By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Dowagiac Board of Education recognized eight March and April Citizens of the Month Monday night at Patrick Hamilton Middle School.
Patrick Hamilton fifth grader Seth Wilder, Union High senior Danielle Stanton, Justus Gage fourth grader Katelyn Brooks, Kincheloe fourth grader Tim Keene, McKinley third grader Mackenzie Ruff, Sister Lakes third grader Daniel Moreno and Central Middle School eighth graders Briana Hunsberger and Elizabeth Kolden received engraved plaques, orange "Chieftain Hero" T-shirts or framed certificates from the school board.
Danielle
Stanton
English teachers Jo Paradise and Rich Frantz nominated Danielle, daughter of Mike and Melissa Stanton. She has three sisters, Caroline, Christy and Erin, and a brother, Mike. Principal Paul Hartsig introduced her.
Paradise "nominated Danielle for two reasons. All year I have marveled at her upbeat personality. She looks at life positively even when encountering obstacles. She simply brightens the day. During the winter months she personally confirmed an obstacle when she suffered the prolonged effects of a type of food contamination.
Frantz said for selfish reasons he hates to see her graduate because of her terrific sense of humor and wanting to truly know why rather than merely memorizing and regurgitating facts.
The president of the festival was pleased when she said, "I love Dogwood," three times last week, emblematic of not limiting herself to sports.
She was halfway through high school when she decided she wanted to play percussion with the Chieftain Marching Band.
Katelyn Brooks
The fourth grader in Cari Soderbloom's class is the daughter of Stacie Brooks and Tom Brooks. Principal Bob Franz introduced her.
Katie's favorite subjects are math and reading. She also likes playing T-ball in gym class.
Outside of school, Katie likes to jump on the trampoline with her friends and plays video games.
She also plays middle linebacker on the Dowagiac Rocket Football team.
Katie's favorite restaurant is Old Country Buffet - especially macaroni and cheese.
Her favorite TV show is "Totally Spies." Green is her favorite color.
She also enjoys listening to music. Ashlee Simpson is her favorite singer.
Katie has three brothers and one sister. She also has a Great Dane named Marmaduke.
Katie would like to play football for the University of Michigan when she graduates.
Soderbloom said Katie frequently volunteers to stay after school and help out.
Briana Hunsberger
Briana, an eighth grader, is the 13-year-old daughter of Mark and Jill Hunsberger. She has one brother, Braxton, a freshman at Union High.
She has many hobbies, including cheerleading, volleyball, track, soccer, dance and showing horses in the halter, pleasure and racing categories at the Cass County Fair.
She would like to be a cosmetologist and has an interest in modeling.
She does not know where she would like to go to school.
Briana was nominated by Principal Mike Frazier, her advisory teacher.
Briana is one of Mr. Frazier's favorite advisory students. From an impatient seventh grader, she has matured into a reflective maker of good decisions.
She participated 100 percent in all activities and always volunteered first to try new things. She is always happy to see you and has a great sense of humor, Frazier said. She enjoys being at school and having a good time, and her friends and teachers all enjoy being around her.
Elizabeth Kolden
Central's March Citizen, Elizabeth, 13, was nominated by Kevin Kniebes and Bernard Thomas of the eighth grade black team. She was also presented by Frazier.
Elizabeth is the daughter of Patti and Roy Kolden. She has one brother, Alex, a sophomore at DUHS.
Elizabeth is very athletic and participates in volleyball and track at Central. She missed the recognition ceremony in March because of a track meet.
She enjoys all her teachers and helps her track coach, Mrs. VanPeteghem, as a student assistant.
She enjoys talking to her friends and music. Elizabeth, who is especially fond of dogs and cats, would like to attend Michigan State University to become a veterinarian.
She always has a big smile for everyone she meets. She contributes in any way she can to the school and can always be depended on to help whenever needed.
Daniel Moreno
Daniel is a third grader in Debbie Loyd's classroom. He is the son of Luciano and Maria Moreno. Daniel is the youngest of eight children, with six brothers and a sister, Principal David Strlekar said.
Daniel works hard to do well in school. He is in the top reading group and has a large vocabulary - especially considering that the major language is Spanish in his home.
Soccer is Daniel's favorite sport. He also likes to play action video games at home.
Economics is Daniel's favorite school subject. He likes to talk about money and how the economy works. Daniel wants to be a businessman when he grows up. He likes the idea of selling homes to people and building homes for people.
Loyd praised Daniel for his kindness and for always looking out for the common good.
Seth Wilder
Seth, 11, is the son of Nate and Shelly Wilder. In Bryan Henry's fifth grade classroom he pays great attention to detail in all academic areas.
Seth's extraordinary work ethic throughout the year allowed him to flourish both academically and socially. Science is his favorite subject.
Seth's extra-curricular hobbies include both summer and winter fishing at local inland lakes, mushroom hunting and playing board games with family and friends.
He was presented to the board by Principal Lin Mallory.
Tim Keene
Tim is a fourth grader in Dave Vibbert's classroom and attended Sister Lakes last year. He is the son of Steve and Kathy Keene. Principal Dan Smith introduced him.
Tim likes attending Sacred Heart of Mary Church with his family. One thing Tim enjoys about church is the tradition of taking bread during Communion.
Tim is known as a math whiz. Twice in one week he was the only student not stumped by two of Mr. Vibbert's math stumpers. He loves multiplication and division problems.
Tim is attentive to learning anything new. No wonder Mr. Vibbert has a hard time stumping him.
An excellent student, Tim turns in assignments on time and takes care to do them neatly. He always listens and follows directions. He has fun in physical education class and has a cooperative attitude during recess.
Mackenzie Ruff
Mackenzie is in Gloria Staten's third grade class. Her principal, Kay Tularak, presented her to the board.
Mackenzie has a sister in kindergarten, Michaela Ruff, who attends McKinley; a step-sister, Zoe Michael, who also goes to McKinley; Michaela's step-brother, Nate Michael, is a student at Justus Gage; and she has a half-sister, Piper, 6 months. Mackenzie's mom is Becky Ruff. Her dad and stepmom are Tim and Jessica Ruff.
Mrs. Staten says, "Mackenzie concentrates on her work and has made great strides this year. Mackenzie is a problem-solver. She shares and is kind to everyone. She is an asset to our class. Mackenzie is a hard-working, honest child who exemplifies the Core Democratic Values. Mackenzie is a child willing to take on unpopular jobs that are perceived as 'not fun.' She does them well and manages to complete them in a manner that reflects her positive outlook on life."
Mrs. Staten hopes that Mackenzie's cup will always remain half full!