Shavano Academic Booster Club announces November students of the month

Shavano Academic Booster Club announced its November students of the month for Salida School District R-32-J.

Teachers select monthly winners based on excellence in academic achievement, extracurricular activities, special efforts and/or citizenship.

Kaia Grauer

Longfellow Elementary School second-grader

Parents: Zev and Kelli Grauer

Nominating teacher: Katie Crane

Comments: Kaia’s enthusiasm is contiguous in our online learning environment. 

Kaia is always ready to help others and brings humor and joy to everyone around her. She excels in her academics and is willing to help everyone in the class.

Anna Paschall

Longfellow Elementary School third-grader

Parents: Donavon and Mandy Paschall

Nominating teacher: Mark Tameler

Comments: Anna shows tremendous persistence and effort with her school work. 

She keeps her eyes and ears open during lessons always demonstrating great focus. 

Anna’s writing shows her ability to craft her words, so they sound “just right.” She also brings a kindness into our room each day helping each of us feel good.

Makenzie Jefferson

Longfellow Elementary School fourth-grader

Parents: Ashley and Paul Ottmer   Abby and Brian Jefferson

Nominating teacher: Sara Wilcox

Comments: Makenzie stands out as a member of our class who loves to learn. 

She goes beyond assignment expectations to dive in deep to understand new concepts. 

Makenzie advocates respectfully for herself in the classroom and online. 

She always gives her best effort on assignments while also consistently being a kind, inclusive classmate.

Joaquin Wilcox

Salida Middle School fifth-grader

Parents: Kenny and Sara Wilcox

Nominating teacher: Bryan Thomas

Comments: Joaquin brings an unmatched level of positive energy to his fifth grade classroom. 

His eagerness to learn is only topped by his willingness to assist other students. 

Joaquin is a leader and consistently sets the example on student conduct and academics inside and outside of the classroom.

Declan McQueen

Salida Middle School sixth-grader

Parents: Elizabeth and Colin McQueen

Nominating teachers: Sixth Grade Core Team: Michael Lamond, Mary Gagliardi, Stephen Crane, and Jean Dyer

Comments: Declan has shown himself to be an excellent student and a great young man. 

He engages in all classes, often challenging his teachers to push him further. He is a consistent support to his peers as well. 

On several occasions, students have recognized how he has encouraged them to do better. He has embraced the idea of Ubuntu: “I am because we are.”   

Teachers appreciate his work ethic and his ability to still be a kid. Even in the uncertain times, he has kept a great sense of humor that helps lessen the load throughout the day.

Max Hunt

Salida High School freshman

Parents: Dan and Nancy Hunt

Nominating teacher: Heidi Slaymaker

Comments: Max is in his first year at the high school. He attended the Montessori middle school which is always a hard adjustment, dealing with a new and much bigger environment, different demands, new teachers while trying to make new friends. 

Max has dealt well with this transition and has excelled in the classroom. He does an excellent job of advocating for himself when he is unsure of the material that I am covering and is always willing to answer hard questions in class while other students shy away.

Donovan Hernandez

Salida High School sophomore

Parent: Alesha Noel

Nominating teacher: Lara Fischlein

Comments: Donovan has shown incredible determination and work ethic throughout this crazy school year. 

He shows up when we are in class, and he shows up each day when we meet online. 

He is putting in incredible effort and reaping the rewards. Way to go Donovan!

Sydney Hillis

Salida High School sophomore

Parent: Brianna Myers

Nominating teacher: Todd Bright

Comments: Sydney is an outstanding student who constantly strives to do the best work possible. 

She is unafraid of new challenges and is always looking for ways to expand her knowledge. 

I can count on Sydney coming to class with a positive attitude ready to challenge herself. 

Sydney works hard to understand a complicated subject and is unafraid to ask questions. 

I appreciate the hard work and effort she puts into chemistry. 

Sydney represents what I feel it takes to be a successful student. She is one of those students who makes teaching an enjoyable experience.