Students recognized for excellence

By Robert Galbreath, rgalbreath@pinealeroundup.com
Posted 1/19/23

“Regardless of who Bobbee is paired with, she makes it work,” Vlastos added. “She raises her partner’s level of thoughtfulness, engagement and accountability, and does so naturally. Her good will puts others at ease and allows them to feel valued.”

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Students recognized for excellence

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PINEDALE – The Sublette County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees recognized the last Students of the Month for 2022 at its Jan. 12 meeting.

Pinedale Elementary School first-grade teacher Rebecca Lehr recognized LeRoy Vitt as the December Student of the Month for “exemplifying the many qualities of a respectful and responsible student.”

Vitt is a standout student when it comes to showing empathy to others, Lehr said.

“When LeRoy walks into the classroom, he is happy, smiling and enthusiastic about learning,” Lehr wrote to the board. “He is a great communicator and listener, which makes him advanced in problem solving skills. If he notices a peer who is upset or sad, he shows concern and wants to help if he can.”

Lehr highlighted Vitt’s kindness, caring and honesty.

“LeRoy has many friends because children recognize these traits and are drawn to him,” Lehr said. “He always offers a helping hand to a friend in need and considers everyone to be his friend.”

Lehr expressed gratitude for the “opportunity to teach such a wonderful individual” and to watch Vitt make “amazing” achievements at school.

“It is a privilege to have him in my classroom this year,” Lehr added.

Pinedale Elementary School Principal Heather Ryan described Vitt as a “stellar” student.

“We are so glad to have LeRoy at Pinedale Elementary,” Ryan said. “He is a rock star.”

Pinedale Middle School eighth-grade language arts teacher George Vlastos nominated Bobbee Hooper as the Student of the Month for December.

Hooper is a “worthy example” of a student who is willing to work well with others, Vlastos said.

“Regardless of who Bobbee is paired with, she makes it work,” Vlastos added. “She raises her partner’s level of thoughtfulness, engagement and accountability, and does so naturally. Her good will puts others at ease and allows them to feel valued.”

Hooper steps into decision-making roles with ease during large group projects, Vlastos remarked.

“This is due in large part to Bobbee’s knack for considering the perspectives of others – she respects what they’re about and acts accordingly,” Vlastos said. “In simplest terms, Bobbee works well with others because she’s an empower-er.”

Vlastos values Hooper’s “cooperative skills” when it comes to working with others.

“I know I can partner Bobbee with a struggling student and she will be helpful in a way that makes a difference not only in the other student’s understanding of what we are learning, but also in that student’s understanding of how to balance socialization and productivity,” Vlastos exlained.

Pinedale Middle School Principal David Thrash echoed Vlastos’ words.

“Bobbee is a huge asset to the school and I appreciate everything she does to make our school the best it can be,” Thrash said.

Pinedale High School (PHS) teacher Dylan Bear honored freshman Reece Woolwine as the December Student of the Month for demonstrating the character trait of caring. Woolwine was nominated for the award two months in a row, said PHS Principal Brian Brisko.

“Reece will invite students from all groups and popularity levels to participate with his groups,” Bear wrote to the board. “He is kind and respectful to all students and is a hardworking and contributing member of member to any class.”

Brisko emphasized Woolwine’s empathy and ability to treat others with fairness and honesty.

“At lunch, Reece will sit with different groups,” said Brisko. “His level of care for every kid is unmatched.”

Skyline Academy teacher Jono Majhanovich presented junior Liam O’Connor as Student of the Month for acting as a role model when it comes to responsibility.

“You would be hard pressed to find a better candidate (for responsibility) in any school – or anywhere – than Liam O’Connor,” Majhanovich told the board.

Majhanovich stressed O’Connor’s work ethic, as evidenced by the junior’s high grades.

“Not only did Liam get an A in his very first block (of classes) at Skyline, but he’s earned one in every single class thrown at him,” Majhanovich said. “And he shows no signs of stopping.”

O’Connor demonstrates responsibility in other roles as well, Majhanovich added, from mentoring middle school students, to getting ready for a wrestling tournament or preparing for standardized tests.

“Liam is able to responsibly manage any duty assigned to him,” he noted. “And, in doing so, you can bet that he’ll arrive early, with a thermos full of tea, and that he’ll get the job done right.”

Skyline Principal Kellie Jo Williams spoke to the effort O’Connor has put into completing the requirements to transfer from being a junior to a senior.

“Liam comes in every morning, on time, never late to class and he always does everything he needs to do,” Williams said. “He is respectful and helps out no matter what the task is.”