Academic All-Stars-5672

Published April 25, 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 Elementary - Emma Noseworthy

Fifth grader Emma Noseworthy is known amongst teachers and staff at Fairview Elementary School as a scholar who serves as a model of good behavior. To her classmates, she's a friend who's always willing to lend a helping hand.

So when it came time for administrators to announce an Academic All-Star for the 2013-14 school year, it was no surprise that Emma's name was mentioned.

"Emma can always be counted upon to do the right thing," said Principal Joan Tidwell. "She is a focused student who sets high academic goals for herself in all classes. Emma is also a leader in our school, and she leads with quiet strength and true sensitivity to others."

Emma started Fairview Elementary in kindergarten and says she loves her teachers and her classes. When she's not in school, Emma enjoys listening to music and reading.

"I like a lot of different books," said Emma. "I'm reading a second series to Percy Jackson, and I'm also reading A Series of Unfortunate Events."

Emma says her love for learning inspired her at an early age to want to be a teacher when she grows up. It's a goal she says she'll continue to work toward as she continues her educational journey.

Kenrose Elementary - Drew Cox

Kenrose Elementary School fifth grader Drew Cox is not one to back down from challenges, personally or academically. According to his teachers, Drew gives 110 percent in every area of his life, and he never lets adversity get him down. That's why Drew was chosen as Kenrose Elementary School's Academic All-Star.

"Drew's positive attitude and natural leadership skills have resulted in measurable improvement across all academic areas," said Kenrose Teacher Sandy Stephens. "More importantly, Drew accepts responsibility for his academic success and utilizes all available resources to complete assignments, most often going above and beyond the given expectations. He confidently serves as a strong, effective self-advocate and asks for appropriate assistance when necessary and without apprehension."

Not only is he making great strides in the classroom, but teachers say Drew's generosity and positive attitude is having an effect on others as well.

"Drew's maturity provides an excellent role model for others, and he is often the first one to offer support to struggling peers," said Stephens. "His compassion, dedication and sensitivity are strong characteristics that help Drew establish genuine friendships with students who often struggle to build relationships."

Drew is in his third year at Kenrose. He says his teachers are great because they always offer up encouragement when he needs it most. Outside of the classroom, Drew spends most of his time playing basketball and says he wants to be a professional basketball player when he grows up.

Pearre Creek Elementary - Ella Gardner

Ten-Year-old Ella Gardner is a student who always goes the extra step in everything she does. Her teachers at Pearre Creek Elementary School describe the fourth grader as a curious learner who's always up for a challenge. Those are just a couple of reasons why Ella was chosen as the school's Academic All-Star for the 2013-14 school year.

"Ella is a student who always comes to school with a positive attitude, is excited to learn, and is consistently kind to others," said her fourth grade teachers. "She frequently goes above and beyond what is expected in the classroom and puts forth outstanding effort in any project she takes on."

Ella began attending Pearre Creek when the school opened in 2010. Her favorite subject is English, which is no surprise to anyone who knows of Ella's avid love for reading and writing.

"I'm a big reader," said Ella, who admits to reading more than six million words this year according to the Accelerated Reader program. "I also like to write stories. Sometimes I write crazy stories about things that are probably never going to happen to me."

Earlier this year, Ella won the school's Fall Book Fair Writing Contest. Her skills are so sharp, Ella was asked to speak to first graders about ways to improve their writing. And on top of that, Ella recently agreed to serve as a school reporter for Westhaven's e-newsletter.

When she's not reading, writing or studying, Ella likes to play guitar, study dance and practice gymnastics. As for future plans, Ella says she might like to be a teacher or a children's author when she grows up. In the meantime, she says she'll continue to work hard at everything she does.

"I always want to do my best," said Ella. "It makes such a difference in the long run and it just makes me feel good to see an A on my paper."

Trinity Elementary - Annalise Custer

Fifth grader Annalise Custer is a hard-working student with a big personality. Teachers say her generous attitude, respect for others and relentless spirit makes Annalise the perfect choice for Trinity's Academic All-Star Award.

"Annalise strives to do her best in school and takes pride in what she does," said Principal Chris Schwartz. "She wants to know more and goes the extra mile in producing quality work. Annalise is always a team player with a positive attitude. Additionally, she is kind to others and always has a smile on her face!"

Annalise has attended Trinity since kindergarten and says her two favorite things about the school are the teachers and the strong sense of school spirit.

Outside of class, Annalise enjoys playing games with friends and swimming in the summertime. While her parents don't put a lot of pressure on her to make good grades, Annalise says she wants to do well in school so she can go to college and get a good job.

"I know it's kind of weird but I want to be a couple's counselor when I grow up," said Annalise. "I like helping people and whenever friends of mine get into fights I'm always the one who helps them become friends again. I guess my other side job could be an artist like my mom."

For now, Annalise says she'll relish in the excitement of being named a 2013-14 Academic All-Star.

"This is such a shock," said Annalise. "I had no idea I was going to win this award. I'm excited and happy but I'm really surprised."

Walnut Grove Elementary - Cruz Hartman

Walnut Grove Elementary School fifth grader Cruz Hartman is dependable, hard-working and eager to learn. Those are just a few of the reasons why teachers decided to name him as the school's Academic All-Star for the 2013-14 school year.

"Cruz is an outstanding young man and a very hard working student," said Fifth Grade Teacher Kathy Wimberly. "As a result of this, he has made tremendous growth in a broad range of academic skills. He is a capable problem solver when difficult academic assignments are given and rises to all challenges that he may encounter."

Cruz has attended Walnut Grove since first grade. He says not only are the teachers incredibly nice, but they're willing to do whatever it takes to get students the help they need.

"My favorite subject is science," said Cruz. "I like learning about all of the things that go on in our environment and ecosystem. Right now, we're learning about planets and the solar system."

Outside of class, Cruz loves to play soccer and relax at home with his family. While he says he has no idea what he wants to be when he grows up, his teachers say his strong work ethic and ability to work well with others will take him far in life.

"We have been very impressed this year with Cruz's ability to cooperate, as well as help, others," said Wimberly. "He is always eager to learn new ideas and makes welcome contributions to classroom discussions."