By Crystal Hayduk
The Chelsea School District Board of Education met the March Students of the Month at its meeting on March 11.
Kaelyn Mannor, a sophomore at Chelsea High School (CHS), and Charlotte Ewen, a sixth grader at Beach Middle School (BMS), were nominated by their teachers for consistently demonstrating the qualities of the Portrait of a Graduate (POG), well-rounded students for the 21st century.
CHS Principal Dr. Nick Angel and Andrea Franco, assistant principal, introduced Kaelyn, daughter of Ashley Olberg and Adam Mannor.
Kaelyn’s math teachers, Karen Kurcz and Jason Rickli, nominated her for embodying the POG, especially in the areas of communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Students work in teams investigating math, where Kaelyn is a highly-functioning collaborator. She questions, listens, and explains. “She often leads her team through the challenging work required to solve contextual problems, and uses the language of geometry to explain and justify her ideas,” said Angel.
Kaelyn advocates for herself and her team by pursuing contributions from classmates and asking questions when needed. She works without judgment and respectfully with anyone. She maintains a positive attitude and doesn’t give up, even when faced with a challenge.
Franco said Kaelyn has many POG qualities including her exchange of ideas, ability to work effectively with others to attain a goal, identifies problems, thinks logically, respects other viewpoints, and devises solutions to a variety of problems.
Both Angel and Franco said other students consider Kaelyn to be a wonderful person.
“On behalf of the entire CHS administration, we are so proud of Kaelyn and the way she exhibits the Portrait of a Graduate every day,” said Franco.
Matt Ceo, BMS principal, introduced Charlotte, daughter of Jennifer and Eric Ewen. He said staff members from all corners of the building named Charlotte as a student deserving of POG recognition. “… An incredible accomplishment for a sixth grader who has not been in the building for a full year,” he said.
BMS Band Director Katy Steklac called Charlotte a “beacon of light in our class.” With an ever-present smile, Charlotte takes risks as she learns new things. A percussionist, she problem solves and takes feedback graciously. She takes pride in her performance and is kind to everyone.
Alex Soule, a teacher in the resource room, emphasized Charlotte’s social and emotional competencies. She is a friend to students in the resource room, taking the time and effort to make everyone feel included. She advocates for others, and is confident, empathetic, and civic-minded. Charlotte is an involved member of the Beach CREW club, which provides leadership opportunities and builds globally conscious citizens.
Ceo said the 6 Gold Team staff “wrote a novel about how wonderful Charlotte is.” He and his assistant principal, Adam Schilt, summarized their comments. Charlotte is known as “… the voice of reason and a source of comfort in her friend group,” said Ceo. “Charlotte’s maturity, reflective nature, and consideration for everyone’s feelings establish her as an unparalleled listener and provider of reliable advice.” Charlotte uses grit every day to manage academic challenges and maintains a positive outlook.
“Charlotte is the embodiment of the Portrait of a Graduate student and we feel very lucky to have her as part of our 6 Gold Team,” said Ceo.
The board presented Kaelyn and Charlotte 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 meeting is available for viewing here. Students of the Month presentations run from timestamp 1:35 to 8:55.
