Employee of the Month
Kalin Heath, Human Resources at the District Office
Kalin Heath, December’s employee of the month, recently finished her master’s degree in human resources while working full time and managing the busy extracurricular activities of her two young daughters. She has a “can do” attitude and is always willing to take on new challenges, according to a school district press release. She is praised for being “exceptional at handling sensitive employee situations with the empathy, confidentiality and professionalism that the situation requires.”
Students of the Month
Henry Frasier, pre-K at the Early Learning Center
Henry Frasier is a delightful and heartwarming young man, according to the press release. His teachers say Frasier has an infectious sense of humor that brightens up the room, bringing laughter and joy to both classmates and educators. Beyond the laughter, Henry displays a remarkable thoughtfulness. Known for helping his peers with a smile, “this remarkable student exudes kindness that knows no bounds.” Kind and humorous, Frasier is known for “often surprising everyone with small acts of kindness and consideration.”
Thomas Crumbaker, first grade at Wisdom Ridge Academy
Thomas Crumbaker is WRA’s student of the month “because of the outstanding work ethic he applies in every single one of his courses,” according to his teacher, Lauren Pinkleton. “I’ve wanted to nominate Thomas for so long. He’s amazing.” Crumbaker is described as being a “kind and conscientious classmate who shows consideration and respectfulness towards his peers.” Outside of school, Crumbaker enjoys going to football camp, learning how to ride his bike and how to swim, and going to kids church.
Lane Salvagno, first grade at South Ridge Elementary School
With his contagious smile and positive attitude, South Ridge is proud of Lane Salvagno and his bright future, according to the press release. He is described as being a kind friend to all, and “is always ready to share a smile, hug or kind word with others.” His teachers are proud of his progress since joining the school and praised his contagious smile and positive attitude.
Georgia Pyle, third grade at Union Ridge Elementary School
Georgia Pyle is commended for her outstanding academic performance, kindness and empathy. “Georgia is not only excelling academically but also contributing positively to the overall school community,” according to the press release. She is described as having great integrity. “She can be counted on to help anyone in need and is a wonderful representative,” her teacher said.
Bobby Sander, sixth grade at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School
Bobby Sander is described as being “a breath of fresh air in the classroom” by paraprofessional Kira Potter. The press release commended his helpfulness to students and teachers alike. “Whether it’s in the classroom or out at recess, Bobby acts with a calm presence and serves as a positive example to his peers,” according to the press release. His teachers praised him for consistently showing focus and effort in his learning. He was noted to have a “great deal of positive energy.”
Lucia Finley, seventh grade at View Ridge Middle School
Lucia Finley has transformed from a shy pupil into an outstanding student, according to the press release. “When Lucia first started fifth grade, she was an extremely shy and super quiet child,” said Jessalyn Hopmann, one of Lucia’s teachers since fifth grade. Since then, Lucia has found her “voice and gumption,” Hopmann added. “She is hardworking and diligent about completing her assignments and meets almost every deadline. Lucia is an inspiration to us all.” She is described as having a “fierce” engagement with the school.
Joon Luery, 12th grade at Ridgefield High School
Boundaries, kindness, trust, strength, optimism all describe Joon Luery, according to the press release. Having faced adversity and trauma, Joon has overcome challenges and grown into a wonderful human being. Joon thanked her parents and teachers for the opportunity to “come into her own, authentic self” at RHS. She is commended for her self-awareness, positive perspective and capacity to overcome adversity. Joon is noted for her ability to channel “incredible strength and honesty in her writing.”
