By Crystal Hayduk
The Chelsea School District Board of Education recognized May’s Students of the Month at its meeting on May 8, held at the Washington Street Education Center.
Teachers nominate students for the special recognition for exhibiting qualities of the Portrait of a Graduate (POG), well-rounded students for the 21st century.
Matt Ceo, Beach Middle School (BMS) principal, introduced eighth-grader Aleeah Wells. She is the daughter of Leeroy and Monique Wells.
Dennis Strzyzewski, counselor and former basketball coach, said Aleeah surpasses her natural talent as a student and athlete with the work she puts in to be her best academically and athletically, while also exhibiting kindness. “Every day, the people around her are better because of the kindness and positivity she puts out into the world,” he said.
English Language Arts teacher Alyssa Knupp called Aleeah an “absolute light in and outside of the classroom.” She balances athletics, academics, and her personal life while remaining levelheaded and determined to do her best and help others. She finds ways to “… strengthen her writing, enhance her worldview through her readings, and connect what we’re studying in class to her community at large,” said Knupp.
Melissa McIntosh, her math teacher, said Aleeah’s algebra work is accurate and thorough, and she asks questions to deepen her understanding. “… Aleeah is one of the best students I have had in my classroom, and I feel lucky to be her teacher,” she said.
BMS Band Director Katy Steklac said Aleeah exhibits compassion and empathy for others daily, and can sense when someone is struggling and responds thoughtfully. “I can’t think of a student who embodies the whole Portrait of a Graduate initiative better,” she said.
Ceo said teachers in his building unanimously agree that Aleeah is a special individual and they are proud of her.
Dr. Nick Angel and Dr. Luman Strong, Chelsea High School (CHS) principal and assistant principal respectively, introduced junior Phoebe Ledbetter, daughter of Joseph and Kristi. Band director Alison Roberts and the music department nominated her for her academic and social excellence during the past month.
Art teacher Claire Popovich said Phoebe has a “bubbly personality” and exhibits “diligence and creativity in her work.” Through her art, she takes risks and seeks opportunities to learn more, while also supporting her classmates with “compassion, empathy, and kindness.”
Melissa Taylor, science teacher, said Phoebe has a contagious optimism, taking on challenges with a smile.
Math teacher Heather Hugg said Phoebe is a diligent student who completes her work and collaborates with other students to solve challenging math problems. Hugg appreciates that Phoebe shares her amazing art with her, too. “She brings a smile to my face every day … and I will miss her next year,” she said.
Roberts said Phoebe is a kind and compassionate person who finds way to help others. “She is extremely reliable and self-directed … and can always be counted on to do the right thing, even when no one else is watching,” she said.
In summary, Strong said Phoebe exemplifies the attributes of empathy, integrity, collaboration, and creativity.
The board presented Aleeah and Phoebe with certificates recognizing them for “consistent excellence portraying key competencies of the district’s Portrait of a Graduate.”
A videorecording of the meeting will be available to view for one month here. Students of the Month presentations begin at 1:26 and run to 8:45.
