Academic All-Stars-5654

Published April 11, 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.

Fairview Middle - Jacqueline Woodruff

Humble, respectful and dedicated. They are words that are often used to describe 14-year-old Jacqueline Woodruff, who was recently chosen as Fairview Middle School's Academic All-Star for the 2013-14 school year.

"Jacqueline is hard working and diligent as an academic scholar," said Fairview Middle School Counselor Sissy Brinkley. "She cooperates with her peers and always does her best."

Jacqueline grew up in Fairview and attended Westwood for elementary school. Now an eighth grader, she says her experience at Fairview Middle has been great.

"The students here are really nice," said Jacqueline. "The teachers are good and they really help you out when you need help."

Jacqueline says her favorite subjects are social studies and science and that she might like to be a biologist when she grows up. Outside of class, Jacqueline likes to read, draw and play percussion in the Fairview Middle School Band.

Jacqueline will attend Fairview High next year and says she's excited to join the marching band. She also promises to keep working hard in the classroom as she prepares for the future.

"I think it's important to get a good education and go to college because it will set you up for the future and help you achieve great things," said Jacqueline. "My motivation comes from learning new things and meeting new people."

Nolensville Elementary - Bianca Evangelista

Nolensville Elementary School fifth grader Bianca Evangelista is the kind of student who always gives 100 percent. Her work ethic and dedication to school has left a huge impression on her teachers. That's why they selected her as the school's Academic All-Star for the 2013-14 school year.

"Bianca’s positive attitude and commitment to learning have empowered her to grow in all academic areas," said Bianca's fifth grader teachers. "She has worked diligently to overcome the obstacle of learning at school each day in English, which is her second language. Her accomplishments are achieved by her unfailing grace and determination. Bianca is very deserving of this award."

Bianca began attending Nolensville Elementary in third grade, and she says her ELL Teacher, Bob Niedzielski, has been instrumental in helping her improve her English speaking skills. Although she's doing better in English, Bianca says her favorite subject is math because it's hard and she likes the challenge.

Outside of school, Bianca enjoys playing outside and spending time with her family. She says her parents give her motivation by encouraging her to work hard and do her best. When asked how it feels to represent Nolensville Elementary as an Academic All-Star, Bianca choked back the tears and replied, "Happy!"

Scales Elementary - Lucy Pfeifer

Try your best. It's a motto 11-year-old Lucy Pfeifer takes to heart. The Scales Elementary School fifth grader says she always gives 100 percent when it comes to her schoolwork, which is a big reason why Lucy was recently chosen as Scales Elementary's Academic All-Star.

"Lucy is a self-assured, diligent student," said Teacher Melody Scott. "She is tenacious and has an intrinsic desire to succeed. Lucy looks at life realistically and sees every experience as part of her road to success."

Lucy began attending Scales in third grade after moving to Williamson County from another school district. "I was nervous at first," said Lucy. "I guess everyone is nervous when they start a new school, but I made friends quickly. The teachers and the students here are really nice."

Lucy's favorite subject is social studies because she enjoys learning about history. Outside of class, Lucy can be found playing on the Scales volleyball team or rehearsing for the school play. "This year we're doing Wizard of Oz," said Lucy. "I am City Mother Number One. I have three lines."

When she grows up, Lucy wants to be a teacher or an engineer. "I've had a lot of good teachers and I just love getting to know other people so I definitely want to be a teacher," said Lucy. "I also have a big table at my house where I love to build roads and put buildings wherever I want so I want to be an engineer too."

In the meantime, Lucy says she feels honored to have been chosen for this award. "I feel really good," said Lucy, moments after being surprised with the news. "It's nice to know that people notice other people doing good things. I know there are plenty of other students here who could have gotten this award and I feel very good."

Spring Station Middle - Noah McLaughlin

Few people can match the determination and willpower exhibited by 14-year-old Noah McLaughlin. Born without fingers or a lower right leg, the Spring Station eighth grader inspires those around him with his relentless spirit.

Noah's ability to overcome obstacles and persevere in the face of adversity has made such an impact on the students and staff at Spring Station, that Principal Paula Pulliam selected him as the school's Academic All-Star.

After moving to Williamson County, Noah attended Chapman's Retreat Elementary for one year before beginning Spring Station as a sixth grader. Although he's excited to attend Summit High next year, Noah says he will always cherish his time at Spring Station.

"The students here are very helpful and kind," said Noah. "Plus, the teachers are awesome and the coaches are great."

As an eighth grader, Noah was asked to be manager of the basketball team. He attended practices, kept shooting averages for the players and videotaped the home games. The highlight of the season came February 18 when Noah was given the opportunity to suit up and start in the team's final home game of the season.

"I was shocked when I found out," said Noah. "It was so exciting. I made the first shot in the junior varsity game, and I made a three-pointer at the end of the varsity game."

While he's not yet sure what he wants to be when he grows up, Noah says he'll continue to live his life to the fullest no matter what comes his way.

"I just try to get past every obstacle I face," said Noah. "I guess my motivation comes from wanting to inspire other people."