By JOHN EBY

Dowagiac Daily News

Dowagiac Board of Education Monday night in the middle school cafeteria honored six Students of the Month, Dowagiac Middle School eighth grader Jacob Helmuth, Kincheloe Elementary fourth grader Tessa Holz, Sister Lakes Elementary fifth grader Caleb Weller, Patrick Hamilton Elementary fifth grader Anayda Lucio, Justus Gage Elementary fifth grader Lewis Hartsig and Union High senior Courtney Klann, Chieftain Marching Band drum major.

Jacob Helmuth

Jacob, 13, is the son of Casey and Sheila Helmuth. His sister, Allison, attends Patrick Hamilton Elementary School. Brother Ethan goes to DMS.

Jacob was nominated by his English teacher, Jennifer Wilson, and introduced by Principals Mike Frazier and Matt Severin.

He is a lineman on the football team, on the wrestling team and in honors society. He plays saxophone in band.

His hobby is fishing. His favorite subject is science.

Jacob wants to go to college, but he is undecided on a career.

When asked why he thought he was selected, he couldn’t say, which speaks to his modesty.

Mrs. Wilson related, “For the five weeks I have had him in class, I have found Jacob to be polite, engaged and that he takes full ownership for his work. These are only some of his great qualities. He is a great example of the Chieftain HERO in the class and the halls and a great model for his peers.”

Tessa Holz

Tessa is the daughter of Larry and Jaclyn Holz.

She was presented by Principal Dawn Conner and her teacher, Dave Vibbert.

She came to Conner’s attention when Tessa earned the highest reading score in the school as a third grader.

Tessa has a goal to be valedictorian.

She has performed exceptionally well on all spelling tests and is studying to compete for a spot on Kincheloe’s spelling bee team.

An avid reader, Tessa reads well above grade level and met her accelerated reading goal three weeks in advance. She enjoys Beverly Cleary fiction books.

Tessa is known as a positive role model to other students by example. She immediately works on assignments as soon as given and works diligently on them until finished. When finished, she starts on other independent work without prompting.

Tessa loves recess and social interaction with students of all ages.

She always has a kind smile.

She loves to play on the tractor tires and enjoys the nature walks.

She is well-liked by her peers and teacher.

Caleb Weller

Caleb is a student in Mrs. Shannon Hatch’s classroom. He is the son of Jennifer and Steven Weller.

Sister Lakes Principal Gretchen Hart introduced Caleb.

Caleb’s scholastic abilities earned him “Student of the Month” for September.

He shows fantastic imagination as a CSI agent one day and a prosecuting attorney the next.

His wonderful sense of humor, along with his kindness and willingness to help others, make Caleb popular with classmates.

Caleb loves school and strives to do well in all subject areas.

A future WWE champion, Caleb enjoys reading about wolves and eating pizza.

Sister Lakes also has Caleb’s little brother, Zachary, as part of its family.

Anayda Lucio

Anayda, a student in Mrs. Kelly Treat’s classroom, is the daughter of Ricardo and Crystal Lucio. She has two brothers and one sister.

Principal Heather Nash presented her.

Anayda comes to school ready to learn every day. She is self-sufficient, organized and prepared for her classes.

During classroom discussion she is attentive and an active participant.

Her assignments are completed; expectations met; and always turned in on time.

Not only does Anayda do well academically, she is known as a wonderful person who is kind and sincere with her peers and elders.

She works well in cooperative groups and the other children enjoy being around the natural leader.

Lewis Hartsig

Lewis, 11, a student in Bryan Henry’s class, is the son of Paul and Diane Hartsig. His father is the high school principal, his mother an elementary teacher. He has two younger sisters, Mae and Millie.

Principal Marcy Hendress introduced Lewis.

Lewis continues to grow academically each and every years as his MEAP and NWEA scores improve and are at the top of his class.

Math and science are Lewis’s favorite school subjects.

He would like to pursue a career in teaching or detective work.

Lewis enjoys riding his bike and hiking.

His favorite novel is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Lewis is described as a true Chieftain HERO — honest, earning and giving respect, responsible and orderly.

Courtney Klann

Courtney, accompanied by her parents, teacher Keith and Julia Klann,has two brothers and a sister.

She was introduced by DUHS Principal Paul Hartsig.

Courtney has two dogs, a cat and seven chickens.

A calculus tutor, English is her favorite subject.

“She is always willing to help in any way possible,” Hartsig said. “Courtney plays flute in band. She received I’s at district and state solo and ensemble. She was a member of All-Star Band last year and is a leader on and off the field.”

She is dual enrolled for college credit and studying Spanish.

At Victory Tabernacle, where she is a member of the Bible quiz team, they won the national championship last year in Missouri.

She enjoys reading mystery books.