Student of the Month
The Stewart County High School (SCHS) faculty has started implementing a new Student of the Month recognition award for outstanding seniors. Each month of the school year a senior student will be named Student of the Month for SCHS. These students are selected by the faculty for their outstanding character, citizenship, academic credentials, student involvement in activities/organizations, and because they serve as positive role models for underclassmen.
May Student of the Month—Blake Sommers
Blake Sommers has been selected by the Stewart County High School (SCHS) faculty as May student of the month. He plans to attend Murray State University and study pre-physical therapy.
Sommers is a four-year member of the Rebel Basketball team. At the close of the 2011-2012, season he was the recipient of the Coach’s Award in recognition of his dedication and leadership. Chuck Holt, Social Studies teacher and men’s basketball coach says the following, “I feel Blake Sommers is a great selection as May Student of the Month. Over the last four years I’ve had the opportunity to coach Blake in basketball and to have him in my classroom. Whether Blake is in the classroom or performing one of his many extracurricular activities, he consistently displays outstanding work ethic, character, leadership, and conduct. Blake takes a tremendous amount of pride in everything he does and I’m proud to see him win this award. No student is more deserving of this honor.”
As a member of the SCHS community, Sommers has been involved in various activities. He is a one-year student council member, where he served as a senior class representative, a two-year Future Business Leaders of America member, and a one-year member of the Rebel football team.
Sommers is also a one-year member of Health Occupations Students of America. Health Science teacher, Cheryl Wooten, states, “Blake Sommers is most deserving to be selected as the SCHS Student of the Month for May. He is intelligent, good -natured, considerate, and very dedicated to his studies. His quiet demeanor helps create a relaxed environment in my classroom which in turn improves learning for all. Recently, Blake served as a voting delegate at the HOSA State Conference. He thanked me numerous times for allowing him to attend and commented that it was “the best experience” he has ever had in school. It is young people like Blake who make teaching worthwhile, and I am so glad I nominated him for this honor.”
Community involvement is also something which is important to Sommers. He worked as a Big Rock tornado relief volunteer after the storms of 2011. At New Haven Baptist church he serves as a youth representative.
While at SCHS Sommers believes that, “The Stewart County High School faculty has taught me the skills needed for Murray State University. Each class has helped me prepare for classes in pre-physical therapy. SCHS has made it easier to achieve my goals.”
Blake is the son of James and Angela Sommers.
April Student of the Month—Katy Miller
The Stewart County High School (SCHS) faculty is pleased to announce that Katy Miller has been selected as April Student of the Month. After graduation Miller plans to attend The University of Tennessee Knoxville. Mrs. Jill Lyons, English teacher shares these observations about Miller, “Katy is an exceptional student who goes above and beyond, both inside and outside of the classroom. Katy often volunteers to help prior to being asked, which is especially true with Katy’s involvement in extra-curricular activities at SCHS. Katy demonstrates a good work ethic and interpersonal skills that will be of great value to her as she continues her journey beyond SCHS.”
Miller is a four-year member of the Rebel Marching Band Color Guard and has served as Captain during her junior and senior years. Philip Bossenberger, Director of Music, states, “As the captain of our marching band color guard section for the past two seasons, Katy has displayed the most effective form of leadership: by leading by example. Her talent, dedication and patience have been a guiding light to the younger members of the color guard section. She is a hard worker who does not stop until the job is done right. With these qualities, Katy will go on to be successful at everything she chooses to do.”
During her time at SCHS Miller has been involved in a variety of organizations. As a one-year member of the yearbook staff, she has photographed numerous events. Miller is a one-year member of Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) and a first place finisher in the HOSA Regional Human Growth and Development competition. Her other activities include Science Club where as a two-year member she helped to organize and establish a school-wide recycling program, and BETA Club. Miller is the recipient of the 2009 English I Black and Gold Award.
Nancy Cason, English teacher says the following, “Katy has a gentle, kind disposition with a smile that lights up a room when she shares it. She is always respectful, attentive and can be depended upon to finish whatever task is at hand. Katy is a true friend to those who know her well. She always works well with her peers in group activities and always carries her fair work load. Katy will finish her high school career by being in the top ten percent of her class. The world needs more special young ladies of the quality of Katy. I was honored to have had her in my class.”
Miller believes that Stewart County High School has prepared her to seek and achieve her goals. “SCHS has given me so many opportunities for my future and has provided me with an education that has earned me acceptance into college. I have made lifelong friends and the teachers have prepared me to take on new responsibilities in the real world. My experience at SCHS has made me a better person overall.”
Katy is the daughter of Frank and Sarah Miller.
March Student of the Month—Laura Hawkins
The Stewart County High School (SCHS) faculty is pleased to announce that Laura Hawkins has been selected as March Student of the Month. Hawkins plans to attend Murray State University and pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and continue her education to become a Doctor of Nurse Practitioner.
At SCHS Hawkins is involved in a variety of organizations. She is a member of the Math Club, Science Club, Foreign Language Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and BETA Club, where she currently serves as Treasurer. Lora Black, School Librarian and BETA Club Sponsor, states, “Laura is an exceptional young lady in countless ways. Many school and community efforts require workers who are willing to step up to the plate for the less-than-glamorous behind-the-scenes responsibilities; Laura is an exemplary model of this kind of selfless person. Her success in life is guaranteed.”
Service to the community is important to Hawkins. Currently she serves as a volunteer for the Stewart County Backpack Program. Hawkins, a skilled musician in folk guitar, classical violin, and fiddle music, has volunteered at Fort Donelson National Battlefield, and even performed at Civil War music events with her music teacher and peer musicians. Her music has allowed her to perform publicly numerous times since she was eight years old in venues such as Hardin Days (KY), the Aurora Festival (KY), the Murray Fiddle Festival (KY), the Clarksville Old Time Fiddle Festival, the Loretta Lynn Talent Contest , the Lighting of the Cumberland Festival, and even in nursing homes. Hawkins also completed an internship at the Land Between the Lakes Homeplace 1850s Farm. Her responsibilities included developing programs for the public with a focus on children’s programming. Hawkins role required her to wear period costumes and participate with other staff as a Nineteenth century farm family in Tennessee. She also participated in music festivals at the farm.
Allen Ralls, Science teacher, remarks, “I've been very fortunate to have had Ms. Hawkins in Chemistry and Chemistry II and currently have her in Physics. When I hear her name the first thing that comes to mind is "tenacity". I cannot tell you the number of times that a question has frustrated her to the point of exploding but she always perseveres to answer the question. I like it when a student gets a question correct, but to Ms. Hawkins it's important to her to have the knowledge and foundation to understand the question. She has a great future ahead of her and I look forward to seeing her grow. I will truly miss her lovely smile next year.”
When questioned about how her time at SCHS has prepared her for her future Hawkins replied, “SCHS has taught me great things, from how to juggle school work and extra-curricular activities, to how to react in difficult situations with others. Overall, SCHS has taught me how to be a well-rounded individual who has the desire to succeed.”
Laura is the daughter of Charles and Susan Hawkins.
February Student of the Month—Dakota Rakestraw
The Stewart County High School (SCHS) faculty is pleased to announce that Dakota Rakestraw has been selected as February Student of the Month. Rakestraw plans to attend college and pursue his dream of being an international attorney.
Recognized for his academic achievement, Rakestraw has been awarded Black and Gold awards for French I, Computer Applications, Chemistry II and Spanish I. Rakestraw is a 2011 CEMC Short Story winner which earned him an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. He is a member of the French Culture Bowl team which has placed first for three consecutive years at the University of Tennessee at Martin Foreign Language Day competition. Kelly McCoy, Spanish teacher, shares this about Rakestraw, “Dakota is a highly intelligent student whose opinions and suggestions are valuable. He enjoys engaging in lively and sometimes philosophical conversations. I look forward to hearing about his successes in the future.”
At SCHS Rakestraw is involved in a variety of organizations where he serves in various leadership roles. For three years, he has been an active member of the Science Club, where he previously served as Treasurer and currently serves as Vice President. Rakestraw is a three-year member of the Math Club and currently serves as President. He is also a four-year member of the Foreign Language Club, where he currently serves as President. At present, he is a member of Beta Club where he currently holds the position of Leadership Officer. Rakestraw has been active in Student Council as he has served as Freshman Class President and a Class Representative during his sophomore and junior years. He is a two-year member of Future Business Leaders of America and worked on the Prom Committee his junior year.
Math teacher, Ben Duncan holds Rakestraw in high esteem. He states, "Dakota possesses every quality an educator considers when nominating an individual for student of the month. Dakota's success derives from his unique ability to quickly establish a connection between academics and application. This ability and his desire to be a life-long learner make Dakota a special student here at SCHS. It has been a pleasure working with him the past four years and his future successes are boundless."
When asked to reflect upon how his time at SCHS has prepared him for his future Rakestraw commented, “A home without a solid foundation will not weather the storm so it is up to the architect to build in the present while planning for the future. SCHS has equipped me with the skills to handle today and the knowledge for tomorrow.”
Dakota is the son of Russell and Rae Switzer.
January Student of the Month—Courtney Melton
Courtney Melton has been selected by the Stewart County High School (SCHS) faculty as January Student of the Month. Melton plans to attend Austin Peay State University, where she has been awarded the Dean’s Scholarship, and pursue a degree in English with the goal of becoming a high school teacher.
Melton is a three-year member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and has served as chapter Secretary for two years. Melton was elected as the 2011-2012 Region 3 President which makes her a voting member of the Tennessee FBLA Executive Committee. In this role she helps to plan state events such as FBLA Local Officer Leadership Camp and Regional and State Leadership Conferences. Melton is a graduate of FLBA’s Institute for Leaders and has competed at the regional level where she placed first in Social Media and fifth in Ethics. She has also competed at the state level where she received fourth in the Local Chapter Scrapbook event. Melton has achieved the Future, Business, and Leader levels of the FBLA Business Achievement Awards.
Connie Baggett, Business Technology teacher and FBLA adviser states, “It has been my pleasure to travel with Courtney over this past year as she served as the Future Business Leader of America Region 3 President. She represented the region and SCHS with grace, poise and professionalism as she attended meetings and fulfilled other duties on the State Executive Council. Courtney is the epitome of a Student of the Month.”
FBLA community service projects are another area in which Melton devotes her time. She chaired the Canned Food Drive Committee and helped to deliver the food to Good Samaritan. Additionally, Melton collected donations for Lights of Love, a local charity dedicated to assisting nursing home residents.
Melton is a four-year member of the Student Council where she has worked as a Class Representative for two years, Secretary for one year, and currently holds the Vice President position. In these roles she has helped to plan and implement homecoming and Valentine’s Day activities. Other activities in which she is involved include being a one-year member of the Drama Club, a three-year member of the Spanish Club, and a member of Beta Club where she currently serves as Co-President.
Math Club is another activity in which Melton participates and is the club’s current Secretary. Marcia Joiner, Math teacher, speaks highly of Melton. She declares, “Courtney has shown herself to be a dedicated, intelligent and hard working individual. She is a poised young lady with a wonderful future ahead of her.”
When asked how SCHS has prepared her for her future Melton replied, “Through my wonderful teachers and club advisers, I have learned the leadership and speech skills necessary for my future profession.”
Courtney is the daughter of Shane and Michele Melton.
December Student of the Month—Cody Atkins
The Stewart County High School (SCHS) faculty is pleased to announce that Cody Atkins has been selected as December Student of the Month. Atkins plans to attend college and major in mathematics and secondary education while playing football.
Atkins is a four-year member of the Rebel football team and one of the team co-captains. During his career he has earned numerous awards including being named to The Leaf Chronicle All-Area Teams in 2010 and 2011, and the All-District 11AA Teams for 2010 and 2011. In addition, Atkins was named 2011 All-District 11AA MVP Wide Receiver. Locally, Atkins earned the 2010 Skill Player of the Year and the 2011 Offensive Team MVP award. Myles Holliday, Social Studies teacher and Football Coach states, “For me it was an easy selection in nominating Cody Atkins as a Student of the Month. When it comes to our school environment, there are few better at making SCHS a wonderful place to attend and teach. Cody is always willing to go that extra mile as a student or as a member of our school, and always puts others ahead of his needs. His attitude is what makes him special.”
Baseball is another area where Atkins excels. He is a four-year member and captain of the Rebel Baseball Team where he has received recognition by being named to the 2011 All-District 11AA Team, and locally has been the recipient of the 2011 Gold Glove and Team MVP awards. Atkins is also a one-year member of the Rebel basketball team.
Atkins is a four-year member of the SCHS Student Council and currently serves as President. Other activities of which he is a part include being a four-year member of Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and the BEARS (Building Every Asset Right from the Start) Team, a four-year member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), a four-year member of the Math Club, a one-year member of the Science Club, and a member of Beta Club where he currently serves as Co-President.
Math teacher and Student Council Sponsor, Penny Parsons says, “Cody is an outstanding student who is very deserving of the Student of the Month award. It has been a pleasure working with him as he serves as the 2011-2012 Student Council President. He is truly a leader and a person of great character.”
When asked to reflect on how SCHS has prepared him for his future Atkins responded, “My experience here at SCHS has prepared me for the real world. I am excited to graduate and to move on into my life yet-to-come.”
Cody is the son of Steve and Mary Atkins.
November Student of the Month—Kelsey Taylor
Kelsey Taylor has been chosen as November Student of the Month by the Stewart County High School (SCHS) faculty. Elected by her peers for the 2012 Miss SCHS Senior Superlative, Taylor plans to first attend Austin Peay State University and continue her studies at Hopkinsville Community college to pursue a career as a dental hygienist. Taylor is a three-year member of the Bonanza Yearbook staff and functions as business manager for the publication.
Taylor is a four-year member of the SCHS Cheerleading Squad and is serving in a leadership capacity as Co-Captain for her second year. During her cheerleading career Taylor has received recognition for Most Improved, Outstanding Back Spot, Academic Excellence, and was a recipient of the Karee Jobe Harper Award. Megan Fitzhugh, Resource Teacher and Cheerleading Coach states, “It is a privilege to be able to write about the qualities that make Kelsey deserving of such an award as Student of the Month. I have worked with Kelsey since her freshman year and she has always been such a kindhearted young lady. She is a hard worker and strives to do her best in everything. Kelsey is a strong leader that never fails to set a good example for others. I know that she will be successful in everything she works towards in the future.”
Taylor’s other activities as a student at SCHS include being a three-year member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), a one-year member of Health Occupations Students of America, a one-year member of the Foreign Language Club, and a member of the BETA Club where she currently serves as Secretary. Taylor is also a one-year member of the Build Every Asset Right from the Start (BEARS) team, a community service branch of Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) of which she is a member. As part of the BEARS team Taylor has assisted with the backpack program for underprivileged children.
Cheryl Wooten, Health Science teacher, expresses these thoughts about Taylor. “Every Student of the Month recipient has outstanding qualities such as intelligence, leadership, self-motivation, and determination—Kelsey Taylor is no exception! However, she is also gracious, empathetic, loyal, and an inspiration to others. These qualities make her notable among her peers and is surely the reason her classmates recently chose her to be Miss SCHS. I am honored to teach Kelsey this year and look forward to watching her mature into the “world changer” I know she will become!”
When asked how her time at SCHS has prepared her for her future, Taylor stated, “SCHS has a small, homey environment allowing you to work with teachers and students on a personal level. The staff is fully devoted to each individual student’s success. All of the activities, programs, and opportunities offered give you more than enough of a firm foundation to stand on your own. “
Kelsey is the daughter of Patrick and Claire Taylor.
October Student of the Month—Dakota Bonjour
The Stewart County High School (SCHS) faculty has selected Dakota Bonjour as October Student of the Month. Bonjour, a student athlete, was named to the 2011 Football District 11AA Academic Team for his performance on the field and in the classroom. After high school graduation, he plans to enter either the military or college.
Bonjour is a three-year member of the Rebel Football Team and served in a leadership role as one of the senior captains. He played Rebel baseball for one year. Dusty Holder, Social Studies teacher and coach, states, “It’s always a privilege to speak on behalf of young people like Dakota Bonjour. I had the honor to be his teacher in the classroom as well as being a coach on the field of football and baseball. It’s been a pleasure to watch him grow into a fine young man, a good student-athlete, and a person of great character. How deserving he is of Student of the Month.”
Bonjour is also a one-year member of Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) where he is a member of the Build Every Asset Right from the Start (BEARS) team, a community service branch of the organization. As a BEARS team member Bonjour promotes character by modeling integrity and excellent citizenship.
Loretta Craig, Guidance Counselor, shares these thoughts about Bonjour. “Steady, industrious, thoughtful and kind are a few of the adjectives that come to mind when I think of Dakota. He is a leader who positively influences his peers, in class, on the football field and in other extracurricular activities. If Dakota sees a job to be done or a problem to be solved, he takes the initiative. If he knows a fellow student needs help, he offers his help. Dakota Bonjour is a shining example of positive character and behavior that other students would be wise to emulate.”
Bonjour’s other activities as a student at SCHS include being an active two-year member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and a one-year member of the Math Club where he currently serves as Treasurer.
As Bonjour anticipates graduation, he reflects on his time at SCHS. He professes, “After moving back with my Dad from Kentucky I began to view things differently. I started heading in the right direction both in academics and in life. Mrs. Baggett and Mrs. Lambert have done a lot for me, for which I am very grateful and thankful. My time on the football team with Coach Holliday lead to demanding physical and mental challenges, and along with FBLA has prepared me to move on beyond Stewart County High School to the next phase of life.”
Bonjour is the son of Mike and Archara Bonjour and Cassie Yette.
September Student of the Month—Hillary Keel
Hillary Keel has been chosen by the Stewart County High School (SCHS) faculty as September Student of the Month. She plans to pursue a degree in accounting and become a Certified Public Accountant. A 2011 Electric Cooperatives Essay Contest winner, Keel earned an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C.
A three-year member of Future Business Leaders of America
(FBLA) she currently serves as local chapter president and has
previously served as local webmaster.
Connie Baggett, FBLA adviser and business technology teacher,
declares “Hillary is so deserving of Student
of the Month. She is a
kind, sweet person, as well as a hard-working, conscientious student and
an excellent leader. It has
been a pleasure to get to know her and work with her as she serves as
SCHS FBLA President.” Keel
has received the Accounting 1 (2011) and Computer Applications (2010)
Black and Gold Awards in recognition of her outstanding classroom
achievement. She has also
earned recognition through participation in FBLA competitive events at
the regional and state levels.
In 2011 Keel placed fourth in the Region 3 Accounting I contest
and in 2010 was a member of the Business Presentation team that achieved
a Top Ten placement at the State Leadership Conference.
Community Service is important to Keel and she has contributed numerous hours to many projects. She is a three-year Special Olympics volunteer and during her high school tenure has served on several FBLA committees including the Good Samaritan Canned Food Drive, Lights of Love, March of Dimes, and Ronald McDonald House can tab drive.
Keel is also a three-year member of Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). Family and consumer science teacher and FCCLA adviser, Nancy Myers states, “I have had the opportunity to work with Hillary as a member of an extraordinary character group named the BEARS team. This acronym stands for Build Every Asset Right from the Start. It is apparent by the honor of this award that she has built her assets. She has become a responsible, caring young lady that doesn't just say what her values are, but lives her values every day. That is the sign of true character. Hillary always has her charming smile and a pleasant attitude. She is truly a winner!”
A four-year member and a current team captain of the Lady Rebel basketball team, Keel earned the 2011 70% and Up Club award for free-throw percentages. Her other activities include Senior Class Secretary, a three-year member of the Foreign Language Club, a one-year member of the Science Club, a one-year member of the Math Club, and a two-year member of the BETA Club, where she currently serves as Vice-President.
Keel is appreciative of her high school experience. She notes, “Stewart County High School has offered me countless opportunities that have prepared me for the future ahead of me. Being involved in numerous extracurricular activities has allowed me to build my leadership skills, networking skills, and confidence in myself. All of the teachers I have had along the way, not only taught me things academically, but they have pushed me to do my best, and taught me that with a little effort nothing is impossible. I am thankful for all Stewart County High School has offered me; for it has molded me into the individual I am today and will benefit me greatly for years to come.”
Keel is the daughter of Eugene and Deana Keel.
August Student of the Month—Clarissa Wu
Clarissa Wu has been selected August Student of the Month by the Stewart County High School (SCHS) faculty. She plans to attend the University of California and major in Bioengineering and minor in Photography.
Math teacher, Marcia Joiner asserts, “Clarissa Wu has a friendly and outgoing personality along with being a mature, dedicated student. She always does her best on whatever is asked of her; she is not afraid of hard work. Clarissa has a bright future ahead of her.”
An active member of the SCHS community Wu is a four-year member of Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) and a seventh place finisher in the National HOSA Career Health Display competition in 2009. Wu’s other activities include Senior Class Treasurer, a three-year member of the Foreign Language Club where she currently serves at Secretary/Treasurer, a four-year member of the Science Club where she currently serves as President, a three-year member of the Math Club, and a two-year member of the BETA Club.
Wu has received 18 Black and Gold awards in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement during her freshman, sophomore, and junior years. Awards received during her junior year include Biology II (weighted), Computer Applications A, Government, Pre-Calculus (weighted), Yearbook/Journalism II, Housing, and Advanced English III.
Allen Ralls, science teacher, speaks favorably of Wu. He states, “Ms. Wu is a leader. She is constantly setting the example of what a student should do to succeed. Not only does she read the chapter when assigned, she does every problem available, along with ones on the book website. She is also a very giving person. It hurts her to see someone else struggling and makes a great effort to help those who don't understand. Everything she does, she does well.”
When asked, “How has your time at Stewart County High School prepared you for your future?” Wu responded with the following statement. “During my time at Stewart County High School, I have learned many irreplaceable lessons that will benefit me in the future. My teachers did not just prepare me for academic success; they took the initiative to instill valuable lessons and principles that will prepare me for a lifetime of accomplishments. The support, guidance, and encouragement from the faculty and students have motivated me to overcome many obstacles and allowed me to grow into an independent young adult.”
In her roles as a member of the yearbook staff for three years and Editor-in-chief for two years Wu shares this observation. She reflects, “Spending so much time behind the camera lens has given me a unique perspective and a rare glimpse into the lives of SCHS students. When I look at my pictures, happiness, optimism, and confidence seems to radiate from the faces of students. These years at SCHS have been brief, but due to our experiences at Stewart County High School, I know that the future is bright and full of promise. Whatever challenges we may have to face in the future, my fellow SCHS students and I will be prepared.”
Clarissa is the daughter of Dr. Lorraine Tseng, D.D.S., and Dr. Arthur Wu, D.D.S.