December 2015 Students of the Month

Alex Danko
Freshman
Industrial Technology
The Industrial Technology Department selected Alex Danko as the Freshman Student of the Month. Alex states that his favorite classes include Orientation to Industrial Technology, Web Design & Development I and Integrated Math I. His teachers note that he is a joy to have in class and shows great leadership skills while working on group projects. An excellent critical thinker and problem solver, Alex is passionate about computers and technology. He always is willing to help others and share his enthusiasm for learning. Alex is a member of both the Science Club and Robotics Club. In the future, he hopes to become an engineer or a Web designer. He enjoys collecting ‘old school’ computer processors and video cards, as well as repairing or taking apart PCs.

Gabriela Valles
Sophomore
English
Gabriela Valles was tabbed as the Sophomore Student of the Month by the English Department. Her favorite classes include English II and Communications. Her teachers applaud her work ethic and note that she always gives her best effort. Gabriela has overcome challenges to become a top contributor to positive classroom environments. Her infectious optimism makes everyone - including her teachers - feel better about themselves or difficult situations. Gabriela is a member of the school’s Poms/Dance program, and was nominated as a Homecoming princess this year. She plans on using her high school experience to attend college, and someday hopes to own her own dance studio. In addition to helping her parents with their business, she enjoys dancing, listening to music and spending time with friends.

Mia Thomas
Junior
Learning Resource Center
The Learning Resource Center picked Mia Thomas as the Junior Student of the Month. An honor roll performer, Mia’s favorite areas of study are history and English. She is a regular in the LRC each morning, offering warm greetings and homework help. She has a gift for welcoming shy peers and making them a central part of the group. An avid reader, she often can be seen with a book in her hand. She encourages others to read and has helped the LRC staff convince reluctant readers to try new titles. Mia is involved with the Sparkles Dance Team and the Bass Fishing Club, and also is part of a church youth group. She plans on attending college, and has designs on becoming a sign language interpreter. Mia babysits part-time, and enjoys reading, listening to music, swimming, and spending time with friends and family.

Matt Oldanie
Senior
Social Studies
Matt Oldanie was cited as the Senior Student of the Month by the Social Studies Department. An honor roll student, Matt enjoys U.S. History, Sociology and Business Management. He has demonstrated a strong passion for the social sciences, and has taken nearly all of the courses offered by the school’s Social Studies Department. An empathetic and compassionate student. Matt has a strong sense of activism and social justice. Last month, he went to Haiti for a week for humanitarian outreach; he worked at an orphanage and assisted with community improvement projects. Matt will attend the University of Montana, and plans on pursuing studies in computer science and business management. He holds a part-time job at Meijer, and also enjoys doing humanitarian activities.