Academic All-Star – JohnThomas Atema, Woodland Middle

Published April 25, 2018

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, free food from Sonic Drive-In and other gifts from the district.

Not only is 13-year-old JohnThomas Atema a hard-worker in the classroom, but he is also a kind and generous student who makes an effort to help others.

For those reasons and more, he is Woodland Middle School’s Academic All-Star for the 2017-18 school year.

“JohnThomas is an honorable young man who always does his best in everything,” said WMS Principal Priscilla Fizer. “He is kindhearted, dependable, and supportive. JohnThomas has been asked by guidance to acclimate and assist new students throughout the year. He is certainly deserving and should be recognized for his many contributions to the school.”

As he finishes up his seventh grade year, JohnThomas says there are many things like about Woodland Middle.

“Everyone here is always really positive, and we help each other,” said JohnThomas. “The teachers are nice too. They push us hard, but they’re always there to help if we need assistance.”

When he’s not studying, you can find JohnThomas playing basketball or video games. He’s also an avid member of the Best Buddies program.

“I have a sister with Down Syndrome so it’s something that is really important to me,” said JohnThomas. “I have a peer buddy. We spend time together at school, but we also do things outside of school.”

Looking forward, JohnThomas pledges to keep up the hard work as he prepares to enter eighth grade.

“I just think that in order to have a good future, you need to have a good education,” said JohnThomas. “If you do well in school, you might have more opportunities later in life.”