Despite meeting remotely, Gillespie Middle School announced their students of the month for August. Receiving the award included Olivia Kelly for sixth grade, Emily Bergen for seventh grade, Josie Beebe for eighth grade, and Logan Rhodes for South Macoupin Association for Special Education (SMASE).
The sixth-grade teachers chose Kelly because she checks in every morning with her homeroom teacher, attends all meetings, and turns her assignments in before they are due. During meetings, Olivia waits her turn to speak, asks questions, participates, and is positive, always prepared, enthusiastic, polite, kind to others. She respects her teachers and classmates and is eager to learn.
“Being a GMS student leader means to be responsible, organized, energetic, work hard, helpful to others, ask for help when it is needed,” Kelly said.
The seventh-grade teachers said Bergen was chosen because she completes all assignments and tasks, demonstrates a strong work ethic, and is respectful to everyone. She communicates well with her teachers and participates in all class activities. She is a role model for her peers.
Bergen added, “Leadership in my school involves having a good work ethic, being respectful to your fellow classmates and teachers, being positive and having a good attitude, helping others, and having confidence in your work and ability.”
The eighth-grade teachers chose Bergen because she checks in every morning and turns in her assignments by OT before they are due. Josie communicates with her teachers and cares about her academics and doing well.
Bergen said she learned her leadership skills from her cousin Kyleigh because she taught her that kindness is key to a lot more than what you think.
“Kyleigh has also taught me that you need to be respectful. If you’re respectful, then you have more friends. She also taught me there is no reason to argue,” Bergen added.
Mrs. Clark of SMASE said that Logan deserves this award because he turns in every assignment on time, checks in every morning, attends all meetings, and participate in the meetings by taking notes and answering questions.
“I am a student leader because I work hard on everything I do to get things done accurately as possible, then work harder if something is wrong,” Logan added.