April Students of the Month recognized Monday night before the Dowagiac Board of Education in the middle school cafeteria included: Patrick Hamilton fourth grader Hunter Brackensick; Kincheloe fourth grader Jennifer Smith; Sister Lakes fifth grader Christopher Moreno; DMS sixth grader Lea Cooper; Justus Gage fourth grader Mae Hartsig; and Union High freshman Morgan Adams.

Hunter Brackensick

Hunter is the son of Jay and Nikki Brackensick. He has an older sister, Maggie Denley, who attends the high school. Principal Heather Nash and his teacher, Elaine Bansen, presented Hunter.

His principal called him such a “flashy attention grabber” that secretary Cindy Bennett Bedazzled his certificate frame, which he must display at his high school graduation party.

Hunter is known as an exceptional student who works hard to do the best work he can, day in and day out. He strives to hand in assignments that are complete and on time.

During classroom discussions, he is attentive and also contributes thoughtful comments. Hunter is also helpful to classmates, often aiding them when they are unsure of a concept in a way that is positive toward his peers.

He earns A’s on his report cards and his MEAP and NWEA scores continue to improve each year as well.

Not only does Hunter do well academically, he is also a wonderful person, kind and helpful to peers and teachers, exhibiting a positive attitude in the classroom and a good role model for other kids in school.

When not in school, Hunter enjoys spending time outdoors and hunting with his dad.

Hunter also plays baseball and soccer.

Jennifer Smith

A student in Dave Vibbert’s classroom, she is the daughter of Greg and Diane, with a sister, Sierra, and dog, Riley. Principal Dawn Conner commented on how “humble” and polite she is.

Living by Little Twin Lake nurtured Jennifer’s love of swimming and boating. She also loves to be pulled around the lake in her Mable (a chain-like inner tube). She likes to ride her bike, drive her golf cart and jump on the trampoline.

Risk-taking has paid high dividends for Jennifer, whose report card boasts all A’s. Jennifer increased one grade level in nine weeks on the Accelerated Reader program.

She has scored higher than average Dowagiac and national students on reading, language arts, math and NWEA tests.

She scored in the highest category on MEAP reading and math tests. Besides all these terrific scores, each day Jennifer gives her all to learn as much as she can.

Christopher Moreno

Chris is the son of Isidora and Roberto Moreno. He has an older sister, Daniella, and a younger brother, Julian.

His parents say he is as responsible and thoughtful at home as he is at school, where he works hard every day.

He strives for good grades and his report cards show it. He is a straight-A student.

Whether in the classroom setting or on the playground, Chris has lots of other interests and hobbies. He loves to play soccer and video games. He also enjoys cooking — especially delicious desserts. He would like to become a chef someday.

Principal Gretchen Hart called him an “ideal kid.”

Teacher Kristie Bussler said Chris, who is bilingual and a champion speller selected for today’s 26th annual Young Writers Day, is so kind and sweet, “You’d think he was 30.”

Lea Cooper

Lea, 12, is the daughter of Rick and Penny Cooper. Her brother, Josh, is a DUHS freshman. Principal Matt Severin introduced her.

She is looking forward to playing volleyball and basketball next year and loves horseback riding.

She also likes to swim every day at the lake.

Her favorite class is math with Marshall Bailly.

She would like to go to college at the University of Notre Dame, but hasn’t decided what she wants to study.

Lea thinks she was nominated because of her good grades and would advise students to care about their work to be successful.

Lea was nominated by her English and former music teacher Steve Mast, who remarks, “Lea is a delightful young lady. Academically, she is responsible and hard-working and eager to help fellow classmates. She is very mature and always in a good mood.”

Mae Hartsig

Her teacher, Ashley Horvath, nominated Mae due to her academic excellence and citizenship. Principal Marcy Hendress called her “fantastically awesome, Horvath “a student a teacher dreams of having, mature beyond her years.”

Fifteen years from now she expects to be in Germany in an apartment with character and working as a speech pathologist.

Mae’s passion for learning is apparent in every activity she does. She always challenges herself to do better and takes remarkable pride in her work and accomplishments.

Although Mae excels in all areas and is a straight-A student, language arts is her favorite subject. Her writing skills granted her a spot in Young Writers Day and a poem entered into a poetry contest. Mae also sets a good example with her outstanding leadership qualities.

Mae is the daughter of DUHS Principal Paul Hartsig and Justus Gage teacher Diane Hartsig. She has an older brother, Lewis, and a younger sister, Millie.

At home, Mae enjoys reading and playing with her new rabbit, Fredrick.

Morgan Adams

Morgan, daughter of John and Beth Adams, has two brothers, Bailey and Davis, and one sister, Merril.

Morgan is involved in many things at DUHS. Her daily schedule includes geometry with Becky Turner, as well as honors English.

Morgan is also part of the hot air balloon science project led by Jennings Brosnan and Amy Cummings.

One of her favorite things about school is all of the challenges and feeling of pride she gets when she succeeds. Homework is her least favorite thing.

Morgan is looking forward to her freshman year being over.

One thing she would change if she could is to have more time with teachers.

She enjoys camping and drawing.

Morgan is always willing to help her classmates.

Morgan, introduced by Principal Hartsig, hopes to work in the health field or with animal science and would like to attend Michigan State University after high school.