PINEDALE –The academic year is drawing to a close and the Sublette County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees took time out of a busy agenda to honor the April Students of the Month at its May 12 meeting.

Pinedale Elementary School faculty member Beth Booth nominated fifth-grader Kaley Moffat as Student of the Month for demonstrating respect.

“Kaley is the student that will go out of her way to include other students in a conversation,” Booth wrote to the board. “You do not walk by Kaley without her saying hello.”

Moffat steps into leadership roles and ensures that everyone is included, Booth said. The fifth-grader is open to feedback, advocates for herself and takes opportunities to teach classmates new concepts and skills, Booth added.

Teachers at PES praised Moffat’s work ethic, kindness and described her as a “very good friend” to others.

Booth told the board working with Moffat was a “privilege.”

“Kaley’s character and resilience are amazing,” Booth said. “It is fitting that Kaley be awarded for her demonstration of inclusiveness, empathy, fair treatment and respect for others.”

PES Principal Greg Legerski echoed Booth’s sentiments about Moffat.

“Kaley is an overall good student and a positive role model for everybody at Pinedale Elementary School,” he said.

Cheryl Travis, technology teacher at Pinedale Middle School, recognized eighth-grader Keegan Nance as April Student of the Month. Nance stood out for his determination to succeed “in everything he does,” Travis said.

“Keegan has developed his winning, can-do attitude and his desire to learn the content well,” Travis told the board. “Keegan just buckles down and gets it done. He is determined to do his best on every assignment and perseveres until he has mastered the skill.”

Travis noted the “impressive” growth Nance made in the technology classroom, mastering skills that include typing over 60 words per minute and computer coding. Travis applauded Nance’s maturity and said the eighth-grader is unafraid to take on new challenges.

“He tackles the obstacles in his way through another path, as he is continually thinking outside of the box in his search for possible solutions,” she added. “I have really appreciated his bright smile and willing attitude over the last three years.”

Principal David Thrash said the traits Nance exemplify “make Pinedale Middle School a great place to be.”

Skyline Academy teacher Holli Redmond presented junior Gage Hyde as Student of the Month for the enthusiasm he displays at school.

“Gage has the ability to brighten everyone’s day,” Redmond said. “He has brought a higher level of energy into our classrooms and hallways.”

Redmond highlighted Hyde’s intelligence and patience. Hyde occasionally reverses the roles in class, teaching Redmond about subjects from navigating Google to world history.

“Gage gives me time to contemplate and answer the in-depth questions he asks and will keep encouraging me until I can answer him, showing I have developed a complete understanding,” Redmond said. “I hope that I have been as patient and determined to help Gage grow his knowledge base as he has done for me.”

Redmond expressed appreciation for Hyde as a student, emphasizing the respect he shows to peers and faculty.

“We (at Skyline) hope that Gage continues to advocate for himself, teaches others as much as he has taught us and continues to embrace himself as a unique and wonderful individual,” Redmond said.

John Snell, principal at Skyline, told trustees he enjoyed having Hyde at school.

“Anytime Gage walks through the door, the teachers can’t help but smile because there’s always something new that Gage is going to bring,” Snell said.

Faculty at Pinedale High School, on English teacher Kendall Brunette’s recommendation, voted to award sophomore Dodge Normington as the Student of the Month for personifying generosity.

“Dodge is always the first to offer help and a smile,” Brunette wrote. “He frequently thinks of others and gives as much as he can. Whether it’s donuts, offering help or just being a friend to a newcomer, Dodge is generous on a daily basis.”

PHS Principal Brian Brisko commended Normington’s service to the school and district and underlined his willingness to offer a helping hand.

“Dodge is probably the most generous kid you’ll ever meet,” Brisko said. “When I take the opportunity to introduce new kids to the school, Dodge is my go-to guy. I do that because whether he is talking to the most popular kid in school, or the brand new kid, he treats them the same. I don’t think there is a greater quality in a person.”