Academic All-Star – Edmondson Elementary

Published February 19, 2016

The Academic All-Star 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 framed certificate, coupons to Sonic Drive-In and a free gift courtesy of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More in Franklin.

It’s not every day that you meet an 11-year-old who wants to grow up to be a military historian. Of course, it’s not every day that you meet someone as awesome as Matthew Brantley.

The fifth grader is known as one of the hardest working and friendliest students at Edmondson Elementary.

“Matthew is the picture of what it means to be an Academic All-Star,” said EES Fifth Grade Teacher Rachel Seay. “He works hard each and every day and truly desires to give his best to each assignment. He holds himself to an extremely high standard and is a wonderful example to other students. On top of that, Matthew is incredibly respectful and will not leave for the day without saying thank you and wishing you a wonderful afternoon. Matthew is both a fantastic student and friend to all.”

The admiration goes both ways. Matthew says he would not be the student he is today without the help of his amazing teachers at Edmondson.

“The teachers here are really nice,” said Matthew. “They are understanding, and they are good at explaining things if you have a question.”

Matthew is quick to point out that social studies is his favorite subject, mainly because he likes to learn about wars. With the help of his grandmother who lives in Texas, Matthew was even featured on the local news when he traveled to San Antonio to meet several World War II veterans.

When he’s not learning about history, Matthew likes to draw, read and build fortresses with Legos. He is also interested in photography and enjoys being part of the school’s television broadcast, E-TV.

“We have two cameras, and we have feature reporters,” said Matthew. “We each have a job. I’m a PowerPoint guru, so I make the slideshow that plays at the beginning.”

Next year, Matthew will move to Brentwood Middle where he promises to keep doing all the things that got him where he is today.

“School is important,” said Matthew. “You have to have an education to get a good job and be prosperous.”