Academic All-Stars-5608

Published February 14, 2014

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.

Heritage Elementary - Chloe Robb

Whether she's competing in gymnastics or preparing for an exam, Heritage Elementary School fifth grader Chloe Robb is committed to doing her best. That's one of many reasons why teachers and administrators at HES selected her as the school's Academic All-Star.

"Chloe is an excellent student who pushes herself to succeed at every opportunity," said Fifth Grade Teacher Amanda Knipp. "She is a compassionate friend to anyone who needs help, and she is the first to help when anyone needs her."

Chloe has attended Heritage Elementary since kindergarten and says her favorite subject is social studies. While she's excited to move on to middle school next year and have her own locker, Chloe says she'll miss all of the wonderful people at HES.

"I like all of the teachers and students here," said Chloe. "The teachers are really nice and they want to help you learn."
In her free time, Chloe likes to hang out with friends, play games and practice gymnastics. "I'm on a competition team," said Chloe. "We get to compete in events like bars, floor, beam and vault."

When she grows up, Chloe wants to be a veterinarian because she loves being around animals, especially her cat, Emma. In the meantime, she says she'll continue to work hard and improve each and every day.

"I've just never liked getting bad grades so I always try to get A's in everything I do," said Chloe. "I also get a lot of motivation from my parents and my friends, which helps a lot."

Hunters Bend Elementary - Kalliope Clayton

Hunters Bend Elementary School fifth grader Kalliope Clayton is known among teachers and staff as an excellent student whose commitment to school is second to none.

"Kalliope consistently maintains a positive relationship with her peers, a hard work ethic towards her assignments and a helpful attitude when presented any challenge or task," said Fifth Grade Teacher Hillary Burgoyne. "She receives high scores in all academic areas as a result of her hard work and perseverance."

That's why it's no surprise that administrators at Hunters Bend chose her to be their Academic All-Star for the 2013-14 school year. Having attended Hunters Bend since kindergarten, Kalliope says the teachers at HBES are kind and helpful.

"Social studies and reading are my two favorite subjects," said Kalliope. "I like social studies because I like learning about everything in the past; I like to read fiction because it's fun. I especially like the Harry Potter series."

Outside of school, Kalliope likes to have fun and play with her 8 year-old sister. She says family is important to her and that her parents play a big role in her will to succeed.

"My teachers and my parents motivate me," said Kalliope. "Education is important because I think you need to do well in school so you can do great things in life."

Middle College High - Dylan Childress

For some, a change of scenery can make all the difference. That was the case for 17 year-old Dylan Childress, who began attending Middle College High School this year. After struggling for two years at a larger school, Dylan applied for Middle College, and according to administrators, the results have been fantastic.

"Middle College is proud to select Dylan as our Academic All-Star," said Principal Dr. Brian Bass. "He has bloomed into a leader and made huge strides academically. This growth is attributed to his ability to maintain the balance of becoming more self-confident while demonstrating humility."

Dylan says the smaller classrooms at Middle College have played a large role in his success.

"When I came here, everything turned around for me," said Dylan. "It's easier for me to learn in a smaller classroom because I can get more one-on-one help. I came here because I wanted to like school, and now I like school. I'm happy to be here every day."

Dylan's teachers say he takes a strong leadership role in his project-based learning groups and that his communication skills and professionalism inspire others with less confidence.

“I have seen his work ethic increase dramatically since starting here," said MCHS Teacher Josiah Holland. "He has a great attitude and works with teachers to improve.”

When he's not in school or studying, Dylan likes to skateboard with friends. As for future plans, he says he might want to become an X-ray technician one day. Until then, he plans to continue on the path toward a successful future.

"If you don't do well in high school, then how are you going to do well in college or the real world," said Dylan. "At a certain point, you have to take some responsibility which is what I'm doing."