Academic All-Stars-5682

Published May 9, 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.

College Grove Elementary - AJ Wilds

Teachers at College Grove Elementary School describe fifth grader AJ Wilds as a student with excellent work habits and a kind heart. That's why they were quick to select him as the school's Academic All-Star for the 2013-14 school year.

"AJ is always the first to offer a helping hand to students and teachers," said Teacher Shelby Smith. "His ability to see the best in everyone is a character trait that will carry him far. His dedication to academics as well as his overall personality made him an easy choice for this award."

AJ's family moved to College Grove from Rutherford County when he was in third grade. He says he's been blessed to have made a lot of really great friends over the last couple of years.

When it comes to school, AJ doesn't have a favorite subject - he likes them all. His says his teachers are good at their job because they always make sure he's paying attention. Outside of the classroom, AJ likes to hunt and play football.

"I play football for the Nolensville Panthers," said AJ, who admits he wants to be a professional football player when he grows up. "Last year I played running back but now I'm on the line."

Although his dream is to play in the NFL, AJ says he'll continue to work hard in school because he knows a great education will take him far in life.

Grassland Middle - Dena Bradley

Grassland Middle School eighth grader Dena Bradley knows the recipe for success in the classroom. Her commitment to excellence and desire to always try her best led teachers and administrators to select her as the school's Academic All-Star.

"Dena never fails to strive to perform to the highest level possible for her," said Principal Dr. Lily Leffler. "As a result of her persistent dedication to do her best, she has made dramatic growth over the course of the year. She approaches each class with a positive attitude and treats everyone she sees with kindness and respect."

Dena says she loves going to school at Grassland Middle because the teachers are awesome and it's a friendly environment. Although it's not her strongest subject, Dena says her favorite class is math.

"I love math," said Dena. "I like the feeling I get when I'm confused with a problem and then someone explains it to me and it just clicks."

While she has enjoyed her time at GMS, Dena says she's excited to start a new chapter at Franklin High next year, where she plans to join the school's culinary arts program.

"I want to be a chef when I grow up," said Dena. "I've wanted to be one for a long time. I love cooking and I like to help out at big dinners like Thanksgiving, so I'm excited to do culinary arts next year."

In the meantime, Dena says she plans to finish off her middle school career by exhibiting the same passion for learning that made her an Academic All-Star.

"I enjoy school," said Dena. "It's good for me. I don't usually have any problems with it. I just enjoy school."

Longview Elementary - Madison Kirkbride

Whether she's studying math, singing in chorus or playing volleyball, 10-year-old Madison Kirkbride is someone who's always committed to the task at hand. That's one reason why teachers and administrators at Longview Elementary School selected her as the school's 2013-14 Academic All-Star.

"Maddie has become a leader in our school," said school administrators. "She is a person who listens, learns and leads. Maddie truly embodies what Longview expects of its students."

Having attended Longview since first grade, Madison is not the kind of person who's content to sit on the sidelines. Instead, she's involved in a number of school-related activities like chorus and run club. Madison also plays volleyball and basketball outside of school.

Despite the hectic schedule, Madison is serious about her education especially when it comes to math, which happens to be her favorite subject. "When I was in second grade, my teacher called me the Math Queen," said Madison. "I've liked math ever since."

While she's not entirely sure what she wants to be when she grows up, teachers say Madison's will to succeed will carry her far in life.

"Maddie is a student who tries her best at everything she does," said Teacher Kristi Ellison. "With her drive and determination, Maddie has a bright future ahead of her."

Page Middle - Delia Pantoja

Thirteen-year-old Delia Pantoja is the kind of student every teacher wants. Her desire for self-improvement is as strong as her work ethic, which is why teachers and administrators at Page Middle selected her as the school's Academic All-Star.

"Delia is an awesome young lady who works hard and has a wonderful attitude," said Guidance Counselor Nancy Parkinson. "She is a shining star at Page Middle."

Delia's family moved to Williamson County from Arizona in June 2013, and she says the transition from her previous school was especially difficult at first. "In Arizona, the educational system is bad so moving here was hard because I felt really dumb," said Delia. "But I have the best tutor, and everyone here is so nice. It has been a big change."

Although she struggled initially, Delia's teachers say she made a conscious and deliberate decision to focus on her academics.

"Delia was in the band here at Page Middle," said Parkinson. "She decided to give it up so that she could reach her goals academically. She comes down for tutoring every morning, and she missed her exploratory classes so that she could get extra help in language arts."

Delia says her motivation to succeed comes from her father. "He told me if you want something in life, then you have to work for it because you can't take things for granted," said Delia, who says she would like to be a plastic surgeon when she grows up.

"My dad had an accident and a lot of surgeons had to work on him so that's where I got the idea from," said Delia. "I really don't care about the money because I just want to do it to help other people."

Ravenwood High - Matthew Boyd

Ravenwood High School Junior Matthew Boyd has been named his school's Academic All-Star for the 2013-14 school year. Administrators selected Matthew because of his positive attitude and diligence.

After being home-schooled for several years, Matthew began attending Ravenwood as a freshman. He says the transition was an easy one that he's glad he made.

"I was really excited for the new opportunity to attend Ravenwood," said Matthew. "I really like it here. I enjoy getting to hang out with my friends, and it's an academically challenging school which I like."

Matthew's favorite class is Criminal Justice, which he hopes will help him prepare for a future career.

"I want to be a defense attorney when I grow up so this class is a great experience for me," said Matthew. "Being an attorney is something I've wanted to do since I was probably 11-years-old. I like the idea of being able to help people."

Matthew is also active on the school's mock trial team which further solidified his interest in practicing law. While he's excited about the summer break, Matthew says he's already looking forward to the start of his senior year at Ravenwood.

"I feel like I'm lucky to be able to go to such a great school," said Matthew. "I guess my motivation comes from knowing I should take advantage of the time I have here to try my hardest and get into a good college."

Woodland Middle - Katie Bendrick

Woodland Middle School eighth grader Katie Bendrick is a two-sport athlete, library worker, chorus member and a dedicated student. So it was no surprise when teachers and administrators selected her as the school's Academic All-Star.

"Katie is a young woman with a perfect mixture of personality and scholarship," said Principal Priscilla Fizer. "She actively seeks out knowledge and understanding. Katie is always ready with a kind greeting and a smile for her peers and teachers because she is a sensitive soul who cares about others. She leads by example with a marvelous attitude and contagious enthusiasm."

As she finishes up her final year of middle school, Katie says she'll always cherish the time she spent at Woodland.

"It was just so fun being here," said Katie. "I like the teachers because they're always so nice, and they actually help me learn things that I didn't think I'd ever learn. The students have been so awesome here too. I can't tell you how many friends I've made. It's ridiculous."

Katie's favorite subject is science because she loves the way her teacher, Mr. Reasonover, is open and honest with his students. When she's not in school, there's a good chance you'll catch her playing lacrosse or basketball, her two favorite sports. As for future plans, Katie says she might like to be a teacher one day.

"I really just want to inspire a kid to actually do something great in this world and not just blow things off because they're not doing good in school or someone is bringing them down," said Katie. "I just want to help kids understand they can do great in anything that they put their mind to."