We often hear and read about the bad things kids do, but how often do we celebrate the good things they accomplish everyday.
Oxford-Addison Youth Assistance did just that last week with its Annual Youth Recognition Ceremony held at the high school.
A total of 32 local young people from Oxford’s seven public schools were honored for their community involvement, good deeds, volunteer spirit, selfless acts, leadership and setting outstanding examples for their peers.
Oxford High School winners
Molly Bonfiglio, Katie Brady and Olivia Martin spent countless hours helping children improve their reading skills.
Danielle Davis was honored for her kindness and friendly attitude toward others exemplified by her encouragement of other students to do better in class.
Carly Eisenhardt was recognized for her volunteer work at her church, in her community and at her school.
Given her ‘boundless enthusiasm,? Theresa Ann Toth is a positive role model to her peers and someone who leads by example.
Described as a ‘positive and upbeat role model,? Patrick Wagner encourages his peers to work hard and be successful. He also helps students who are hesitant to ask for help.
Oxford Middle School winners
Every single Wednesday afternoon, Gabrielle Barber does volunteer work at Oxford Elementary. She’s described as extremely reliable and committed with a cheerful, hard-working attitude.
Michael Johnson ‘personifies the concept of a quiet leader? by aiding and comforting his teammates on the school’s FIRST LEGO team.
From preparing care packages for soldiers in Iraq and feeding homeless veterans in Detroit to volunteering at the Oxford-Orion FISH pantry and wrapping Christmas gifts with the Lions Club, James McCormick IV helps others in a variety of ways.
Nearly everyday Madison Measel walks to Lakeville Elementary where she ‘brightens up the office with her sweet smile and kind words.? As a volunteer, she does a variety of jobs from making deliveries to teachers and helping the custodial staff to filling ‘boo-boo bags? for injured students and cleaning the school fish tank.
Leonard Elementary winners
With his smile, great attitude and polite manner, Tyler Swinehart attends Homework Club everyday where he offers help and encouragement to fellow students. He’s described as having a ‘kind heart? and is ‘always willing to give peers the benefit of the doubt.?
As a second-grade student council representative, Roxanne Underwood often leads school-wide programs and keeps her fellow students informed about happenings around school and in the community.
Described as ‘a true school leader,? Victoria Ulatowski is actively involved in student council where her compassion, respect and reliability are assets in helping others.
Daniel Axford Elementary winners
Adelle Frechette is always willing to be a friend to someone and is the first to help when something needs to be done.
When another student feels left out, Elizabeth Grant is the first one to befriend them. At lunch, she often offers straws, napkins or sporks to students who forgot theirs. She even shares her food if she thinks someone doesn’t have enough.
Emily Healy is a ‘model student who continuously enhances her class and the entire school with her caring and compassionate behavior.?
Emilie Niquette took her role of being a ‘buddy? to a new student very seriously by giving her a tour of the school, showing her where everything was and making her feel like a vital part of the classroom.
Without fail, whenever a student’s having some sort of difficulty, Jenna Vineyard asks them if they’re all right and gets them a stuffed animal or a bean bag to comfort them.
Oxford Elementary winners
A positive role model for younger students during recess, Hatty Cornell pushes them on the swings, helps them when they’re hurt and watches over them.
Hayden Gray spends his time assisting the teacher without being asked and organizing the classroom to make things run smoothly.
Valerie Helmuth contributed her own birthday money to Pasta for Pennies, a fund-raiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Always willing to tutor students in math and spelling, Noah Mascarin helps boost his peers? confidence.
Her determination to never give up and willingness to help others make Samantha Reynolds a ‘shining star? at her school.
The first person to be concerned if someone is upset, Olivia Upham exhibits a compassion and respect for others that makes her a role model.
Lakeville Elementary winners
Maddison Firmingham ‘quietly goes about her day being a leader in her class, an advocate for others and a positive role model.? As a peer mediator, she helps others find peaceful and satisfactory resolutions to problems.
Described as ‘kind and reserved, but strong,? Johnathon Morawski doesn’t give up no matter how difficult a task is.
As soon as she finishes her own class work, Eryn Petriko checks on others who may require help and always treats them with kindness.
Jennifer Rochon volunteers her recess time to work with younger students in the school Resource Room. ‘She has a gift (for) calming others who are upset and cheering those who are unhappy.?
Clear Lake Elementary winners
As eager members of the Peacemakers Club for several years, Terra Corcoran, Lakin Felix and Sophia Wurtz have given of their spare time to help Bortz Nursing Home, K-9 Stray Rescue League, the Red Cross Blood Drive and various other community service projects.