Academic All-Stars-4659

When it comes to her school work, fourth grade student Berkley Rodgers always goes the extra mile.  That's why Berkley was recently chosen as Bethesda Elementary School's Academic All-Star.

"Berkley works very hard in math, science and writing," said Principal Steve Fisher.  "Whenever she gets a test back, she always asks her teacher, 'What can I do to improve?'"

While she enjoys all her classes at Bethesda, Berkley says there is one subject she looks forward to the most. 

Centennial High School has chosen senior Tania Davila to be the its Academic All-Star for the 2010-2011 school year.  Tania says her motivation to succeed in school comes from her family.

"I'm the oldest of my siblings," said Tonia.  "I want to serve as a good example for them and be a good role model.  That's why it's very important to me that I work really hard and do well in school."

Tania has no trouble staying busy.  In addition to serving as a captain on the Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team, Tania is also running for President of the Spanish Achievers Club, participates in Habitat for Humanity and tutors at the Freshman Academy.  Her teachers describe her as a wonderful young lady and a model student.

"Tania is a very honest, trustworthy person," said CHS Chemistry Teacher Debora Zartman.  "She sets very high standards for herself and she is very self-motivated."

After high school, Tania says she would like to attend either Belmont or Lipscomb University with hopes of one day working in the medical field.

"I'm not sure if I want to be an RN, a nurse practitioner or a doctor but I know that I really want to work in medicine," said Tania.  "And I know that all the hard work I'm doing now will help me get there."

Whether she's studying math or playing piano, 10 year-old Miranda Salmon is always looking for a challenge.  That's one reason why Miranda was chosen as Chapman's Retreat Elementary School's Academic All-Star.

"Miranda goes above and beyond classroom expectations in all that she does," said CRES Interim Principal Allison Hammat.  "She truly enjoys learning and demonstrates a deep commitment to her education even at such a young age."

Miranda's favorite subject is math and she loves to work on projects and crafts.  When she's not in school, Miranda enjoys spending time with her cousins and playing the piano.  At Chapman's Retreat, Miranda is not only known as one of the best students around, but she's also recognized for her generosity when it comes to helping others.

"One of the things we've noticed about Miranda is that she always takes the time to help out her fellow classmates," said Hammat.  "She's a very special girl."