Students receive character awards at Renaissance assembly

More than 300 Fairfield High School students were honored with awards at the school?s Spring 2011 Renaissance Assembly, held May 3 in the FHS gym.

Among the students honored were those who have exemplified the qualities of a ?Renaissance student.? Such a student is respectful, enthusiastic, non-judgmental, appreciative and insightful. A ?Renaissance student? also is a good steward, is selfless, maintains a positive attitude, is nurturing, a contributing citizen and ethical.

Respectful people show consideration and regard for themselves, others and the world around them. For being respectful, Zack Yancey, Austin Deao, Paige Palmer, Joseph Heitpas, Jordan Leazer and Michael Gookin were recognized.

A teacher said Zack Yancey ?is doing such a nice job in my class. He turns in his work. He is respectful to myself as well as other students in class. I have never had a discipline issue with him. He really tries on his homework, and I appreciate his respectful demeanor and his work ethic.?

One teacher commented about Austin Deao, ?Austin always remembers to say ?thank you? when you?ve given him help with his classwork. He is always upbeat and respectful.?

Of Paige Palmer the nominator wrote, ?Paige is very respectful as a student. When asking questions in class, she is quiet and asks appropriate questions in a respectful manner.?

When writing about Joseph Heitpas one teacher said, ?Joseph treats all people with respect. He also treats ideas with respect and looks at both sides of an issue. He chooses his words carefully so as to not offend anyone.?

A teacher said Jordan Leazer ?is always very respectful to other teachers and students.?

In a nomination for Michael Gookin one teacher wrote, ?Michael is so respectful. He is polite, uses manners and has a great attitude. He is kind and thoughtful toward others.?

Enthusiastic people take responsible action, or initiative, without prompting from others. They are self-starters, and their enthusiasm spreads to others. For being enthusiastic, Jade Greiner, Jaclyn Flinspach, Makayla Kessel, Alex Gookin and Heath Jackson were honored.

In a nomination for Jade Greiner a teacher said, ?Jade is the first one to class, the first one to ask, ?What are we doing in class?? and always gives total effort in everything she does.?

Of Jaclyn Flinspach one teacher wrote, ?She is always excited about what we do in class.?

When writing about Makayla Kessel a teacher said, ?Makayla is one of the hardest workers I have ever seen! I see this same enthusiasm in her cheerleading, speech team, play performances and school work.?

A teacher said Alex Gookin ?has a great attitude and is enthusiastic in class. He consistently shows a passion for learning and high expectations.?

In a nomination for Heath Jackson a teacher wrote, ?I have worked with Heath throughout this year. He is always fun, energetic and positive. I truly enjoy working with him.?

Non-judgmental people are able to respect the ideas, lifestyles and differences of others. This does not necessarily mean they embrace these differences as their own, but they are tolerant and give others room to be who they are. For being non-judgmental, Huma Liptak, Jordan Whitney, Kara Greiner, Liz Hamilton and Doris Jackson were recognized.

Of Huma Liptak a teacher wrote, ?Huma is always so willing to help other students no matter the gender, disability or age. She is always there to lend a hand and always does it with sensitivity and a smile.?

When writing about Jordan Whitney a teacher said, ?Jordan does everything right and knows no bounds. He sees beyond differences.?

A teacher said Kara Greiner ?is always thinking of others. She is always willing to help those classmates in need or who or struggling no matter who they are as long as they are willing to learn.?

In a nomination for Liz Hamilton a teacher wrote, ?Liz doesn?t know a stranger! She is friendly toward everyone and makes those around her feel comfortable.?

Of Doris Jackson a teacher said, ?I think that Doris is one of the most non-judgmental students I have right now. She respects all points of view, all different beliefs and all different lifestyles. She is open-minded to different ways of thinking.?

Appreciative people are grateful people. They are thankful for what they are given, and they give voice to that gratitude. Appreciative people demonstrate an ?attitude of gratitude.? For being appreciative, Brook Hird, Sonya Denny, Rachel Swanson, Jaimini Boender and Kristen Terrell were honored.

Of Brook Hird a teacher wrote, ?After a rough start to her school career, Brook has come to understand the student?s role and teacher?s role and has embraced both. She has on many occasions expressed her appreciation both verbally and in writing and in her activities in the classroom.?

When writing about Sonya Denny a teacher said, ?Sonya is very appreciative when she asks for help with school work, and she continues to work very hard.?

A teacher said Rachel Swanson ?is a student who is driven to success due to her desire to want to broaden her knowledge of the world itself. She has always been willing to come in for extra help and appreciates it when she gains new insight in class.?

Jaimini Boender was nominated in five categories. In one nomination a teacher wrote, ?Jaimini is kind to all students, no matter who they are. Jaimini is accepting of all people, regardless of their abilities or behaviors.?

Of Kristen Terrell a teacher said, ?Every time I help Kristen or we are doing something new in class, she is appreciative. I think she values learning and understands the importance of learning. She is growing as a person all the time and has a positive attitude in my class that reflects her appreciation for school.?

Insightful people shed new light on old topics. They look at things through new eyes. They light up conversations and class discussion with their unique perspective on things. They are smart and introspective. Classes would be much duller without their insight. For being insightful, Max Sloat, Skyler Kennedy, Tommy Price, Maria Jiminez and Ramses Alonso were recognized.

Of Max Sloat a teacher wrote, ?Don?t tell anyone ? but it?s because of people like Max that we don?t actually need teachers. Even though he will often question himself, he has already surpassed most of his peers with his ideas and abilities as an intellectual person.?

When writing about Skyler Kennedy a teacher said, ?Skyler always uses her intellect and keeps focused on learning.?

A teacher said Tommy Price ?is always the discussion leader in class, and he?s always figuring new ways to solve problems and challenge himself, whether it?s in his desk or in the lab.?

In a nomination for Maria Jiminez a teacher wrote, ?Maria is so insightful in her thoughts about the comments others make and books she reads. She provides great insight through her written and spoken feedback.?

Of Ramses Alonso a teacher said, ?Ramses looks at problems from a new perspective. He is constantly thinking and comparing new learning and old knowledge.?

A good steward is someone who makes good use of their time and talents, giving of their service to others. A good steward is not wasteful, but rather, puts all that they have to good use. For being excellent stewards, Baylee Bowman, Andrew Helmick, Benjamin Gonzalez, Sarah Flinspach and Amanda Chatfield were celebrated.

When writing about Baylee Bowman one staff member said, ?Baylee is careful with possessions and takes personal care with everything.?

When writing about Andrew Helmick a teacher said, ?Andrew has helped me set up multiple labs this year. He is an excellent steward.?

A teacher said Benjamin Gonzalez ?will go out of his way to help students or teachers without even being asked.?

One teacher said Sarah Flinspach ?should be considered in several areas: steward, citizen and ethical among them. Sarah is a person who is responsible and dependable as well as gifted in many areas: she is intelligent, talented and capable. However, it is her commitment of time, money and energy to service projects in her own community and in summer service programs in other states that makes her stand out in the crowd. ?

Of Amanda Chatfield a teacher wrote, ?Amanda is willing to offer help to students who need it and does so without complaining.?

A selfless person is one who puts the well-being of other people ahead of his or her own. Selfless people meet the needs around them before tending to their own wants and desires. They are consummate givers and are charitable with their time, money and energy. For being selfless, Haleigh Hanshaw, Chelsey Cline, Dalton Brown, Sebastian Sheehan and Jenna Nelson.

A teacher wrote Haleigh Hanshaw ?tends to help others in most situations. She is always allowing the other person to go before her, whatever the situation is.?

When writing about Chelsey Cline a teacher said, ?Chelsey is always putting forth a helping hand to peers who are less fortunate than her, and she helps explain assignments to them. She greets peers as they into a room, and she is genuinely sincere in wanting to help and comfort them.?

A teacher said Dalton Brown ?comes in on his own time to help me in the shop cleaning.?

Of Sebastian Sheehan a teacher said, ?He always, always helps me. I?ve never asked for it, and yet, he has given it freely and selflessly.?

In a nomination for Jenna Nelson one teacher wrote, ?I think being selfless means you do something without expecting anything. I have seen Jenna help out with yearbook, in class, and with other things that need done at school without expecting any reward or acknowledgement. She does whatever you ask with such a pleasant attitude and with quality. I appreciate her help because she is such a generous, sweet young lady.?

A person with attitude is a glass-half-full type of person. They are optimistic. They look for the good in all people and all situations. When they fall, they learn from their mistakes and come back better and stronger. For having A-plus attitudes, Matt Carr, Dakota Simmons, Dana Diers, Jerry Evans and Randy Andermann were recognized.

Of Matt Carr one teacher wrote, ?Matt always takes an interest in what?s going on in class even though he may not be excited about it initially. He?s always willing to give things a try.?

When writing about Dakota Simmons a teacher said, ?Dakota has a positive outlook on everything. In a sports setting or in an academic setting, Dakota seems to always see the good side of things.?

A teacher said Dana Diers ?can always be counted on to have a great attitude in class and to smile and go with it. She is respectful and friendly to all.?

In a nomination for Jerry Evans a teacher wrote, ?Jerry is always ready to give 100 percent effort in class every day. He is pleasant and friendly to everyone around him.?

A teacher said Randy Andermann ?always comes to class with a smile and a good attitude every day. He is fun to be around.?

A nurturing person is a kind, caring and considerate person. To nurture means ?to nourish.? Nurturers put band-aids on wounds ? both physical and emotional. They give hugs. They bring casseroles to their sick friends. For their nurturing spirits, Garrit Haile, Joanna Funkhouser, Dana Melcher, Shannon Cochran, Greg Smithburg and Kyle Nelson were recognized.

Of Garrit Haile a teacher wrote, ?When another student hurt himself in class, he did not hesitate to assist them to the nurse?s office.?

When writing about Joanna Funkhouser a teacher said, ?In a subtle way, she always has others in mind.?

A teacher said Dana Melcher ?is a caring individual and helps others. She is a true sweetheart with a good attitude.?

In a nomination for Shannon Cochran a teacher wrote, ?Part of nurturing is caring for others. Shannon certainly does this. But she also raises the bar in performances or academic groups, first by modeling her own commitment to excellence, then refusing to turn a blind eye to wasted time and slacking.?

A teacher said of Greg Smithburg, ?I feel that Greg is nurturing in the way he treats everyone and the way he leads by example. He is so kind to everyone ? regardless of the grade they are in and regardless of the group they hang out with. He is always smiling and encouraging with what he says. He has such a positive outlook on everything.?

When writing about Kyle Nelson a teacher said, ?Recently, Kyle showed how to be a true nurturer by modeling for other students how to behave in class, how to engage in the lesson and how to be better students. He took it upon himself to bring the other students along.?

A good citizen is one who takes his or her civic duties seriously. Good citizens may take the time to pick up garbage on the street or help the elderly across the street. A good citizen is mindful and grateful for the community to which he or she belongs and takes the time to give back to the community in a meaningful way. For being good citizens, Kathryn Box, Lauren Holt, Hanna Kerr, Matt Hotek, Ben Hull and Gabe Jaquez were honored.

One teacher said Kathryn Box ?is an all-around good person. She is very caring and very positive ? both marks of a good citizen.?

When writing about Lauren Holt a teacher said, ?She is an all-round excellent citizen.?

A teacher said Hanna Kerr ?is really concerned about the parking situation here at FHS. She is trying to make it fair and equitable for all students.?

In a nomination for Matt Hotek, who was nominated in four categories, a teacher wrote, ?Matt is curious about learning and engages students in conversation. He wants to learn more about life and people so he can become a better person himself.?

A teacher said Ben Hull ?is respectful, works hard, is kind to others and just is enjoyable to be around. He is polite and willing to help others in class. Regardless of what everyone else is doing or how everyone else is behaving, he does the right thing.?

When writing about Gabe Jaquez one teacher said, ?He recently showed his potential for being an excellent citizen by working with students in my class without being asked on how to be a model student, how to be respectful, how to engage in learning. He showed excellent leadership by example.?

An ethical person tells the truth. A person with strong ethics finds a $100 bill in the hall and turns it in to the office and does not cheat on assignments or tests. For being ethical, Nathaniel Maynard, Adam Mueller, Matthew Lotz, Kenneth Boughner, Samantha Byrnes and Emily Mueller were named.

Of Nathaniel Maynard a teacher wrote, ?Nate has helped get ready for prom tirelessly and lives up to any responsibility.?

When writing about Adam Mueller a teacher said, ?Adam is a one-of-a-kind Eagle Scout type of guy. He?s always there in a solid manner. He is easily trusted with his time, handling money and sharing his talents. He displays the upmost honestly and integrity at all times.?

A teacher said Matthew Lotz ?is one of those kids that if he does something wrong, he always admits to it. He has also never cheated in our classes; in fact, he once found someone?s assignment on the floor and he made sure that person got it back.?

A teacher wrote of Kenneth Boughner, ?Even though I only worked with Ken during study hall, he has demonstrated a strong ethical foundation for success. He diligently works to complete his tasks.?

Samantha Byrnes was chosen because ?she wants to do the right thing and asks questions about issues or concerns she might have.?

In a nomination for Emily Mueller a teacher wrote, ?In the five years I have been working here, I have never seen a student step up to the ethics plate the way I have seen Emily do recently. Emily is a huge success in such a plethora of arenas, but I think it is her commitment to her morals and values that will dictate how she does as she leaves FHS and heads out into the cruel, unfair and unforgiving world.?