West Essex Middle School Announces February Students of the Month

Four students from West Essex Middle School have been selected for Students of the Month for February 2015, according to West Essex Middle School Principal Vee Popat and West Essex Middle School Assistant Principal Lisa Tamburri.

Samuel Friedman and Amanda Sierra were selected as the seventh grade Students of the Month. Peter Petronczak and Marisa Lotito were selected as the eighth grade Students of the Month.

Samuel Friedman

Samuel is an incredible role model for his peers. He comes to class every day and not only completes each task without a complaint, but does it with enthusiasm and genuine curiosity. Time and time again, Samuel’s inquisitive mind and thoughtful questions have sparked meaningful discussions among his peers. Academics aside, Samuel never hesitates to help a classmate who needs it, and his sense of humor never fails to add positive vibes to a lesson.

Samuel, a resident of North Caldwell, is a big fan of the Michigan Wolverines. He also played soccer on the Middle School team this past fall and looks forwards to playing lacrosse in the spring.

Amanda Sierra

Amanda is one of the kindest, hardest working, creative students at West Essex. She truly deserves the title of Student of the Month for many reasons. Her positive attitude and smile are both infectious. There isn’t a task presented to her which she doesn’t dive into with her whole self, and it shows in the quality of her work. It is clear that Amanda’s classmates have the utmost respect for her; she should be commended for her words, actions, and willingness to help others around her.

Amanda, a resident of North Caldwell, is a member of the Middle School Book Club. She also enjoys baking cupcakes, especially her favorite: red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.

Peter Petronczak

Peter is a very mature and responsible young man who takes price and ownership of his education. He has complete drive and determination to do well and makes no excuses when it comes to learning. He is kind and realistic, and is an excellent role model for all of his peers. Peter has a bright future ahead of him and will make his West Essex Family very proud. Peter, a resident of Fairfield, enjoys playing football.

Marisa Lotito

Marisa is not only an incredible student, but is also a great person. Marisa continually puts forth 100 percent effort every day. She is always eager to help others and does so every day with a smile. She strives to push herself to the best she can and never makes any excuses and encourages her classmates to do the same. Marisa, a resident of Fairfield, is a member of the Middle School Girls’ Volleyball Team and also enjoys playing softball.

Each month, West Essex Middle School selects four students for the distinction of Students of the Month -- two students from each grade, selected by one academic team at each grade level.

To be recognized as a Student of the Month, middle school staff base candidates and selections on a review of the “whole” student not just the student with the best grades, according to West Essex Middle School. Students who display such traits as honesty, perseverance, responsibility, integrity and leadership, as well as a student’s academic qualities, will be considered when selecting the Students of the Month.

Honored students have their pictures displayed in the middle school display case outside of the main office and on the middle school website. Honorees are also recognized during the morning announcements and receive a certificate recognizing their accomplishment, a “Student of the Month” locker magnet and a $5 Student Store Gift Card.

(Images courtesy of Allison Freeman)