Somerset County student achievements
December students of the month
North Star High School selected its students of the month for December. They are Isaac Berkey, Austin Byrd, Brycen Durst, Grace Metz, Stefanie Slate, Hayden Kobuck, Courtney Anderson and Julie Pelesky.
Isaac Berkey is the son of Jennifer Berkey and the late Brad Berkey, Boswell. He is a 12th grade student who also attends Somerset County Technology Center. He participates in football, track and is a member of the Sports Club. Grace Metz is also a 12th grade honors student. Her parents are Celina Metz and Matt Metz, Jennerstown, and she participates in yearbook, basketball and softball.
Hayden Kobuck is an 11th grade honors student, the son of Adam Kobuck, Boswell. He participates on the rifle team. Courtney Anderson is the daughter of Melissa and Timothy Anderson, Friedens. She is an 11th grade honors student who is a member of the Spanish Club, Brothers and Sisters Club and Digital Scrapbooking Club.
Austin Byrd is the son of Tim Byrd and Lauren Karl, Stoystown. He is a 10th grade student who is the band manager. Stefanie Slate is the daughter of Crystal Slate and David Slate, Boswell. She is a 10th grade honors student who also studies culinary arts at the Somerset County Technology Center. She is president of the Spanish Club and is a member of the North Star color guard.
Julie Pelesky is the daughter of Melissa and PJ Pelesky, Boswell. She is a ninth grade honors student who is a member of the student council, soccer, volleyball and Spanish Club. Brycen Durst is the son of Courtney Durst and Blaine Durst, He is a ninth grade student who participates in baseball, basketball and softball.
Berlin students for November
Zimmerman at Lions
Tyler Zimmerman, a senior at Somerset Area High School, was selected to represent the school at the Lions Club of Somerset during December.
Zimmerman is the son of Eric and Renee Zimmerman, Somerset. He is enrolled in the AP Honors course at Somerset, where he participates in National Honor Society, football and track. He lettered in 10th and 11th grade in both football and track. He has also been listed on the highest honors of the honor roll.
Zimmerman is a member of the Roof Garden Tractor Buddies, the Laurel Highlands Antique Power Club, Glade Highlands Antique and Iron Association, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and North Branch Hunting Club. His future plans are undecided.
Zimmerman enjoys playing football, hunting, tractor pulling and farming.
Remarkable Raiders for November
The Meyersdale Area School District Remarkable Raider program recognized its November honorees at the December meeting of the school board. Students in grades six through 12 were selected based on the merits of Academic Performance, Character, Behavior, Effort, Good Citizenship and Attendance.
Middle school students are Ryder Reese, Alana Baker and Leah Eyer. Ryder Reese, a sixth grade student, is the son of Heather and Mike Reese. He plays football, baseball and also wrestles. Alana Baker is in seventh grade and is the daughter of Erin and Matt Baker. She is a member of chorus. Outside of school, she enjoys riding her horses and spending time outdoors. Leah Eyer, an eighth grade student, is the daughter of Katie Eyer. She is a student at the Studio 7 School of Dance. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and watching Netflix.
High school students are Kylee Haer, Bailey Knotts, Kyle Smith and Gavin Topper. Kylee Haer, a freshman, is the daughter of Crystal and William Haer. She is a member of chorus, Home Ec Club and the volleyball. Outside of school, she enjoys dancing and spending time with her cousins. Following high school, Haer plans to pursue a career as a registered nurse.
Bailey Knotts, a sophomore, is the daughter of Kelly and Jeff Knotts. She is a member of FFA. Outside of school, Knotts enjoys dancing, 4-H, showing animals and putting puzzles together. Following high school, Knotts plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School to study animal science.
Kyle Smith, a junior, is the son of Heather and Dan Smith. He is the secretary of Tech Ed Club and is on the rifle team. Outside of school, Smith enjoys watching hockey and he is an employee at the Sandspring Farm. Following graduation, he plans to attend Frostburg State University to study engineering.
Gavin Topper, a senior, is the son of Jennifer Valentine. He is enrolled in several Honor and AP classes and was selected as Boy of the Year for the Class of 2023. He is a member of the student council and National Honor Society. He is also a member of the wrestling squad. Topper has served as a mentor for the Outdoor Odyssey program. Following graduation, he plans to attend college to earn a degree in mechanical engineering. He hopes to one day be an engineer for a Formula One team.
Soroptimist student
Laurel Irene Daniels was selected as the Soroptimist International of Somerset student. She is the daughter of Jeffrey and Tonya Daniels, Garrett. She is in the college preparatory course at Meyersdale Area High School.
Daniels is a member of the concert band, Jazz band, marching band, musical and chorus. She attended county band and chorus. She participates in basketball, softball, student council, Science Club, Raider Review, prom committee and No Place for Hate Club. She was the student council secretary for 2021-22, student council vice president for 2022-23, student council board representative, and was named to the Somerset First Team All County for 2020-21.
Daniels is a member of the Garrett School of Dance, Maryland Fusion Softball travel team and Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church. She volunteers at the Garrett Vacation Bible School, community clean up, Garrett School of Dance and helps with the Veterans Day assembly at the school.
She hopes to attend a post-secondary institution to earn a bachelor's degree in early childhood and special education. Daniels enjoys spending time with family and friends, dance, baking and babysitting.
Turkeyfoot November students
Daughton at Elks
The Meyersdale Elks Lodge has chosen Meyersdale Area High School student Rachel Daughton for the October student of the month. Daughton is the daughter of David and Wendy Daughton. She is a member of the track and field team. She also participates in travel softball. In addition to sports, Daughton is the Raider Review treasurer, the senior class secretary, a member of the National Honor Society and the Science Club.
December WYPO
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Student achievements for Somerset County schools
