Students of the Quarter show extraordinary effort, character

AYER — As the third quarter came to a close, the Ayer Middle School students and staff assembled in the auditorium to recognize the students who went above and beyond in their work at the school.

The faculty gave Student of the Quarter awards to 24 sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students for showing extraordinary effort and character.

Ayer Middle-High School Assistant Principal Rich McGrath welcomed the students and family members who were in attendance to support and celebrate the accomplishments of the middle-school students. McGrath explained that the Student of the Quarter awards are for “those who consistently show dedication to their school work and performance.” teacher from each grade came up to the microphone to make a statement about each student being honored. In addition to the certificate, students were able to pick a trinket out of the “little something” box and receive a pin that enables them to go to the front of the lunch line when they wear it.

“It’s quite an accomplishment to be recognized with the competition we have here at the school,” McGrath said. “It is very difficult for the teachers to pick kids each quarter because there are so many great kids to choose from.” He also told students that any one of them could get an award like the ones handed out on that morning by showing their “best effort each day.”

Many reasons were cited for the awarding of each of the certificates.

In the sixth grade, English teacher Anne Grallert gave out the honors. Michael Tonelli is “always prepared and conscientious and kind.” Liam Sullivan “showed a real understanding of the difficult medium of watercolor,” and Zachary Rolfe showed “outstanding participation and a positive attitude during physical education class.” Jasmine McGillicuddy was recognized for “her hard work and achievement in mathematics,” Tyler Landry for being “extremely helpful in every aspect of band he has been involved in,” and Cayla Justice for being “an all-around outstanding person and a great role model,” Madalyn Jorge “possesses a strong academic standard,” Jonathan Durben showed “amazing work on his fitness and nutrition journal,” and Victoria Cuoco is known for “being respectful in class while creating beautiful and creative projects.”

In the seventh grade, math teacher Amy Martone spoke to the qualities that got the seventh-graders recognized. Charlotte Young was noted for being “a noteworthy musician,” Olivia Warila is known for being “willing to put time into gaining understanding of a concept and always putting in the needed effort as a student,” and Chase Murphy can be “counted on every day to greet his teachers politely, engage his classmates and enthusiastically go about the business of his day.” Sarah Gibbons did “a wonderful job on her perspective drawing of a city corner,” Katherine Esielionis showed “outstanding participation and a positive attitude,” and Alexander Du “always takes his time to create impressive projects.” Daniel Baldino was recognized twice — once for “going above and beyond with health work” and again for “his determination, active involvement in class, and a strong desire to achieve”.

In the eighth grade, Scott Mahle spoke about the eighth-graders’ talents. Suzanne Reyes showed an “understanding of her work and dedication to her multimedia project,” Rosette Nkanka”s “quiet leadership and mallet skills” made her an asset to the band, and Samantha Igo has shown she is a “good student and a good friend and role model to her fellow middle school students.” Ryan Doucette “continuously got his job done in terms of his academics”, Tenaj DaRosa turned in an “elaborate and well thought-out project” on steroid use, Kevin Cowdrey showed “outstanding participation and leadership during physical education class.” Sydney Brinkerhoff displayed the virtue of persistence, and Melissa Belanger “created a great project and is always pleasant and positive in class.”