GOWANDA - Gowanda High School selected Students of the Month for April in several different categories. Honored students are as follows:
Benjamin Myzel Grade 9, Science
Myzel was chosen as student of the month in Science by Lois Piscitelli because of his positive attitude and respect for others in his class. His positive attitude spills over to others in the class.
Myzel has participated in a sport every season. He ran cross country in the fall, wrestled in the winter and is now on the track and field team. Myzel plans to go to college so that he can get a good job.
Christian Francis Grade 12, Technology
Francis was chosen as student of the month in Technology by Tom Partridge because he has a great personality and good manners. He's willing to try any project that is given without complaining about it and does his best to make it the best. He is one of those students that is enjoyable to have in class and talk to.
Francis has helped lead both the Gowanda Panthers football and wrestling teams over the last four years. Francis excels at both math and science and plans to use these talents in his pursuit of either an engineering degree or an MS in science education at a four-year college.
Danielle Steffan Grade 12, Mathematics
Steffan was chosen as student of the month in Mathematics by John Beaumariage. She has a Calculus average of 100 percent for all three marking periods. She has always done an excellent job and she can be counted on to lend a helping hand, whether it is helping out a student or helping out a teacher in the classroom. Steffan is a leader, confident in herself but not selfish or self-centered.
Steffan is the treasurer for NHS and is on the yearbook staff. She plans to attend the University at Buffalo for pre-med.
Katie Macakajna Grade 11, Health
Macakanja was chosen for student of the month in Health by Joe Bruening because she maintains a high average, always has her work in on time and contributes to class discussions. Her shining personality and smile help to make class discussions and group activities more enjoyable for all of the students in the class.
Macakanja is a Varsity Panther cheerleader, the junior class president, a junior coach for little league Varsity Panthers and babysits in her spare time. She has set her sights on attending college as part of the TESOL program to teach English to people who don't speak English.
Kenneth Brant Grade 9, Social Studies
Brant was chosen as student of the month by Tim Smith because not only is he a good student but he is also a well rounded individual. Not only have his Global Studies grades been well into the 90s all year, but he is a three-sport athlete competing in football, basketball and lacrosse. He is a great example of a student athlete.
Brant plans to attend a four-year college for sports and become an entrepreneur.
Kim Mrowczynski Grade 12, LOTE
Mrowczynski was chosen for student of the month in LOTE by Barb Dempsey because she is an enthusiastic student who always gives 110 percent to everything assigned. Her projects are original, creative, and complete. She is honest and dependable. Her work ethic is amazing. Mrowczynski understands the importance of balancing her extracurricular activities with her school work.
Mrowczynski has participated in yearbook, cheerleading and is a proud member of the National Honor Society. She will be attending SUNY Albany this fall, majoring in business marketing and minoring in Spanish and psychology.
Calhoun was chosen as student of the month in the Arts by Heather Ryzik because he officially takes two art courses but comes in during all of his free time to work on projects. This focused amount of time and attention spent on improving his art abilities has paid off. His observational drawing skills have greatly improved this year and continue to improve weekly. Calhoun is a positive artistic influence to other students by regularly helps others with their projects.
In addition to his work in the art room, Calhoun has proven to be a very active member of our school community. He designs posters for the Art Department and other school events and organizations. Calhoun is also active in the community and regularly volunteers for the Gowanda Free Library. Calhoun has aspirations of going to Buffalo State College for art and using this degree to pursue a career in a creative field.
Merrill was chosen for student of the month in ELA by Shannon Styles because of her great work ethic, willingness to help others, and commitment to excel. She is always prepared for class and is an active participant in class discussion. Merrill is an outstanding writer who is able to think analytically but also write with great voice. When she is struggling, she doesn't simply give up. Rather, she strives to improve and work even harder to overcome the obstacle. Styles says that it has been great working with a student who is so committed and persistent.
Merrill is involved in cheerleading and gymnastics. Her goal is to attend a good college and have a successful career.
Brown has been chosen for this month's Panther PRIDE award. A student chosen for Panther PRIDE illustrates, on a daily basis, what being a panther means prepared, respectful, involved, determined and excellence. Brown has impressed her teachers with her dedication to academic studies and her positive personality mixed with a kind and thoughtful demeanor. She is a mature, young woman who exemplifies every quality that PRIDE stands for.
Over her high school career Brown has participated in NHS and is on the bowling team. Outside of school she is a firefighter with the Collins Fire Company and works at Thirsty's. Brown plans to attend Hilbert College for hospital administration.
