By Crystal Hayduk
It took two meetings for the Chelsea School District (CSD) Board of Education to meet the secondary Students of the Month for May.
Bohdan Heller, an eighth grader at Beach Middle School (BMS), and Daniel Munker, a junior at Chelsea High School (CHS), were nominated by their teachers for regularly exhibiting the qualities of the Portrait of a Graduate (POG), well-rounded students for the 21st century.
Matt Ceo, BMS principal, introduced Bohdan, son of John and Courtney Heller, at the May 6 school board meeting.
English teacher Alyssa Knupp said Bohdan stands out as being invested in meaningful connections with both peers and his studies. He gets along with others through his efforts to reflect and empathize. He has a “… gentle confidence that allows him to fearlessly question rather than take information or opinions at face value,” she said. He learns not only to improve himself but also to better his community.
Shane Rodriguez, Spanish teacher, said Bohdan is kind, intelligent, and a positive influence in class. “[Bohdan’s] good nature has an incredible effect on those around him,” he said.
BMS Band Director Katy Steklac said Bohdan joined the band in seventh grade with no experience playing an instrument, but he was willing to join the percussion section. “With every new instrument that I have given him, he has figured it out and done so with a great attitude,” she said. He encourages other students in his section, is kind, learns from his mistakes, and is adaptable.
Marie Lombardo, science teacher, said Bohdan works very hard, and balances academics with other activities that are meaningful to him. “He demonstrates empathy, grit, and integrity on a consistent basis,” she said.
“Beach Middle School is so happy to present Bohdan as the May Student of the Month,” said Ceo.
Nick Angel and Andrea Franco, CHS principal and assistant principal respectively, introduced Daniel, son of Shawntay and Ernest Munker, at the May 20 school board meeting. He was nominated by teachers in the social studies department and Jeff Rittenhouse, his building trades teacher at South & West Washtenaw Consortium.
His teachers said Daniel exhibits empathy and understands the perspectives of others, which promotes inclusivity among his classmates. When working collaboratively, he makes sure all voices are heard and respected.
Daniel’s self-direction and adaptability helps him approach new challenges with tenacity as he looks for innovative solutions to complex problems.
His teachers said Daniel has “unwavering” integrity. He has high moral and ethical standards, is committed to excellence in academics, athletics, and personal endeavors, and is a model to his peers.
Rittenhouse said Daniel never complained and showed up every day ready to work outdoors in all types of weather to finish projects on Dexter’s campus. “I have witnessed him using his problem-solving skills time after time to rise above frustration and accomplish some very difficult tasks,” said Rittenhouse. “… More importantly, Daniel is a great person. … with his positivity and quiet cheerfulness.”
Daniel recently passed the exam to receive his Home Builders Association Skilled to Build State Certification, and he will be working for the CSD’s operations department next year.
Angel and Franco said they are proud of how Daniel exhibits the POG every day.
The board presented Bohdan and Daniel with certificates recognizing them for “continually showcasing the vital skills and qualities highlighted in the district’s Portrait of a Graduate.”
A videorecording of the May 6 meeting with Bohdan’s presentation is available for viewing here, running from timestamp 1:25 to 4:40.
A videorecording of the May 20 meeting with Daniel’s presentation is available for viewing here, running from timestamp 11:38 to 15:30.
