Dowagiac Union Schools recognized seven October and September Students of the Month at Dowagiac Middle School cafeteria Monday night.

 

Allison Valentine

Kincheloe fourth grade

 

Allison, daughter of Scott and Laura Valentine, has a brother, Jacob; sister, Heather; and dog, Sasha, that “is so ugly she’s cute.” She likes to play softball and go deer hunting with her dad.

The member of Karen Ennesser’s class had straight A’s on her report card this quarter. Not only does she work hard and study, she is a pleasure to have in the classroom. She is shy, but always wears a smile on her face.

 

Dilyn Parkey

Patrick Hamilton fourth grade

 

A student in Ashley Slusher’s class, Dilyn is the son of Amy Cope and Mikey Parkey. He has three brothers and four sisters. He loves to play video games and read in his free time. His favorite books are the Amulet stories.

Dilyn is always willing to lend a helping hand to his classmates and teacher. He comes to school every day with a positive attitude and is willing to accept any challenge presented to him. He is a hard worker and active in class discussions.

 

Emmaline Sovine

DMS eighth grade

 

Emmaline, 13, is the daughter of Leah and Bob Sovine. She has one brother, Ethan, who attends DMS, and two sisters, Leana Allen, 20, and Madelynn Allen, 2.

Emma was nominated by her Spanish teacher, Melissa Stanger.

Emma plays saxophone in band and loves to read, including “The Hunger Games” series last summer. Spanish is her favorite subject.

After high school, Emma wants to attend Southwestern Michigan College, but she hasn’t determined her career path.

When asked why she thought she was selected, Emma said, “I always do my homework, I am always on time and I never get in trouble, I guess.” Her advice for other students to be successful is to help out whenever you can.

“Emma is a model students,” Mrs. Stanger said. “She is always on task and works diligently on her assignments. Emma is extremely kind and respectful. She is helpful and always has a smile on her face.”

 

Diego Martinez

Sister Lakes fourth grade

 

Diego, son of Jose and Oralia Martinez, has a brother, Oscar, in first grade. Known as “Mr. Personality” in his classroom, Diego is a conscientious worker who enjoys math. He entertains Shannon Hatch’s class by reading with great expression.

At home, he rides his bike, plays basketball, baseball and volleyball and lists pizza and popcorn as favorite foods.

Diego says he always likes to help classmates “even when they say they don’t need it.” He wants to be a firefighter when he grows up. And hopes his parents celebrate his honor with a pizza party at home.

 

Hannah Christner

Justus Gage fourth grade

 

Hannah, a student in Ashley Horvath’s class and daughter of Jamie Monahon, exhibits drive and ambition, always displays a positive attitude and willingly puts forth the effort needed to succeed. She is always helpful within the classroom and offers to work with others to help them succeed. She volunteers to help other teachers during her own lunch recess time. Hannah is known as a wonderfully sweet student who treats everyone with respect.

Hannah is on the spelling bee team, is a member of special chorus and will no doubt be an active citizen in her community in the future.

Writing is her favorite subject at school.

Hannah has an older sister, Nora; a 2-year-old nephew, Robert; a new baby niece, Christina; and two dogs, Rookie and Banjo. Hannah wants to become a veterinarian.

 

Isabael Vazquez

DUHS, September

 

Isabel, a junior, is one of the Chieftain Marching Band drum majors and on her way to Orlando. Her parents are Hector and Jennifer. She has one sister, Mya, and two brothers, Hector Jr. and Mateo.

Band and chemistry are Isabel’s favorite subjects. Her schedule includes advanced algebra, English, American studies, honors chemistry, business and management.

She volunteers at the food bank in Hartford. She also belongs to Rotary Interact Club and The Chieftain Heart.

Band is one of her favorite things about school. It takes up most of her free time. Isabel also loves animals. Her pets include a cow, three dogs and her favorite, a cat named Runt.

Band Director C.J. Brooks nominated Isabel, who “goes above and beyond in band and many other school events. She is willing to help out any student or teacher outside of the school day, if needed.”

 

Todd McIntyre

DUHS, October

 

Todd, a senior, is the son of Troy and Teri McIntyre. He was nominated by his football coach, Mike Stanger, who states, “Todd is an overall great kid. He gets along with everyone in the school. Todd is a leader. He is one of the captains of our football team; he also plays basketball and baseball.”

McIntyre carries a 3.15 grade-point average and scored a 21 on his ACT. He has been a HOBY ambassador and earned honors and high honors in his high school career. He also amassed perfect attendance, kindergarten through 11th grade.

Todd has one sister, Chelsea. He is considering Hope College, Wayne State University and Saginaw University.

“I had Todd last year,” teacher Linda O’Keefe said. “He is an exceptionally nice young man, a gentleman. He is friendly to everyone and shows no partiality. He treats everyone the same. He reaches out to the less fortunate students and helps them. I never heard a harsh word come from his mouth. Only kindness.”

“Not only is Todd an excellent student and leader, but he is the rare student who takes in the information and goes out to see what he can do with it in his own life,” said teacher Dan VandenHeede, calling him “a truly engaged student who makes us hopeful for the future.”