News Release

LARWILL  — The following Whitko Community School students have been named students of the month for May.

Emerson Harper

Whitko’s senior student of the month is Emerson Harper. She was nominated by teacher JD Maurer, who said Emerson is a “straight A student with impeccable character, good attendance and a perfect (or zero incident) behavior history during her tenure at Whitko Community Schools. These are extraordinary and amazing accomplishments by themselves. Emerson is a remarkable young lady. She also holds five track and field records for Whitko, and is one of our most esteemed student athletes. Her teachers say she is a delight in class, respectful and positive.”

Matthew Andersen

Matthew Andersen is the Whitko junior student of the month. He was nominated by teacher Mike Hanback, who said, “I am often amazed by the number of students we have who come to school nearly every day, quietly go about their ‘job’ as a student, do it very well, then head home at the end of the school day, having made no big fuss to anyone about anything. They are learning, growing and becoming better people, but not doing so by looking for applause, recognition from others and glory or accolades from the staff. Matthew is one of those students who is not looking for recognition, because, quite simply, I don’t think it is something he needs. He just wants to learn, converse with friends, and become who he wishes to be. Well, sorry, Matthew, I am recognizing you for your effort, your attitude towards learning, and the fine way you go about becoming a better you. You obviously know the recipe. Thanks for putting in the work required.”

Taylor Bowers

The Whitko sophomore student of the month is Taylor Bowers. She was nominated by teacher Mike Hanback, who said, “Taylor is a wonderful young lady who returned to us after being gone for a while. She is personable, energetic and truly cares about the work she puts in to help with her education. She tends to do more than is required on an assignment or a project and will follow something until it meets her high standards. She is a wonderful student who will make herself and, by extension, Whitko proud down the road.”

Ethan Chamberlain

Ethan Chamberlain is the Whitko eighth-grade student of the month. He was nominated by teacher Curtis Hines, who said, “Ethan has a great attitude and work ethic. He gets along with everyone and doesn’t ever seem to have a ‘bad day.’ He appears to enjoy a challenge and puts forth his best effort on a daily basis.”

Levi Kinion

Whitko’s seventh-grade student of the month is Levi Kinion, who was nominated by teacher Diana Nettleton. Nettleton said, “Levi has improved his grades, work ethic and attention so much over the past couple of weeks. He is kind to others and demonstrates that he can be a good friend. Levi has learned to work around or work through potential problems. It has been a privilege to watch Levi grow in his responsibility skills this year.”

Kaylee Adkins

Kaylee Adkins is the Whitko Career Academy student of the month. She was nominated by teacher Hillary Singrey, who said, “I’m really proud to recognize senior Kaylee Adkins as our Student of the Month. She has been such a bright spot in the classroom, and it’s been so rewarding to watch her grow over the past year. From the beginning, she’s shown a real eagerness to learn and take on whatever responsibilities she needs to do. She’s dependable, motivated and always puts forth her best effort — whether it’s planning lessons, supporting her co-workers or jumping into the daily chaos that comes with working with little ones. That willingness to learn and grow stands out.”

Christopher Schroder

Christopher Schroder is South Whitley Elementary School’s student of the month. He was nominated by the Bulldog cafeteria staff, including Mrs. Bechtold, Mrs. Powell, Mrs. Day, Mrs Bollinger and Mrs. Pequignot, who said the cafeteria staff was asked to choose the student of the month for the month of May. “We serve (almost) every student on a daily basis, so while trying to choose only one student, we first established the criteria that was most important to us: Being respectful, saying please and thank you, being polite, quiet in the lunch line, ready to make lunch food choices, and is always kind and courteous to others while in the cafeteria. Although several students came to mind, one stood out as being the most consistent in all of these attributes. That student is sixth-grader Christopher Schroder. We want to thank Chris for always being such a great example to other students and for making our job a lot easier. Congratulations, Chris. Keep up the great work.”

Jorja Rose

Pierceton Elementary School’s student of the month is Jorja Rose. She was nominated by sixth-grade teachers Tasha Kinney and Donna Stump, who said Jorja always exemplifies maturity and common sense well beyond her years. “She can be trusted with any task, and often takes initiative in the classroom assisting with academics, technology and organization. She works hard to maintain an A average in all subjects, always puts forth her best effort and has a positive attitude.”