By JOHN EBY
Dowagiac Daily News

Dowagiac Board of Education honored March Citizens of the Month Monday night at the middle school, including Union High School senior Leana Allen, Dowagiac Middle School sixth grader David Brogan, Justus Gage kindergartner Makayla Britton, Patrick Hamilton kindergartner Molly Potter, Kincheloe fourth grader Mariah-Joy Francois and Sister Lakes fifth grader Kyra Kuriata.

Leana Allen

Leana, a senior, is the daughter of Leah Allen and Bob Sovine. Leana has a sister, Emma, and a brother, Ethan.

Principal Paul Hartsig nominated her.

“This is the first time in six years that I have nominated a student for Citizen of the Month,” Hartsig said.

“I couldn’t have found a better one. Having been around Leana for the past four years has given me an opportunity to get to know her and watch her grow. Leana is a very involved student. She has the ability to successfully balance all aspects of high school. She has participated in soccer for four years, basketball for three years and cross country for three years. Leana has been involved in marching band for the past four years and currently sings in the choir. Outside of school activities Leana has participated in dance for 15 years. She even has had the time to make the claim that she is a pro bowler with her Wii. Leana has done all of these ‘extra’ activities while taking a vigorous class schedule.

“Personally,” Hartsig continues, “Leana has a great sense of humor and is able to relate to people of all ages.”

She plans on attending Michigan State University next year to major in pre-dentistry.
“She is an excellent ambassador for Dowagiac Schools and I know she will continue to make us proud,” her principal said.

David Brogan

The sixth grader, 12, is the son of Michael and Michelle Brogan. He has one sister, Kaley, who attends Justus Gage.

David is on the math team at DMS.

His hobbies are playing video games and lacrosse in his backyard.

He likes to travel, especially to Mackinac Island.

He will be on the football team next year. His favorite teacher is Mrs. Nicky Hulett. Math is his favorite class.

David would like to attend the University of Notre Dame to study math.
He hopes to become an archaeologist.

David thinks he was nominated because he works hard to get straight A’s and the teachers and principal love him!

Principal Mike Frazier said, “I got to know David early in the school year and there are few students who look happier to be in school than David does every day. I have substituted in his classes several times, and he stands out as a person who is excited about doing whatever the daily activity is. He had all of his teachers support him with their student of the month votes.”

Kyra Kuriata

The fifth grader is the daughter of Royce and Tracie Kuriata.

Principal Matt Severin introduced Kyra (they started at Sister Lakes together after McKinley closed), who is a student of Shannon (Collins) Hatch, 1987 valedictorian, as well as Miss Dowagiac.

Kyra enjoys camping, video games, French fries and playing with her dog, Aleasha.

An art enthusiast, Kyle loves to draw. She listens to both country music and hip hop. Miranda Lambert is her favorite musician.

At school, Kyra prefers math and social studies to other subjects.

One of the best qualities is her willingness to help other students in the classroom. She is known as an excellent student with a strong work ethic.

When Kyra’s not learning about giraffes, she loves reading books from the “39 Clues” series.

Kyra plans to be an archaeologist or a cosmetologist when she grows up.

For now, she’s satisfied roller skating, biking or visiting her cousins in Texas.

She loves school and her teachers love her bright, happy personality.

Makayla Britton

A kindergartner in Mrs. Amanda Merriman’s class, Makayla is known as hard-working. She willingly and positively attempts every task she’s given at school.

She is the daughter of Peg Frazier. Principal Marcy Hendress presented her.

Makayla always demonstrates exceptional behavior. She also enjoys working cooperatively with her classmates.

Makayla’s favorite thing to do at school is visit the Starfall Web site on the computer.

She also enjoys having snack and participating in math activities.

At home, Makayla enjoys watching “iCarly” on television, walking outside and coloring with her younger twin brothers, Jesse and Terry.

Molly Potter

Molly was nominated by her kindergarten teacher, Trudy Michell, and introduced by Principal Heather Nash.

She is the daughter of Melissa Potter and Patrick Potter. She has an older sister, Emily, who attends Patrick Hamilton, and an older brother, Anthony, who attends DMS. Emily was also nominated for March Citizen.

Molly is described as a sweet girl with a cheerful disposition. She has a kind heart and tries her best to be kind and helpful to her friends. Molly loves to learn new things and loves to share that information with everyone.

She is rapidly learning to read and also enjoys math and writing about her artwork.
She has several pets she helps care for – fish, a dog, three cats and two bunnies.

Mariah-Joy Francois

Mariah-Joy, 9, is the daughter of Marty and Marleigh Francois. She is a fourth grader in Dave Vibbert’s class. Mariah-Joy has two brothers, Roman, 7; Austin, 15; and his twin sister, Ada, 15.

Mariah-Joy loves all of the happenings at school, but especially math, library and music. She likes working with numbers, reading and has enjoyed singing since she began to talk.
Principal Dawn Conner called Mariah-Joy “a complete package,” yet humble.

She mentors first graders.

Outside school, Mariah-Joy loves to dance for Positively Dance.

Mariah-Joy has fun playing with her brother, Roman, by swinging, riding the scooter and jumping on the trampoline.

Mariah-Joy also likes to attend church with her family and learn about God.