Academic All-Stars-5008

College Grove Elementary School fifth grader Reagan Van Wirt has been selected as her school's Academic All-Star for the 2011-12 school year.

Those who know her, say Reagan is a model student who always works hard.

"Raegan was chosen as our Academic All-Star for her dedication to school, her driven desire to learn and the respect that she gives her friends, classmates and teachers," said Reagan's teachers Kim Lusky and Erin Coley.  "We admire her work ethic and ability to constantly dig deeper for understanding."

Not one to shy away from a challenge, Reagan says her favorite subject is math.  "I like math because it's such a difficult subject and your brain has to work extra hard to figure it all out."

At school, Reagan participates in the run club.  Outside of the classroom, she loves to read.  When Reagan grows up, she says she wants to be a heart surgeon because she loves how the body works and wants to help others.

Reagan will attend Page Middle School in the fall and says she is excited to be moving into a new school with new experiences.

Lipscomb Elementary School fifth grade student Lindsey Carroll has been named the school's Academic All-Star for the 2011-12 school year.

Principal Michelle Contich says Lindsey is the kind of student who leads by example and takes advantages of the opportunities presented to her.

“Lindsey always gives her all," said Contich.  “She does the right thing at all times and works very hard.  Lindsey was a finalist in our school spelling bee and serves on our student council.”

Lindsey’s two favorite subjects are social studies and geography because she enjoys learning about faraway places and their historical significance.  While she's excited to attend Brentwood Middle School next year, Lindsey says she'll definitely miss all of the teachers at Lipscomb." 

“I really like Lipscomb because all the teachers are so nice," said Lindsey.  "They really try super hard to help you and they just want you to do your best.”

In addition to being on the student council, Lindsey serves as a mentor to a second grader.  She also participates in a drama class after school because when she grows up Lindsey wants to be an actor.

Known for his strong work ethic and positive attitude, Middle College High School Senior Kenley Popham has been named his school's Academic All-Star for the 2011-12 school year.

Teachers describe Popham as a hard worker who always has a smile on his face.  "Kenley has taken full advantage of what Middle College has to offer," said Popham's teacher Katie Hickey.  "He has superseded our expectations both academically and personally."

Popham began attending Middle College in the fall and says the teachers at MCHS are special because they really care about their students.

"I love it here," said Popham.  "There are not a lot of students in each class so you get more one-on-one experience and the teachers really help you understand because they learn who you are as a person and not just as a student."

Popham says his two favorite subjects are English and media.  After college, he hopes to get a job working as either an editor or a videographer.

"My uncle has worked in that industry, and my older brother won an emmy award so I've been around it all my life," said Popham.  "It's just something I love, and it's what I want to do."