Rollins fourth-grader a model student
Sep. 23—This program is made possible through the support of Mako Medical Labs, Prim Development and Residential, and the Vance County Public School Foundation.
HENDERSON
When it came time to announce E.M. Rollins Elementary's nomination for the Student Spotlight, Principal Carnetta Thomas let the students in the winner's classroom take a guess.
Everybody guessed right: Michael Switzer.
Switzer, a fourth-grader, was honored on Tuesday with the customary Spotlight presentation and accompanying gifts.
"We appreciate you doing those academic things, supporting your classmates and just coming to school and doing what you do," Thomas said.
Ebony Watkins and Danielle Petrin nominated Switzer for his "love for school" and "positive, encouraging attitude."
When in school, he always gets his work done, but his learning doesn't stop there. When he's through with a day's work, Switzer helps other students understand their work or seeks out further educational opportunities.
E.M. Rollins' teachers use Math Reflex, a program used to help kids understand math facts. Watkins said Switzer has learned "100%" of the facts on the site.
Math is Swtizer's favorite. Just last year, he won a trophy in the school's Mathematician Competition. But he also enjoys art and coloring, specifically. In fact, he wants to be an artist when gets older.
His favorite thing about E.M. Rollins is the teachers, because "they help me learn stuff."
"If you have a student that has integrity, that's him," Watkins said. "He's going to do the right thing, regardless if no one is watching. When he was in my class, he made sure that he got every assignment done..."
Switzer hasn't let his accomplishments get to his head. Watkins said he's "humble — he's not cocky. He's not arrogant about anything that he does. He always offers a helping hand."
