Academic All-Stars-5294

Published January 10, 2013

This award is given to students who exhibit a positive attitude and a commitment to excellence in the classroom. Each Academic All-Star is chosen by his or her principal and receives a $10 gift card to Sonic Drive-In and a free gift courtesy of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More in Franklin.

Chance Smith - Heritage Elementary

Good things really do come to those who work hard. Just ask Heritage Elementary School Fifth Grader Chance Smith.

Those who know him say Chance is a dedicated student who gives everything he has to achieve his goals at school. That's why Chance was recently selected as Heritage Elementary's Academic All-Star for the 2012-13 school year.

"Chance is an incredible role model and leader," said Fifth Grade Teacher Amy Darnell. "He has a positive attitude that he spreads to all around him. He is eager to learn, takes great pride in his work, is respectful to his teachers and peers, has impeccable manners and is a great friend to all."

Having attended Heritage Elementary since kindergarten, Chance says he feels fortunate to be at such a wonderful school.

"My favorite thing about Heritage Elementary is probably the teachers," said Chance. "Math and social studies are my favorite subjects. I like learning about the Civil War and I also like finding common denominators."

When he's not doing homework or studying hard for his next big test, Chance likes to play football with his friends and family. As for the future, Chance plans to stay focused on his education.

"I work hard in school so I can get a good scholarship and get good grades in college," said Chance. "I probably want to be a police officer when I grow up. It looks like it would be fun to help people."

Faith Parker - Heritage Middle

Dedication and perseverance. Those are two traits that Heritage Middle School Sixth Grader Faith Parker knows well. According to teachers, Faith has demonstrated both in the classroom this semester, which is why she was selected as this year's Academic All-Star.

"Faith is a wonderful, sweet girl who always tries her hardest in class," said Sixth Grade Math Teacher Tricia Doyle. "Even if she does not understand a concept or skill, she is still able to keep a positive attitude and works her hardest to understand."

As a sixth grader, this is Faith's first year at HMS, although it didn't take her long to adapt to her new environment. Her favorite subject is math and when she isn't working on her homework or playing flute in the school band, Faith likes to sing, dance and make fruit smoothies at home.

"Heritage Middle has been my favorite school so far," said Faith. "I have a class called study focus, where I feel comfortable and can get help on my schoolwork. I go in and don't feel shy because I can trust everybody there."

When she grows up, Faith says she'd like to be a veterinarian and help sick animals. Until then, she's focused on studying hard and achieving her full potential at school.

"Everybody here at Heritage Middle pushes me and makes me work hard," said Faith. "So it turns out that I get good grades and pass."

Ali McLain - Hunters Bend Elementary

Fifth Grader Ali McLain is the kind of student every teacher wishes they had in their class. She's hard-working, generous and respectful, which is why teachers at Hunters Bend Elementary School say Ali is the perfect fit for this year's Academic All-Star Award.

"Ali definitely deserves this award," said Fifth Grade Teacher Kelly Gunther. "She works so hard every day. She's always prepared and she's just a great student here at Hunters Bend."

Ali has been going to Hunters Bend since kindergarten and has loved all of the teachers there.

"The teachers here are really nice," said Ali. "Math and social studies are my two favorite subjects."

Outside of school, Ali enjoys jump roping on the school's Hot Shots jump rope team. "It looked really fun," said Ali. "So I decided to try it out and I just kept doing it."

When she grows up, Ali says she'd like to have a job that incorporates her love for animals. "I want to be a veterinarian," said Ali. "I think it would be fun because I really like animals and I have three dogs at home."