom community throughout the first few months of school, largely just by being herself. Alyssa is an active participant in all class discussions and activities, and never fails to encourage her classmates to participate with her. It is clear Alyssa cares about understanding the material and realizes the best learning happens when you are involved and engaged,” said Michelle Merrill, social studies teacher.

— Addysin Phair for communication: “Addysin recognizes the importance of asking questions when she needs clarification on something and always listens very attentively to fully absorb the information given. She learns from her mistakes and communicates well with classmates during partner work. She is respectful and one of the most responsible freshmen I have. I can always count on Addysin to be a model student in algebra,” said Ellen Jackson, math teacher.

— Jeffrey Whipple Jr. for critical thinking: “JJ Whipple is a stellar communicator in AP World History Modern. His work is always thorough with details, specifics and accurate information. He does not just complete his work, he does such amazing work that I look forward to reading what he has to say about history. He is excellent at analyzing history and thinking about how a government functions, how belief systems shape a region, and always makes connections that expand my own understanding of history. Every day JJ checks in to see how my day is going and is always a caring and compassionate individual. I am so grateful to have him in my classroom as he is always so incredibly polite and respectful. His work ethic and polite mannerisms make him a brilliant beacon in our hallways,” said Kathryn Haim, social studies teacher.