Superintendent Christine Trampe (far left) and school board president Amy Gregg (back row, far right) with December’s stars of character.
The township school board recognized 17 students as stars of character – eight for November and nine for December – during a Jan. 12 meeting at Centre City Elementary School.
The awards honor one student in each grade from kindergarten to sixth and one from each of the two preschools who best showcase a specific virtue each month. They are chosen based on feedback from teachers and staff.
Recognized first were the November students who best showcased wisdom.
“The virtue of wisdom means using what we know to make good choices,” said Superintendent Christine Trampe. “When we’re wise, we listen carefully. We think before we act and we learn from our mistakes.”
The students who demonstrated that virtue are fifth-grader Michael Prince, fourth-grader Sofia Urrutia, third-grader Carolina Pallero, second-grader Ariana Taveres, first-grader Everly MacMullin, kindergartner Adrianna Olmo, Sewell Elementary preschooler Ania Mokhtari and Evergreen preschooler Thomas Wong. Sixth-grader Avery Selfridge was absent and will be honored at a later date.
The December star students were chosen for showcasing the virtue of self-control. They are sixth-grader Jacob Verdecchio, fifth-grader Lorelai Heupler, fourth-grader Scarlett Johnson, third-grader Joanna Solina, second-grader Joseph Mitchell, first-grader Julia Hobbs, kindergartner Savannah Gigantone, Sewell Elementary preschooler Amari-Reign Holden and Evergreen preschooler Ashlyn Welsh.
“Self-control means being the boss of your feelings and actions,” Trampe explained. “It’s the power to pause and think before you speak or you do something.”
The winners each received a certificate, bracelet and necklace recognizing their achievement. As Trampe introduced each student, she read a statement from their teachers on why they were chosen.
“He consistently stays focused, works hard and shows impressive dedication in both his effort and behavior,” Trampe said of Verdecchio. “Even when situations around him may be challenging, Jacob handles his emotions with maturity and continues to choose kindness, responsibility and success.”
The next board of education meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9, at Centre City Elementary.
