By JOHN EBY
Dowagiac Daily News

Kincheloe third grader Jonathan Stockwell, Patrick Hamilton fourth grader Faith Huling, Dowagiac Middle School eighth grader Robert Owen, Sister Lakes kindergartner Pedro Brito, Union High senior Emily Means and Justus Gage fourth grader McKenzie Cross were honored as October Citizens of the Month Monday night at Kincheloe Elementary School.

Jonathan Stockwell

Jonathan is a student in Karen Hardisty’s classroom. He is the son of Denise and Gene Stockwell. He has two sisters, Elizabeth and Olivia.

Jonathan also has eight rabbits, 18 chickens and a cat named White Sox.

Jonathan likes to participate in many sports. He plays baseball, football and soccer. His favorite is football.

Jonathan also enjoys spending time with his dad, whether they are fishing or fixing things.

Reading is probably Jonathan’s favorite pastime. He often chooses Junie B. Jones and Magic Tree House books.

Mrs. Hardisty knows Jonathan is a super reader and appreciates all that he has to offer when the class discusses stories they’ve read.

Writing is important to Jonathan, too. He attended Young Writer’s Day at Southwestern Michigan College in second grade with a story about an accident he had when he was younger.

Jonathan is interested in working in his father’s profession, tool and die, when he grows up.

Mrs. Hardisty thinks Jonathan is a wonderful role model when it comes to being a good student and friend. He treats everyone he meets with the utmost respect and always offers a helping hand. She read his descriptive recipe for friendship cake. Principal Dawn Conner introduced Jonathan.

Faith Huling

Karyl Sifford’s citizen, Faith Huling, is a fourth grader who excels academically. Her behavior is said to be exceptional.

Faith always comes totally prepared for class and is consistent with giving her personal best.

Faith lives with her parents, Ryan and Kelley; her sister, Mara; and brother, Zeb.

Faith is well-liked by her peers. She is always kind and respectful of others’ feelings. She is an excellent role model for Patrick Hamilton students.

Principal Heather Nash introduced her to the school board.

Robert Owen

Robert, 14, is the son of Tammy Klimczak. He has one brother, Ryan, 9, who attends Justus Gage. He was presented by Principal Mike Frazier.

Robert is a varsity track and cross country manager and volunteers at DMS as the residing DMS/DEQ environmental administrator.

In his free time, he enjoys playing with his black Labrador retriever.

Robert likes to hunt and fish and enjoys being with his friends.

He is a big Chuck Norris fan. His favorite class is band with Mr. Hubbell. He owes the chance to work with the sports teams to Mr. Jordan.

When he grows up, Robert would like to be a bounty hunter.

He wants to go to college. Robert thinks his best qualities are that he is nice and very helpful. He is very popular and well-known and enjoys working with everyone at school.
Secretary Mrs. Angie Ernzen remarked, “I nominated Robert for Citizen of the Month because of his unselfish character and willingness to help others. He genuinely cars for everyone and treats everyone as the wishes to be treated. I can always count on Robert to make me smile, even when he brags about his Michigan Wolverines beating my Fighting Irish.” She bought him a U of M T-shirt.

Pedro Brito

Pedro is a student in Robin Ennesser’s classroom and the son of Andres and Natalia Brito. Pedro has four brothers and six sisters. He was introduced by Principal Matt Severin.

His teacher, Mrs. Ennesser, chose Pedro because “he has a smile that would melt your heart.”

He is kind and a friend to everyone in his class. He never fails to raise his hand to answer a question or remind me how the letter “P” is the one that starts his name.

Pedro’s favorite activity at school is playing cars outside with his friends.

At home, Pedro enjoys playing with his brothers.

His favorite animal is the lion because “they roar and run fast.”
When Pedro grows up, he would like to be a policeman.

Emily Means

“It is a pleasure to nominate Emily Means as Citizen of the Month,” says Teri Frantz. “She may be petite, but she has a big impact at th high school. With a quiet demeanor her actions speak volumes about what it is to have self-motivation, self-discipline and integrity.

“Emily has dedicated herself to suicide prevention and awareness. She took on this campaign at age 13. Since then, she has been fundraising for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Emily has made time to raise money with bake sales, walks and, most importantly, making purses. Yes, she even has her own business, M by Emily Means purses. Besides all these activities, she has also been able to juggle academics and extra-curricular activities. And this is where integrity comes into the picture. Not only does Emily work for AFSP, participate in beauty pageants (including the 71st Miss Dowagiac scholarship pageant Feb. 27, 2010), edit the school’s newspaper, help with church activities, she does everything well. She manages her tie and organizes her activities so that she will do the best she can when she commits to something.”

As teacher Dan VandenHeede said, “Emily is a no-nonsense, get-it-done girl. She also has very white teeth.”

“As you can see,” Frantz said, “Emily has it all!”

Emily is the daughter of Craig and Mary Means. She has an older brother, Neal, who Frantz was teaching when she was born. Principal Paul Hartsig introduced Emily.

McKenzie Cross

McKenzie was nominated by her teacher, Diane Hartsig, and presented by Principal Marcy Hendress.

McKenzie was nominated because she likes to help others at school.

This fall, she is helping her classmates as a peer mediator.

She likes to help her teacher every day.

She often volunteers to stay in at recess to file or deliver mail.

In fact, when she grows up, McKenzie would like to be a teacher.

She lives with her mom, Shannon; her dad, Lee; and her little sister, Deonna, 2.

McKenzie enjoys playing with her younger sister and hanging out with her best friend, Haley.

She is active in dance and cheerleading. Her favorite color is pink. Her favorite book is “Charlotte’s Web.”