Getting to know our Students of the Month
Abby Spring loves to sing and give hugs
Drawing herself while looking into a mirror in art class, this smiley senior, Abbey Spring,loves to talk, but is also focused on her work. Abbey was chosen student of the month in January. Many teachers praise her for her kindness and positive attitude.
Abbey loves to make puns. She uses her hands when she speaks and is always up for a hug.
She’s won two senior superlatives, “Most likely to cheer you up,” and “Best dressed.” She is involved with drama after school, doing mostly tech work except for the play “Stage Door” last fall when she was LittleMary.
Abbey auditioned for the recent BE Idol competition and made it to the finals. Although she didn’t win, Abbey was amazing when she sang and played on the piano, “OK, It’s Alright with Me,” by Eric Hutchinson.
Abbey’s favorite singers are Eric Hutchinson and Matt Nathanson.She is always singing one of their songs and trying to get people to listen.
She wants to live in Boston someday. “I have always been drawn to the city. I love the lights at night and watching busy people during the day,” says Abbey, adding that she wants to be a makeup artist.
Teachers weren’t surprised she was recognized. “She is one of the kindest students in the school. I’ve never heard her say anything mean about anyone,” said Mr. Stephen Fox, Spanish teacher. “She puts others before herself
-Alexa Goodine
Davis Hughes: recognition a nice surprise
When Davis Hughes was called down to Mr. Chad Strout’s office recently, he thought he was going to get into trouble at first. When he found out he was one of two seniors chosen for Student of the Month in January, he says, “It felt pretty good. I worked really hard and finally got something out of it.”
While Davis is quiet in class most of the time, he always seems to get his work done. Sometimes he will get called on by teachers assuming he isn’t paying attention, but every time he does get called on, he answers 100% correct.
“In class, Davis is a quiet observer, and in Mock Trial, initially that was a concern. During Mock Trial competitions you’re required to play a part, and be quite active,” said Mr. Stephen Fox, who nominated Davis. “Davis stepped up, not only learning his role but becoming a contributor to his specific part and to the whole team.”
“Davis is one of our unsung heroes,” Mr. Fox added. “He successfully juggles school with the responsibilities of having a job and being the oldest member of a family as well. I’m very proud of him.”
-Hannah LaPointe
Joe Kenney: a man of action and few words
It’s 8:45 in the morning and sophomore Joe Kenney has already been up for hours as he heads to his second block art class. The classroom has an overwhelming sense of creativity and a brief smell of charcoal, clay and fresh paper mixed together. Joe is one of the last to arrive and after a few minutes he finds a seat in the far back corner of the room, then promptly falls asleep until it is time to get to work.
Although Joe’s art class is packed, he enjoys keeping to himself. He doesn’t talk or get up from his seat, but instead, quietly sitting in the back, leaning over his paper, hard at work. Joe is of an average height and build. He does wrestling and gets up early just to work out.
Mary Christensen is the teacher who nominated Joe for student of the month in January. She met Joe about a year ago when he came to the high school.
“It takes time for him (Joe Kenney) to open up. He is dependable and responsible and puts his all into everything he does,” said Ms. Christensen. “I can see Joe being a real Success.”
Joe, somewhat shy, didn’t want to be interviewed, but his classmates, Tillman Weyand, Sarah Graffam and Colette Boure, were more than willing to share their thoughts.
They described him as being a quiet but “good kid who can put his mind to something and get it done.”
They thought he made a good choice for one of the eight students of the month because of his overwhelmingly positive impact on his classmates, teachers, and friends. He works hard and can do anything he puts his mind to.
-Max Gibson
Daniel Shirnin knows what he's here for
As Lab Chemistry starts, Daniel Shirnin sits casually in the first row, leaning onto the next desk, conversing with friends. The class murmuring settles down as Mr. Briggs begins to speak, Dan’s attention shifting to Mr. Briggs as they review Coulomb’s Law. Dan sits in his chair comfortably, the majority of the class slumped in theirs. Attentive and focused, he twirls a pen between his fingers, eyes shifting to the board before he turns to discuss the review on the board in a whisper.
Dan was recommended for student of the month in November by Mr. Clark and Mrs. Bellefontaine-Krupski. He was surprised that he obtained this honor at first.
“I know a lot of classmates, a lot of my peers, who I thought deserved it a lot more than me. I didn’t think I was doing anything significant, just another student.”
However, Mr. Clark saw that Dan was different from other students in his Honors English 11B class. He described Dan as “incisive, and thoughtful. He understands why he is here and what he has to do to prepare for college,” Mr. Clark explains, adding with a snicker, “He has an uncanny resemblance-- both in the way he looks and in the way he laughs -- to Steve Martin, a wild and crazy guy.”
Dan is a member of Key Club and a student representative for the district school board. Dan takes French, Honors English, and AP Government.
“I really try to challenge myself,” Dan states, leaning back in his chair, hands folded in his lap. “Reading is a big interest of mine. For school, I like history and government. It really has to do with delving into books,” says Dan, smiling as he speaks about his interests.
“I am a part of the new group called This Day in our History. We do the announcements in the morning on the history that happened each day. I am thinking of doing model UN for next year.” When thinking about his future, Dan thinks he may get a degree in law or even teaching.
Yet, Dan’s focused outlook isn’t the only thing that differentiates him from his peers. Dan moved to Maine from Russia in 2007, finishing second grade before coming to America. He did not know how to speak English when he came to America.
“For the longest time I actually thought ‘the’ was a noun, so I would just go around and say ‘the’ everywhere I went,” Dan, chuckling as he recalls first learning to speak English.
Dan believes he stands out from others due to his background and his being raised in different ways with different thought processes. He lived in a city in Russia, describing himself as “an urban kid”, and found it odd when he came to Maine that he was surrounded by more trees than people.
“It was an opposite world and I still find myself getting used to it,” he explains.
Dan is humbled that he received student of the month.
“I really enjoy being a part of Bonny Eagle... if I was given the opportunity of switching to a school that a lot of people might say is better than Bonny Eagle, I still wouldn’t do it.”
-Caitlyn Sharples
Drawing herself while looking into a mirror in art class, this smiley senior, Abbey Spring,loves to talk, but is also focused on her work. Abbey was chosen student of the month in January. Many teachers praise her for her kindness and positive attitude.
Abbey loves to make puns. She uses her hands when she speaks and is always up for a hug.
She’s won two senior superlatives, “Most likely to cheer you up,” and “Best dressed.” She is involved with drama after school, doing mostly tech work except for the play “Stage Door” last fall when she was LittleMary.
Abbey auditioned for the recent BE Idol competition and made it to the finals. Although she didn’t win, Abbey was amazing when she sang and played on the piano, “OK, It’s Alright with Me,” by Eric Hutchinson.
Abbey’s favorite singers are Eric Hutchinson and Matt Nathanson.She is always singing one of their songs and trying to get people to listen.
She wants to live in Boston someday. “I have always been drawn to the city. I love the lights at night and watching busy people during the day,” says Abbey, adding that she wants to be a makeup artist.
Teachers weren’t surprised she was recognized. “She is one of the kindest students in the school. I’ve never heard her say anything mean about anyone,” said Mr. Stephen Fox, Spanish teacher. “She puts others before herself
-Alexa Goodine
Davis Hughes: recognition a nice surprise
When Davis Hughes was called down to Mr. Chad Strout’s office recently, he thought he was going to get into trouble at first. When he found out he was one of two seniors chosen for Student of the Month in January, he says, “It felt pretty good. I worked really hard and finally got something out of it.”
While Davis is quiet in class most of the time, he always seems to get his work done. Sometimes he will get called on by teachers assuming he isn’t paying attention, but every time he does get called on, he answers 100% correct.
“In class, Davis is a quiet observer, and in Mock Trial, initially that was a concern. During Mock Trial competitions you’re required to play a part, and be quite active,” said Mr. Stephen Fox, who nominated Davis. “Davis stepped up, not only learning his role but becoming a contributor to his specific part and to the whole team.”
“Davis is one of our unsung heroes,” Mr. Fox added. “He successfully juggles school with the responsibilities of having a job and being the oldest member of a family as well. I’m very proud of him.”
-Hannah LaPointe
Joe Kenney: a man of action and few words
It’s 8:45 in the morning and sophomore Joe Kenney has already been up for hours as he heads to his second block art class. The classroom has an overwhelming sense of creativity and a brief smell of charcoal, clay and fresh paper mixed together. Joe is one of the last to arrive and after a few minutes he finds a seat in the far back corner of the room, then promptly falls asleep until it is time to get to work.
Although Joe’s art class is packed, he enjoys keeping to himself. He doesn’t talk or get up from his seat, but instead, quietly sitting in the back, leaning over his paper, hard at work. Joe is of an average height and build. He does wrestling and gets up early just to work out.
Mary Christensen is the teacher who nominated Joe for student of the month in January. She met Joe about a year ago when he came to the high school.
“It takes time for him (Joe Kenney) to open up. He is dependable and responsible and puts his all into everything he does,” said Ms. Christensen. “I can see Joe being a real Success.”
Joe, somewhat shy, didn’t want to be interviewed, but his classmates, Tillman Weyand, Sarah Graffam and Colette Boure, were more than willing to share their thoughts.
They described him as being a quiet but “good kid who can put his mind to something and get it done.”
They thought he made a good choice for one of the eight students of the month because of his overwhelmingly positive impact on his classmates, teachers, and friends. He works hard and can do anything he puts his mind to.
-Max Gibson
Daniel Shirnin knows what he's here for
As Lab Chemistry starts, Daniel Shirnin sits casually in the first row, leaning onto the next desk, conversing with friends. The class murmuring settles down as Mr. Briggs begins to speak, Dan’s attention shifting to Mr. Briggs as they review Coulomb’s Law. Dan sits in his chair comfortably, the majority of the class slumped in theirs. Attentive and focused, he twirls a pen between his fingers, eyes shifting to the board before he turns to discuss the review on the board in a whisper.
Dan was recommended for student of the month in November by Mr. Clark and Mrs. Bellefontaine-Krupski. He was surprised that he obtained this honor at first.
“I know a lot of classmates, a lot of my peers, who I thought deserved it a lot more than me. I didn’t think I was doing anything significant, just another student.”
However, Mr. Clark saw that Dan was different from other students in his Honors English 11B class. He described Dan as “incisive, and thoughtful. He understands why he is here and what he has to do to prepare for college,” Mr. Clark explains, adding with a snicker, “He has an uncanny resemblance-- both in the way he looks and in the way he laughs -- to Steve Martin, a wild and crazy guy.”
Dan is a member of Key Club and a student representative for the district school board. Dan takes French, Honors English, and AP Government.
“I really try to challenge myself,” Dan states, leaning back in his chair, hands folded in his lap. “Reading is a big interest of mine. For school, I like history and government. It really has to do with delving into books,” says Dan, smiling as he speaks about his interests.
“I am a part of the new group called This Day in our History. We do the announcements in the morning on the history that happened each day. I am thinking of doing model UN for next year.” When thinking about his future, Dan thinks he may get a degree in law or even teaching.
Yet, Dan’s focused outlook isn’t the only thing that differentiates him from his peers. Dan moved to Maine from Russia in 2007, finishing second grade before coming to America. He did not know how to speak English when he came to America.
“For the longest time I actually thought ‘the’ was a noun, so I would just go around and say ‘the’ everywhere I went,” Dan, chuckling as he recalls first learning to speak English.
Dan believes he stands out from others due to his background and his being raised in different ways with different thought processes. He lived in a city in Russia, describing himself as “an urban kid”, and found it odd when he came to Maine that he was surrounded by more trees than people.
“It was an opposite world and I still find myself getting used to it,” he explains.
Dan is humbled that he received student of the month.
“I really enjoy being a part of Bonny Eagle... if I was given the opportunity of switching to a school that a lot of people might say is better than Bonny Eagle, I still wouldn’t do it.”
-Caitlyn Sharples
Bonny Eagle's first Students of the Month
By Abigail Kovacs
Thanks to the brand new “Student of the Month” awards at Bonny Eagle High School, students who make honors and star athletes will no longer be the only recipients of scholastic awards. This program works to recognize those well-rounded members of the school community who may not rank in the top 10 percent, but still strive to achieve success inside and outside of class. Dean of Students Mr. Chad Strout, explained that the shift was a response to concerns voiced by the school’s Culture Committee about how too few students were being acknowledged for their good deeds.
“I wanted to recognize the regular students… who go home every day and have a job, support their families, babysit their siblings… [in other words,] the whole student body.” Those chosen this month include freshmen Daniel Perkins and Kylea Ryerson, sophomores Mia White and Matthew Cote, juniors Riley Brannigan and Ashlee Finlay, and seniors Storm Bryant and Emily Reilly.
Students selected were considered based on a rubric assessing their improvement academically from the previous year, as well as recommendations from teachers through narratives on their class behavior and work ethic. The administrators plan to commemorate the students’ achievements by displaying photographs of the winners each month in the main office and reporting their names during morning announcements.
Despite their pride at being nominated, many winners were taken aback after discovering they had had been chosen.
“I was rather surprised,” explained junior Riley Brannigan, “I am honored to be the first male to be picked from the junior class, since there are plenty of other guys who are just as good as me, if not better.”
“I think that it is a good way to recognize students,” said recipient Mia White. “... typically you hear about just athletes and honor students—but not a lot of kids that just do good deeds. It's nice to be told, ‘Hey, you're doing a great job! Keep it up.’ ”
“I wanted to recognize the regular students… who go home every day and have a job, support their families, babysit their siblings… [in other words,] the whole student body.” Those chosen this month include freshmen Daniel Perkins and Kylea Ryerson, sophomores Mia White and Matthew Cote, juniors Riley Brannigan and Ashlee Finlay, and seniors Storm Bryant and Emily Reilly.
Students selected were considered based on a rubric assessing their improvement academically from the previous year, as well as recommendations from teachers through narratives on their class behavior and work ethic. The administrators plan to commemorate the students’ achievements by displaying photographs of the winners each month in the main office and reporting their names during morning announcements.
Despite their pride at being nominated, many winners were taken aback after discovering they had had been chosen.
“I was rather surprised,” explained junior Riley Brannigan, “I am honored to be the first male to be picked from the junior class, since there are plenty of other guys who are just as good as me, if not better.”
“I think that it is a good way to recognize students,” said recipient Mia White. “... typically you hear about just athletes and honor students—but not a lot of kids that just do good deeds. It's nice to be told, ‘Hey, you're doing a great job! Keep it up.’ ”