By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Dowagiac Board of Education recognized seven February Citizens of the Month and one from January Monday night at Sister Lakes Elementary School.
Sister Lakes fourth grader Corinne Kasper, Union High student Kyle Robbins, Central eighth grader Amanda Swartz, Justus Gage second grader Leah Hodder, Patrick Hamilton fifth grader Charity Evans, Kincheloe kindergartner Eli Robinson, McKinley fourth grader Autumn Green and McKinley second grader Chelsea Howard received engraved plaques, orange "Chieftain Hero" T-shirts or framed certificates from the school board.
Corinne
Kasper
Corinne is the daughter of Francis Kasper and Christine Daugherty. Her older brother, Mike, attends DUHS. Her sister, Casey, is a student at the University of Michigan.
Corinne is a student in Doni Smith's classroom. She is one of those students who loves coming to school. Math is her best subject. She likes it because it's fun. During recess Corinne can be found on the soccer field with her classmates.
At home, Corinne likes her PlayStation 2. Tony Hawk 2 is her favorite game. She also likes to skateboard and can almost do an ollie. Reading also occupies her free time. What does Corinne like to read? Really big books!
Corinne's future address may be 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. as she would like to be President of the Unied States one day. If she had that job she would be in control of a lot of things.
Kyle Robbins
Kyle was nominated by Kyrie Krenz and Haynie Gourley and introduced by Principal Paul Hartsig.
He is the kind of student teachers want in their classroom. He is interested in learning for the sake of learning, yet he maintains a fun-loving attitude towards his studies. Kyle truly enjoys his life and shares that joy with those around him.
In a recent project in Mrs. Krenz's social studies class, Kyle prepared food for the class, making sure everyone got to share in tasting the food of the featured culture.
Mrs. Krenz commented, "It was amazing the way Kyle included everybody in the project. He really is a great kid, always helpful, always thinking about others."
In Mr. Gourley's English class, Kyle consistently gives more than is asked for on assignments.
Kyle is the son of Tammy and Patrick Robbins.
Amanda Swartz
Amanda, 14, is the daughter of Mark and Sally Swartz. She has a brother, Matt, 20, and two sisters, Sam, 18, and Kaye, a sixth grader at Patrick Hamilton. Principal Mike Frazier presented her. He said she "lit up like a Christmas tree" when informed of the decision.
She is a big fan of the Harry Potter series and enjoys video games.
Amanda plays trombone in the band. Her director, Tom Stansifer, says, "She is a great kid and one of those steady performers you need to make things go."
She is active in 4-H, where she shows feeder steers and pigs. Her favorite class is math and her favorite teacher is Mrs. Denise Stockwell.
Amanda is a student assistant for Billie Dollins, who nominated her because she always gets the job done and has a great sense of humor.
Amanda is known as a hard worker and a team player.
Leah Hodder
A student in Frank Barker's class, Leah is the daughter of Cindy and Eric Stovern and of Sean and Cecily Hodder. Principal Bob Franz introduced her.
Her favorite subjects are science and math. She also enjoys gym class and going outside for recess. Leah is reading the book "Foals in the Field," which she borrowed from the library.
At home, Leah enjoys playing her SpongeBob SquarePants video game.
Leah's favorite movie is "Scooby Doo." Her favorite food is steak and she likes to drink Sprite.
Leah has two younger brothers, Jack and Brandon, and a baby sister, Sarah.
Charity Evans
Charity is the daughter of Christy and Richard Evans.
Principal Lin Mallory said Charity embodies what it means to be a "good human being." She never complains and is the "epitome of kindness. When I grow up, I want to be like Charity."
Eli Robinson
Eli is a kindergarten student in Mrs. Green's classroom. He is the son of Jacob and Andrea Robinson. He is the big broher and helper of Nolan, 1. Principal Dan Smith introduced Eli.
When Eli is at home he likes to play basketball. He has his own ball and hoop. He also likes to play baseball with his new mitt.
Eli is very good at writing words. He tells his classmates how to make letter sounds, then writes those letters down to spell words. Every day you will hear him remind them, "Sound it out."
He also likes going to centers - especially the sand table. Eli likes to go to physical education class, where running is his favorite activity.
Eli likes the "Cat in the Hat" book. The cat has tricks, but he wrecks the house. Eli says he would tell his mom if it happened at his house, but she would not be happy about it.
Eli is well-liked by his classmates and has many friends. He plays fair and always waits his turn. He practices good manners at school every day.
Autumn Green
Autumn's fourth grade teacher, Karyl Sifford, says, "She is one of the most compassionate students I have had the privilege of teaching. Her gentle, quiet strength can only be admired."
Autumn is a conscientious student, always striving to do her best. She is also very well liked by her classmates due to her willing nature to help anyone, at any time, with anything.
Autumn is the daughter of Rodney Hartline. She has a brother, Tyler Hartline, and a sister, Chelsea Hartline.
Chelsea Howard
McKinley's January Citizen of the Month was Chelsea Howard, a second grader in Kristy Bussler's class. She is the daughter of Chasity Kemp and John Howard. She has two brothers, Duan Simpson and Jordan Simpson.
Mrs. Bussler says, "Chelsea works hard in class. She does her best and is always willing to help others. She is a positive role model for the other students because she makes good choices in the classroom and on the playground. Chelsea has a positive attitude, a strong sense of right and wrong and always has a smile for everyone. She enjoys a variety of activities, such as skating, dancing and playing with friends."
Principal Kay Tularak said Chelsea wants to be a veterinarian. Music is Chelsea's favorite subject.