By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Dowagiac Board of Education recognized six of the seven March Citizens of the Month Monday night at Union High School.
DUHS senior Sonny Swartz, Justus Gage third grader Wes'nohday Topash, Patrick Hamilton sixth grader Christopher Craft, Kincheloe third grader Katelyn Ledesma, McKinley second grader Elex Martinez and Sister Lakes second grader Chad Green received engraved plaques, orange "Chieftain Hero" T-shirts or framed certificates from the school board.
Central eighth grader Elizabeth Kolden could not attend because of a track meet and will be recognized in May.
Monday night's meeting began with President Randy Cuthbert observing a moment of silence in memory of former assistant superintendent Todd Bingaman, former business manager Don Judd and former teacher Sue Mathews.
Sonny
Swartz
Matt Alward and Mike Stanger nominated Sonny, who is a teacher assistant for Alward. He was introduced by Principal Paul Hartsig.
Sonny was a member of the Chieftain football team both his junior and senior years. He is currently completing his second year in tennis.
Alward and Stanger agree that Sonny is always willing to work hard and put forth his best effort.
Sonny has a great attitude and takes pride in his work. He is a good example to his classmates.
Sonny is the son of Vickie Moon and Walley Swartz.
Wes'nohday Topash
Wes'nohday is a student in Kristy Payne's room and a member of Lynn Konopinski's third grade class. Principal Bob Franz presented her.
She has a very positive attitude toward school and those around her. She is always able to look on the bright side of things and is ambitious about her classwork.
Math and gym are Wes'nohday's favorite subjects. She likes addition and subtraction, but is good at many math concepts.
She enjoys reading "Lemony Snickett" and "Harry Potter" books.
In her spare time, she plays video games and rides her bike. Her favorite food is spaghetti.
She has two sisters and two brothers. Her brother, Mno-Kah, is in Frank Barker's second-grade class at Justus Gage.
Wes'nohday is the daughter of Christina and Jeremiah Pienkowski.
Chris Craft
Chris is a sixth grade student in Terry Kuseske's homeroom at Patrick Hamilton Middle School. He is the son of Ritch Craft of Dowagiac and Cathy Craft of Eau Claire. Principal Lin Mallory introduced Chris.
Chris is known as an outstanding student who excels in many areas. He is a courteous, kind and helpful classmate. Chris can be seen helping his fellow students with homework assignments or talking with one as a friend when needed.
Chris's academic record is especially outstanding. He may not be a straight-A student, but his attitude cannot be surpassed. He is a great listener and offers a great deal to class discussions. Chris has a great ability to make those connections teachers are always trying to get their students to see.
Finally, Chris balances his life by taking to the links. He is an avid golfer who averages 41 for nine holes. His best score was an even-par 36 at Indian Lake.
Katelyn Ledesma
Katelyn is a student in Karen Hardisty's classroom. She is the daughter of Rebecca Ledesma. She was introduced by Principal Dan Smith.
Katelyn loves spending time caring for 19 horses and ponies her family owns. She enjoys barrel racing on her horses in a cloverleaf pattern. She also has a dog, Goliath.
Katelyn loves everything about school. She likes learning about geography, multiplication and different cultures. Books are fun, especially those about horses. Katelyn just published a story about a girl who rescues Pegasus and winds up owning 99,000 pegasi.
Katelyn thinks Mrs. Hardisty is really nice. One time she canceled homework. Katelyn has many good friends at Kincheloe.
Mrs. Hardisty appreciates Katelyn's ever-present enthusiasm and positive attitude.
Elex Martinez
Elex's teacher, Kelly Knapp, says he does his personal best in all areas. He gets along with all of his classmates.
Elex is known as a very hard worker and likes learning on the computer and playing his XBox at home.
He is described as honest, responsible and respectful.
Elex has two younger sisters, Mariah and Aliyah, and a younger brother, Ethan. He is the son of Tanya Hunt and Oscar Martinez Jr.
Elex, who is interested in becoming a police officer, was presented by Principal Kay Tularak.
Chad Green
Chad is a student is Jennifer Barker's classroom. He is the son of Carl and Melinda Green. Chad has an older sister, Megan, who also attends Sister Lakes Elementary School. Both Chad's parents and his sister have worked a great deal supporting Chad's education at home and at school.
Principal Dave Strlekar introduced Chad.
Chad was chosen as an example for other students. He made substantial progress throughout the year - particularly during March.
Chad's favorite subjects at school are "gym, phonics and math."
Chad is somewhat of a perfectionist. He will persistently work at something until it is done to his satisfaction. His favorite activities at school include computers, library and playing with his classmates during recess.
At home, Chad likes playing bingo with his older sister. He also enjoys playing soccer outside with his friends.
Chad is interested in playing rocket football this fall. "I want to be a football player when I grow up, or be a worker like my dad."