By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Six December Citizens of the Month were recognized Monday night in the Dowagiac Middle School cafeteria by the Board of Education.
Patrick Hamilton fifth grader Jacie Childers, Justus Gage second grader Alexis Sachjen, Kincheloe fourth grader Kollin Schultz, McKinley third grader Marcos Estrada, Sister Lakes third grader Briana Tovey and Union High senior Brittany Ohl received plaques, orange "Chieftain Hero" T-shirts or framed certificates from the school board.
DMS eighth grader Troy Butcher was ill and absent from school.
Jacie Childers
Jacie, 11, is a fifth grade student in Margie Brosnan's classroom at Patrick Hamilton. She lives with her grandparents, Antoinette and Jack Singleton, as well as her little sister, Chelsea, 7.
She was introduced by Principal Lin Mallory.
Jacie came to Dowagiac Union Schools for the first time this school year and loves her teachers and classmates. She is a member of Patrick Hamilton's special chorus and plays Dowagiac Youth Basketball.
In her spare time, Jacie enjoys reading, writing and playing outside. When she grows up, Jacie would like to be a chiropractor. When asked why, Jacie replied, "…because I always wanted to be something medical, but I can't stand the sight of blood and I know the names of a lot of bones."
Jacie has a great smile and is very positive with students and adults. She learns from her experiences and looks at the bright side of life. She is very focused on school and her future and inspires those she meets.
Alexis Sachjen
Alexis is a student in Crystal Campbell's resource room. She is also a member of Julie Cook's second grade class. Principal Bob Franz introduced her.
Alexis is known as a very kind and caring student. She is always willing to help other students and her teacher.
Alexis follows all classroom rules and always does her best on all her assignments. She always strives to be a model for other students in the room to follow. Alexis is constantly smiling and is a pleasure to have in the classroom.
At home, Alexis enjoys playing with her Barbie dolls and eating ice cream. She has two younger siblings. Her brother Mark is 2 and her sister Courtney is a student in Dianne Shirrell's afternoon kindergarten class.
She is the daughter of Terry Sachjen and Nickie Yocum.
Kollin Schultz
Kollin is a student in Dave Vibbert's classroom. Principal Dan Smith introduced him.
Kollin's parents, Chris and Heather, are very proud of him. He is a great big brother to Jonathan, 3, and Nick, 20 months, who look up to him. He has fun playing with them.
Kollin is a wonderful role model. He is also known as a good friend to his classmates. He always has a good attitude and sunny mood.
Kollin is a great student. He doesn't have a favorite subject as he is good in all of them and enjoys school. He is quite a young athlete, playing soccer, baseball and basketball. Around the house he does not complain about his chores or helping out.
When he grows up Kollin would like to be a professional baseball player.
Marcos Estrada
Marcos is in Judy Bussler's class. He is a math whiz and a super reader, according to his teacher.
Marcos loves recess and enjoys playing "team" games. He is shy, but makes friends easily. He is liked by all his classmates.
Mrs. Bussler says she can always count on him to help others in class.
Marcos is the son of Ermelinda Aranda.
He has a younger brother, Gabriel.
Briana Tovey
Briana is a student in Janet Jerdon's classroom. Principal Marcy Hendress presented her.
At school, Briana enjoys learning the cursive alphabet and being responsible for the lunch basket.
She is a hard worker and always completes all of her assignments. She enjoys helping her classmates and is friendly to everyone. Her desk is always very clean and organized.
At home, dusting and cleaning her room are Briana's responsibility. She likes playing Barbie, computer games and spending time with her two dogs.
When Briana grows up, she would like to be an elementary teacher.
Briana lives with her grandmother, Rose Tovey, and father, James Tovey.
Brittany Ohl
During the four years Brittany Ohl, daughter of Robin and April Ohl, has been a student at Dowagiac Union High School, she has matured into a wonderful young lady. Principal Paul Hartsig introduced her.
Brittany has chosen lofty, but realistic, goals and has devoted herself to attaining those goals.
Brittany is not afraid to challenge herself and her abilities. Through her incredible work ethic and determination, she is currently successfully completing her high school career near the top of her class.
Brittany actually thrives on a challenge, particularly if someone suggests she "can't" do something. She will most definitely set about to prove that person wrong.
Brittany is self-motivated and understands the importance of completing tasks. She has an excellent history of attendance, which is invaluable. Brittany will readily accept ideas, suggestions and advice. She continually wants to increase her knowledge with subject diversity.
Beyond academics, Brittany is also an enjoyable person. She is truly kind and a friend to others. She recognized the need for cooperative learning and working together, but can also work independently with success.
Brittany has been Sherry Wanko's student aide for the past two years and she "can say with the utmost sincerity that I will miss her tremendously. She often has things done before I even realize they need to be done. She has an innate ability to recognize a task that needs completion and promptly complete it … I am certain she has all the necessary attributes to be successful in life. She has shown this through the way she already lives her life."