Academic All-Stars-5405

Published May 17, 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.

Will Ezell - Pearre Creek Elementary School

Eleven year-old Will Ezell is the kind of student every teacher wishes they had. He's courteous, respectful and relentless. That's why teachers and administrators at Pearre Creek Elementary School selected Will as their Academic All-Star for the 2012-13 school year.

“Will is one of the hardest working students in the fifth grade," said Pearre Creek Teacher Jason Dean. "He always has a positive attitude; is a friend to all; encourages others to do the right thing; and is a joy to have in class."

Will began attending Pearre Creek when it opened in 2010 and says his two favorite things about the school are his friends and the teachers. He also says his preferred subject is reading.

"I like reading because it can take you to a different place just by opening up a book," said Will. "I don't really have a favorite type of book. I like them all."

When he's not reading or doing homework, Will likes to play outside with his twin brother, Jack, and his younger brother, Sam. Will especially enjoys playing soccer and football and says he'd like to play football for Hillsboro in the fall.

In the meantime, Will says he plans to finish the school year strong by doing his best in class each and every day. "I think it's important to do well in school," said Will. "That way, you can go to a good college and have a good life."

Laura Enciso - Trinity Elementary School

It has been a whirlwind of a year for 11-year-old Laura Enciso. The fifth grader began the year at Trinity Elementary School after her family moved to Williamson County from Tampa, Florida. Nine months later, Laura has been selected to represent the school as its 2012-13 Academic All-Star.

"Laura is new to Trinity this year, but she has an incredible passion for learning," said Principal Chris Schwartz. "Not only does Laura always go above and beyond, but she is one of the most thoughtful students we have."

According to Laura, the teachers at Trinity are second to none, especially her math teacher Jan Christopherson. "I love math," said Laura. "I like it because it's really challenging."

When she grows up, Laura hopes to be a singer like her favorite music artist, Taylor Swift. She currently takes singing lessons after school at Franklin Brentwood Arts Academy and says she loves to perform for others.

Laura will attend Page Middle School in the fall and says she plans to work just as hard there as she has at Trinity. "It's important to do well in school," said Laura. "It prepares you for college and the world."

Mercy Mihnovich - Walnut Grove Elementary School

Teachers at Walnut Grove Elementary School describe fifth grader Mercy Mihnovich as a hard-working student who has made incredible progress over the last three years.

Having moved to Franklin from Africa three years ago, Mercy began her educational career at Walnut Grove knowing very little English. Since then, she has become one of the school's most accomplsihed readers, having completed dozens of books this year alone.

It's that sort of improvement that led teachers and administrators at Walnut Grove to select Mercy as their Academic All-Star.

“Mercy has persevered in her schoolwork and in her friendships," said Assistant Principal Kathy Wells. "She puts forth great effort in not only learning and understanding her new language and way of life but also in her academics."

Mercy credits her teachers for much of her success, saying they work hard to prepare students at Walnut Grove for what's ahead. Considering all of the books she has read, it's no surprise that Mercy's favorite subject is language arts.

When she's not reading or doing homework, Mercy enjoys spending time with her family, which includes six siblings. She says she'll continue to work hard at school so she can pursue her ultimate goal in life which is to help orphans from around the world.

Nate Phillips - Westwood Elementary School

Westwood Elementary School fifth grader Nate Phillips is the kind of student who loves a good challenge. While most students his age might shy away from some of the more difficult subject areas, Nate embraces them, saying he likes math because it's hard and it makes him think.

Combine that fearlessness with a strong will to succeed and a generous disposition, and it's easy to see why Nate was selected as this year's Academic All-Star.

"Nate is kind, thoughtful and always tries his hardest," said Westwood Teacher Melissa Poloskey. "He demonstrates a strong work ethic all day, every day. We are proud to have him as a student at Westwood."

Not only is Nate a great student but he's also quite the athlete. While his favorite sport is soccer, Nate also plays football and basketball and hopes to try out for both teams when he makes the transition to Fairview Middle next year.

While he'd like to be a professional athlete when he grows up, Nate says he likes animals and could see himself as a veterinarian one day.

"I have two pets: a dog and a frog. The dog's name is Sam and the frog is named Lightning," said Nate. "I used to have a fish name Thunder too."

Hamilton Snipes - Winstead Elementary School

Eleven year-old Hamilton Snipes is something of a soccer fanatic. In fact, the Winstead Elementary School fifth grader says his love for soccer motivates him to do well in school.

"I want to be a professional soccer player when I grow up," said Hamilton. "My parents told me you need to have good grades to play professional soccer so I have really been working at it."

That hard work paid off this year as administrators and teachers at Winstead selected Hamilton as their Academic All-Star.

Hamilton has attended Winstead since kindergarten. Outside of recess, his favorite subject is math because he says his teacher, Amy Grosenbach, does a good job of making it fun.

While he's excited to attend Page Middle School in the fall, Hamilton says he'll definitely miss all of the wonderful teachers and staff at Winstead.

"There's a lot of things I like about Winstead," said Hamilton. "The teachers here are awesome. Actually, the whole school is awesome. I like everything."

Syndey Christian - Woodland Middle School

Even as a seventh grader, 13-year-old Sydney Christian has emerged as a leader at Woodland Middle School. Her warm smile, kind heart and great character are just a few of the reasons why teachers chose her to be their Academic All-Star.

"Sydney is exceptionally polite to teachers and classmates and is dedicated to doing what is right, which is not always easy" said WMS Teacher Paula Burnette. "I cannot think of a kinder, more thoughtful student."

Sydney says she loves going to school at Woodland Middle because the teachers are wonderful. Her favorite subject at WMS is geography.

"I like geography because it comes naturally to me and the teacher is really good," said Sydney. "We've been learning about all of the different countries and their leaders which is really interesting."

Not only does Sydney excel in the classroom, but also on the basketball court, the volleyball court and the softball field.

"Softball is my main sport," said Sydney. "I've been playing since I was five years old and I started travel ball when I was eight."

Sydney says she loves sports so much, she'd like to be an athletic trainer when she grows up. Those who know her say Sydney's drive to succeed will take her far in life no matter what career she chooses.

"Sydney's commitment to excellence on all levels whether it be the classroom, the court or the ball field is outstanding," said Coach Mike Linn. "She is a true team player."