Dowagiac Board of Education Monday night at City Hall recognized March Students of the Month.

Honorees included Union High sophomore Lucas Petro, Dowagiac Middle School sixth grader Anayda Lucio, Justus Gage fourth grader Matthew Nelson, Patrick Hamilton fifth grader MaryCruz Lopez-Murillo,, Kincheloe fifth grader Jennifer Smith and Sister Lakes second grader Elizabeth Moreno.

Lucas Petro

Lucas, son of Todd Petro and Dr. Ellen Wyant, has one sister, Rachel, a Michigan State University freshman, and a dog, Dottie.

His favorite things about school are seeing his friends, being social and playing sports. He likes homework the least. Algebra 211 with Katrina Lee is his favorite subject. If Lucas could change one thing about school it would be to make class periods shorter.

His advice for classmates: “Don’t complain and do the work.” His daily schedule includes advanced algebra, honors world studies, honors Spanish II, honors biology, honors English and art. He is always willing to help classmates.

Extra-curricular activities include football and track. Outside school, Lucas enjoys playing guitar, ping pong and his XBox 360. Whatever he decides to do, he expects to attend Michigan State University.

Anayda Lucio

Anayda, 12, is the daughter of Ricardo and Crystal Lucio. She has a brother, Ricky, in eighth grade at DMS, a brother, Caleb, and a sister, Deeana, at Patrick Hamilton.

Anayda plays flute in band and soccer. She likes to take care of the family at home. Math with Marshall Bailly is her favorite class. She would like to attend the University of Notre Dame and help the homeless as an adult.

She thinks to be student of the month, it is important to be polite, helpful and get good grades. She was nominated by teacher Chris Haack, who said, “Anayda is one of the most pleasant persons for which you could ask. In addition to her high marks in English class, she is extremely polite, conscientious and helpful. Despite spending more than a week in Mexico during the last marking period, she was able to persevere and finish the class with an A grade. It has been a pleasure to have Anayda in class.”

Matt Nelson

Matt was chosen for his dependability, work ethic and passion for success. He enjoys learning many things, but really likes science. He excels with leadership skills and maturity beyond his age and is known as kind, trustworthy and helpful to classmates. He was voted class president in elections.

Matt is the son of Tina and Bill Nelson and has one sister, Mara. He wants to study computer technology at the University of Michigan. He hopes to be scouted by the NFL and play for his “dream team,” the Green Bay Packers.

Mary Murillo

“I have known Mary since late October and she is a perfect example of the kind of student every teacher wants in their classroom. She is helpful to her teacher and fellow students, always willing to do what is asked of her. Mary excels academically due to her willingness to put forth her best effort in all areas of study,” according to teacher David Joling. “She is not easily frustrated and will stay on task until a project is completed. She is willing to help others do the same, making her an asset to my classroom, the school and the community. I also appreciate her willingness to share some of her culture with the class — especially her expertise in the Spanish language. She is always on task and I can always count on her to make choices that will only make her a better person.”

In her spare time, Mary likes to read and play volleyball.

She lives with mother, Laura, and sister, Alexandra.

Jennifer Smith

A student in Chris Cox’s classroom, Jennifer is the daughter of Greg and Diana Smith. She has a sister, Sierra, at DMS and a dog, Riley. Jennifer likes to ride her bike and go four-wheeling and tubing for fun at home. She enjoys coming to school for the opportunity to see her friends and because she believes it makes her smarter. Math is her favorite subject. Getting up early is the only thing she doesn’t like about school.

She would like to become a small animal veterinarian when she grows up.

Elizabeth Moreno

Elizabeth is the daughter of Modesto and Emelia Moreno. She has an older sister, Alejandra, and a younger brother, Efrain. She is a student in Kim Montgomery’s classroom.

“A wonderful student to have in class,” she is known as kind and always willing to help classmates and teachers. Her “sunny” disposition is contagious. She always participates, is eager to learn new things and is willing to go the “extra mile” to accomplish goals set for her.