Cheboygan's Students of the Month for October honored

CHEBOYGAN — At Monday night's Cheboygan Area Schools Board of Education meeting, four Cheboygan High School students were recognized for having earned the distinction of being named October Student of the Month.

"If you've ever been here before, you know that student of the month is my absolute favorite moment of board meetings," said board president Marianne Ridings.

This month's honorees were presented to the school board by teacher Miranda MacLean. None of the nominating teachers were able to attend the board meeting, so MacLean read each of the teachers' letters to the students, explaining why they had been nominated for the honor.

The freshman student of the month for October was Amelia Davis, nominated for the award by teacher Dana Lavender, who has Davis in her Algebra 1 class this year.

"Every day Amelia uses the entire class period to work," said Lavender in her letter. "When she is frustrated with a concept, she will ask for help, instead of giving up and complaining. Her work is also completed with a high degree of accuracy."

Davis was described as being a quiet student who leads by example and is willing to help other students.

"Sometimes our students that don't make noise are overlooked for honors or may not realize how much their positive attitude is appreciated in class," said Lavender. "Even though Amelia is only a freshman, it is very clear that Amelia is a determined young lady, and when she sets a goal for herself, she is determined to meet it."

Lavender said Davis also follows through with her actions, which is evident in her grades this past semester. She also has an excellent work ethic that is present in each and every one of her classes this year as well.

"I'm not sure if Amelia realizes, she is a positive role model in the classroom as a student. I am proud and pleased to recognize her hard work with the student of the month award," said Lavender. "Thank you, Amelia, for your hard work, positive attitude, respectfulness towards me and your peers every day. Congratulations."

Hannah Maltby was recognized as the sophomore student of the month, nominated for the award by teacher Hayley Dawley, who is also organizer of the Student of the Month Program at Cheboygan Area Schools.

Dawley nominated Maltby for her quality of work, her consistency and her problem solving skills.

"She is a hard working student that contributes positively to the class," said Dawley. "I can always count on her to keep up her work and take the time to really comprehend the information."

On more than one occasion, Maltby has persevered over obstacles and uses her resources and knowledge to figure out what she needs to do.

"It's a pleasure to watch her quiet determination in action," said Dawley. "I have also enjoyed having her in class so far this year and look forward to hearing more of her voice as we continue."

Junior Beau Ginop was also nominated for student of the month by Lavender, who has him in her Algebra 2 class.

"Three words that I would use to describe Beau are respectful, dedicated and focused, with respectful being the most prominent," said Lavender.

While math is not a favorite subject for many students, Ginop still approaches every concept taught in class as he does with each play on the football field, Lavender said. He is determined to complete the work in the most efficient way and with a high level of accuracy.

"When a concept is difficult, he will ask for help and he will try any problem several times until it is correct," said Lavender. "Quitting is not in his vocabulary, regardless of the challenge. From the time Beau sits down at the beginning of the hour, until the end of the class, he is on task. Every minute, he is working."

Ginop dedicates the same amount of focus to his studies as he does to his spot on the roster with the Cheboygan Chiefs football team, Lavender said.

"Beau is an excellent example of a well rounded student athlete we all strive to teach our students to be," said Lavender. "He has a positive attitude toward all his classes, takes his grades seriously, works hard to achieve his personal goals and is respected by his peers."

Lavender also described Ginop as being a natural leader, which stems from his setting a positive example in all he does.

Hope Richardson was the Cheboygan High School Senior student of the month for October, nominated by teacher Brent Richard.

Richardson was nominated for the award because of her dedication to her classwork and school requirements, as well as her positive attitude.

"She works diligently in class and always receives the highest marks and grades for her assignments," said Richard. "She is extremely polite and takes her responsibilities in school very seriously. She is earning a 95% or higher in every class she is taking this school year."

Richard said Richardson's work ethic will be an outstanding attribute to her future career and life.

"I know she will be a valuable asset to any business, school or community in her future," he said. "Congratulations to Hope."

The Cheboygan Area Schools Academic Boosters and those who put together the gift bags for the students were also thanked by the school board for sponsoring the student of the month program.

The parents, guardians, friends and other family members of each of the students were also recognized by the board for all the positive influences those people have on the students who were honored.

Contact Features Writer Kortny Hahn at khahn1@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @khahnCDT.

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Cheboygan's Students of the Month for October honored