Academic All-Stars-5526

Published November 22, 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 certificate, a $10 gift card to Sonic Drive-In and a free gift courtesy of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More in Franklin.

Centennial High - Luis Romero

The 2013-14 school year is shaping up to be a big year for Centennial High School senior Luis Romero. If all goes according to plan, Luis will become the first person in his family to graduate from high school in May.

It's a goal that seemed nearly impossible just a few years ago, but thanks to his hard work and perseverance, Luis is back on track. The turn-around did not go unnoticed by administrators who selected Luis as the school's Academic All-Star.

"Luis has made great strides this academic year and is committed to success," said Principal Dr. Leigh Webb. "His drive and focus demonstrates that truly anything is possible for him. I am honored to call him our Academic All-Star and look forward to shaking his hand on the graduation stage this spring. He is making his school proud!"

In order to graduate on time, Luis must stay after school until 6 p.m., five days a week, every week until graduation. It's no easy task, but Luis says the teachers and staff at Centennial do a good job of keeping him motivated. And if that's not enough, he just thinks of another important inspiration in his life.

"I want to make my mom proud," said Luis. "It's going to mean the world to her when I graduate. She's going to be the happiest mom, and that will make me feel even better."

Luis hasn't decided exactly what his plans will be after graduation but says he might like to have a career in the auto industry.

"I like working with cars; I'd like to get a career in something like that," said Luis. "But right now I'm just focused on getting my diploma."

Clovercroft Elementary - Brayden Rose

Ten-year-old Brayden Rose is known throughout his school as a model student who is kind to others. So it's no surprise that administrators selected him as Clovercroft Elementary School's Academic All-Star for the 2013-14 school year.

"Brayden takes initiative when completing his assignments and always works to make sure they are done correctly and on time," said Clovercroft Principal Dr. Laura LaChance. "His ownership for his learning is witnessed in all that he does, especially when he goes to teachers asking how he did on a test or assignment because he worked so hard on it."

Now a fifth grader, Brayden has attended Clovercroft since the school opened in 2011 and says his favorite subject is math.

"My teacher is Mr. Verner and he does a good job of helping us understand math," said Brayden. "We've been learning how to add and subtract decimals."

When he's not in school, Brayden enjoys playing basketball. He plays on several teams throughout the year and says he dreams of becoming a professional basketball player when he grows up. In fact, Brayden says his love for basketball motivates him in the classroom.

"It's important for me to do well in school because I want to get good grades," said Brayden. "Also, my dad says I can't play basketball if I don't keep up with my schoolwork."