West Essex Middle School Names January Students of the Month

West Essex Middle School has recognized four talented, dedicated youngsters as the school’s January students of the Month.

Bardhyl Gashi and Aldinda Ljesnjanin were recognized as the seventh grade students of the month. Sofia Russo and Antonio Zaccaria were recognized as the eighth grade students of the month.

Bardhyl Gashi

Bardhyl is a kind and respectful young man who always does the right thing. He is incredibly hardworking, cooperative and willing to help others. Bardhyl is a well-rounded and academically driven student who brightens the day when he walks in the room. Daily, Bardhyl demonstrates what it means to be a positive member of the West Essex community. Bardhyl, a resident of Fairfield, plays travel basketball and recreational football.

Aldinda Ljesnjanin

Aldina is a friendly, conscientious, sweet, kind, mindful and hardworking young lady. She is a true leader among her peers by modeling what it means to be both an excellent student and an exemplary citizen of West Essex. She has an amazing sense of humor that both her teachers and peers truly appreciate. Aldina, a resident of Fairfield, enjoys singing and plays recreational basketball.

Sofia Russo

Sofia has been chosen for student of the month for her hard work, positive attitude and her unwavering determination to be successful. Sofia is kind, courteous and receptive. Her optimistic demeanor benefits those around her. She is exceptional when it comes to working with peers and being engaged in class. Sofia is the kind of student who takes advantage of every opportunity to learn. Sofia, a resident of Fairfield, is a member of the Fairfield Falcons cheerleaders and also plays recreational basketball.

Antonio Zaccaria

Antonio has been chosen for student of the month for his participation, ability to think critically, and his desire to work hard every day. Antonio works extremely well with his classmates. He provides great insight on class discussion and is eager to ask questions to further educate himself on a topic. Antonio is caring and a pleasure to have in class. Antonio, a resident of Fairfield, is a member of the West Essex Junior Knights, a travel wrestling program, and enjoys playing the saxophone in the Middle School Concert Band.

Selecting the Student of the Month

Every month, West Essex Middle School selects four students to be recognized and honored as the Students of the Month. Two students from each grade will be selected and the selection for each month will come from one academic team at each grade level. Cross-teamed students will not be neglected and will also be included in the selection process.

To be selected as a Student of the Month, the middle school staff has decided to base candidates and selections on a review of the “whole” student not just the student with the best grades. Character traits such as honesty, perseverance, responsibility, integrity and leadership as well as a student’s academic qualities will be included in selecting students to be honored.

Honored students will 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.

Photos courtesy of Allison Freeman