Danny Federico
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
During its regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 21, the Lafayette County School Board took a moment to recognize some of the district's exceptional students across all grade levels. Each month, teachers throughout the district nominate four students for their growth in the classroom, their exemplary character traits, and for embodying what it means to be a Hornet. Each Student of the Month is then recognized during the regular school board meeting, where they are presented with a notebook, a certificate of achievement, and a personalized identification card, allowing them free entry into any of the district's sporting events. Although the threat of snow and ice prevented a couple of students from attending, the board was able to honor Lafayette Elementary School's grades third through fifth Student of the Month, Patsy Elmore, and Lafayette High School's Student of the Month, Mallory Moseley. Elmore, a third grader, was nominated by her teacher, Katey Melland, who commended her for "[assuming] the role as mentor to her younger brother and other peers." Melland went on to note how Elmore has consistently helped her brother transition to a new school. "Patsy has also gained confidence in the classroom and is always willing to help," Melland stated in her nomination. "She's always willing to assist her classmates when needed and greets them with a friendly smile. She has also gained confidence in her new class setting." The next student to be recognized was 10th grader Moseley, who was nominated by her teacher, Sarah Lee, for her exceptional attitude and willingness to help. "Mallory is always willing to help me make copies or assist me with anything I may need help with," Lee wrote in her nomination. "She has very good grades and takes pride in her work. If she is absent, which is rare, she makes her work up in a timely manner. She is very helpful to others and always has a wonderful attitude." Although they weren't able to make it to the meeting, the board also took a moment to read the nominations for Lafayette Elementary School's grades kindergarten through second Student of the Month, Avarie Brown, and the district's middle school Student of the Month, Dennis Palma. Brown, a second grader, was nominated by her teacher, Brenda Jackson. "Avarie is an all-around great student who has learned that extra effort equals positive results," Jackson wrote in her nomination. "In the past two months, she has committed herself to learning and has brought up her grades tremendously." Palma, an eighth grader, was nominated by Coach Wood, who said, "Dennis stays on top of his classwork in his classes, and he assists other students with work after he is finished. He always shows the utmost respect for his teachers and other adults he is in contact with." Congratulations to these four students! The next regular meeting of the Lafayette County School Board will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held in the board chambers, located at 363 NE Crawford St., in Mayo.
