By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Eight students – seven for January and one from December – were recognized Monday night at Dowagiac Middle School by the Board of Education as Citizens of the Month with plaques, certificates and Chieftain Hero T-shirts.
They include Kincheloe third grader Samantha Lucia, DMS eighth graders Amarpal Sarao and Troy Butcher, McKinley third grader Landon Clark, Patrick Hamilton sixth grader Alejandra Cano, Union High senior Mike Kasper, Sister Lakes third grader Annie Ennesser and Justus Gage fourth grader Tamia Brooks.
Mike Kasper
Principal Paul Hartsig introduced Mike, the son of Francis Kasper and Christine Daugherty. Art teacher Dean Hill nominated him.
"Mike has been a student in my seminar class for the past four years," according to Hill. "During that time Mike has been active in several sports and many school activities. I know Mike has done well in those pursuits, but I would like to address Mike's character and honor.
"During the four years in my seminar, Mike was always working and doing some type of school work. His (straight-A) GPA reflects the work he has put into his studies. Mike is always a gentleman and he quietly goes about his business, not bringing any attention to himself.
"Students have sought him out to get help with their math and Mike was always gracious enough to help them solve their dilemma."
When the football player tore his ACL and was on crutches, "I never heard him complain or ask for any special privileges because of his condition," Hill said. "I will miss his quiet demeanor and the positive image he projected to the underclassmen."
Annie Ennesser
Annie was presented by McKinley Principal Kay Tularak, pinch-hitting for Marcy Hendress, and teacher Debbie Loyd. She is the daughter of Don and Robin Ennesser. She has a sister in ninth grade and two brothers, one in seventh grade and one a freshman in college. Her dog Lady has three puppies.
Annie likes to read just about anything. It is very easy to get along with her because she is easygoing and known for her "sweetness," which Loyd said runs in her family based on knowing her mother, who substitute teaches.
Loyd said Annie can be found smiling even when things are tough. She puts her people skills to the test as a school conflict manager.
At home, Annie likes to play board games with her family, wrestle with her brother, Reed, and, if she falls asleep at the end of the day, her brother DJ carries her to bed.
Outside, Annie likes to go snowmobiling with her cousins, Rosie and Marcy. She also likes skiing at Swiss Valley. She attends Miss Kathy's School of Dance and enjoys horseback riding. She also likes watching movies with her mom.
Annie thinks she would like to be a veterinarian when she's grown because she loves animals.
Tamia Brooks
Tamia, a student of Cari Soderbloom, was introduced by Principal Bob Franz. The 9-year-old lives with her mother, Latrice; her father, Daniel; her 1 1/2-year-old brother, Daniel; and her dog, Star.
At school, Tamia enjoys spelling because she likes to spell different and difficult words in her writing.
She truly enjoyed reading the "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." Her favorite part was when Charlie told Leroy about the candy and treats.
When Tamia grows up, she would like to be a nurse, like her mom.
At home, Tamia enjoys watching TV, playing with her little brother, riding her bike and playing soccer with her friends.
Some of her other favorites include fried rice, the game Twister, the color pink – which she wore – and watching "That's So Raven" on TV.
Alejandra Cano
Alejandra, a student of Heather Nash, was presented by Principal Lin Mallory. She was chosen because of her commitment to her class work and her attitude towards other students.
Alejandra is known as a student who strives for excellence both inside the classroom and out. She always finishes work with care and wants to understand the content of each assignment so she can become an even better student.
Always willing to help others understand challenging concepts, Alejandra loves to work in groups so she can share ideas and create a better product.
Alejandra also sets an example for others in her classroom by accepting each and every classmate. She treats others with respect and greets everyone with a warm smile. If you need a pencil, help with a question or just someone to lean on, Alejandra is there.
Alejandra is active in after-school activities as well. She participates in youth basketball league and plays clarinet in the school band. She is also a member of Educational Talent Search. Her goal is to attend college. She is the daughter of Apolinar and Isidra Cano.
Landon Clark
Tularak's own Citizen of the Month for January is Landon, a student in Gloria Staten's classroom. His teacher says, "Landon does his personal best on his class work. Also, he contributes to class discussions politely. Landon is a popular boy due to his friendliness and kindness. He applies the core democratic values to his interactions with everyone."
Mrs. Staten said she appreciates the work ethic and innate curiosity of the eager learner.
Landon lives with his mom, Shelly, dad Lincoln and two sisters, Emily, 11, and Gracie, 6. Landon's dad coordinates the Performing Arts Center at DMS.
Samantha Lucia
Principal Dan Smith presented Samantha, a student in Karen Hardisty's classroom.
Samantha, 10, lives with her mom, Cheryl, and dad, Jason. She also has two older brothers, Gordy and Ernie, and a younger brother, Lewis.
She moved back to Dowagiac with her family after living in Duluth, Minn., for three years.
Samantha loves to read. Her favorite part of the school day is when the class has silent reading time. She enjoys reading "Junie B. Jones," "Sweet Valley Kids" and "Babysitters Club" titles.
When Samantha grows up, she plans to be a poet or an author. She knows she has writing potential because one of her poems won a contest and was published in a book.
Amarpal Sarao
Amarpal, the 13-year-old son of Hardev and Baljit Sarao, was presented by DMS Principal Mike Frazier for January. Amarpal's brother, Balwant, is a junior. His sister, Ami, is a sophomore at DUHS.
Amarpal is member of the eighth grade orange team, a trombonist in the band and was nominated by his principal. He plays guard on the football team and runs track. He is a member of the KCP (Kings, Chavez, Parks) Club and Student Council. He plays a little tennis and soccer in the summer.
When asked why he was selected, Amarpal replied, "Well, I haven't got in trouble."
After high school he wants to attend the University of Michigan and become a civil engineer or architect.
"Amarpal is just a delight to be around," Frazier says. "Besides being a very talented student, he has an excellent sense of humor. Everyone in the school likes to be around Amarpal."
Troy Butcher
Frazier also introduced Troy, DMS Citizen for December. Troy, 15, is the son of Ramona and Troy Butcher. His sister, Tyiesha, 17, is a DUHS sophomore. His brother, Tremail, 14, attends eighth grade at DMS.
Troy is a member of the eighth grade black team. He was nominated by his art teacher, Janet Hurlbert. He plays forward on the basketball team.
Troy likes to play basketball, baseball and video games in his free time. He enjoys pottery in art.
Troy would like to continue his basketball career as a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket.
His favorite classes are language arts and Bernard Thomas' social studies class. He tries to be positive and do well in his classes.
Hurlbert says, "Troy has been an exemplary student and peer model from the first day he arrived. He always gives each task his best effort despite not having previous experience working in a given material. Troy shows he is kind and helpful and regularly demonstrates a respectful attitude not only to his teacher, but to his peers, as well. I am very proud. Troy has earned Citizen of the Month. He is a wonderful example for all students and a natural leader."