By Staff
The U.S. Achievement Academy announced today that Tony James Brooks, an eighth grader at Dowagiac Middle School, has been recognized as a student of excellence in band and leadership.
Tony also won for nominating WNDU-TV Channel 16 Teacher of the Year Bernard Thomas, who teaches history at DMS.
He won a $1,000 savings band and Tony won $250 for the school. This is a prestigious honor very few students can hope to attain.
In fact, the Academy recognizes fewer than 10 percent of all American high school students.
Tony was nominated for this honor by his band director, Katie Hahn.
He will appear in the U.S. Achievement Academy's official yearbook published nationally.
The Standards for Selection include academic performance, interest and aptitude, leadership qualities, responsibility, enthusiasm, motivation to learn and improve, attitude and cooperative spirit, dependability and recommendation from a qualified sponsor.
Tony is the son of Toby and Tammy Brooks of Dowagiac.
His grandparents are Jim and Judy Dodd of Dowagiac, Darrell Anne Brooks of Dowagiac and Chuck and Judie Brooks of Niles.