MAYVILLE – Students of the Month at Chautauqua Lake Central School, honored in June for May achievements, were Rachael Fortney, Taylor Phelps, Stener Homme, Brendon Keefe, Hannah Morrison and Nathan Engdahl. The student recognition program honors students in grades 7 through 12 whose classroom performance, attitude toward learning, work ethic and extra-curricular activities set them apart.

New graduate Rachael Fortney is the daughter of Brian and June Fortney of Mayville. Anatomy and physics were the subjects she enjoyed most in school. Rachael competed on the CLCS soccer team every year of her high school career, earning the Chautauqua Country Defensive MVP award as a senior. She also competed on the CLCS track team for three years. Outside of school, Rachael is a worship leader and is active in her youth group. Rachael has received numerous scholarships, including several for accomplishments in music. She graduated with a silver honor pin, representing a grade point average of 89.5% or higher. The person in history whom she most admires is Jesus Christ, because “he brought light to our world.” If Rachael could be another person for just one day, she would choose to be Olympics and World Cup gold medal soccer goalkeeper Hope Solo, because “I would like to feel the pressure she feels as she takes PK shots in the World Cup.” Rachael plans to attend Houghton College to major in biology and play on the women’s soccer team.

Taylor Phelps, daughter of William and Katie Phelps of Ashville, is a rising senior who says English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and U.S. History are her favorite subjects. Since she was a freshman, Tay has competed on the basketball and soccer teams, earning the MVP for basketball as a junior and the Hustle award for basketball as a sophomore. Last winter she was named a first team all-star in basketball, and her coaches named her Team Player of the Year. Inducted into the National Honor Society last fall, Tay has earned awards for academic excellence in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Taylor was recently honored with the Clarkson School Scholar Award and the University of Rochester Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award. Outside of school, she loves to travel, read, and play travel basketball. In history, Taylor admires Amelia Earhart, because “not only was she the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, but she took many risks, even when deemed ‘too dangerous.'” If she could be another person for a day, Taylor would be Prince George of Cambridge, so “I could see what the life of royalty entails from a young age.” She hopes to attend the University of Notre Dame and to “find a job I love.”

Rising junior Stener Homme, who is the son of Dena Carlson of Ashville and Russell Homme of Stockton, selects English and math as his favorite classes. Sten has competed on the CLCS football team and the High School Bowl academic team since his freshman year. As a ninth grader, he also competed on the track team. A frequent presence on the honor roll, Sten enjoys online gaming, attending sporting events, and working out. He admires Thomas Edison, because “he changed the way people live in the twentieth century.” When asked what person he would like to be for a day, Sten chose Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller, in order to “experience being at the top of the NFL linebacker profession.” He plans to study sports marketing in college.

Brendon Keefe, who just completed his freshman year, is the son of Kendra and Chris Keefe of Mayville. Math, gym and science are his favorite classes. Outside of school, Bren spends most of his time with 4-H or working construction and on the farm. The people he most admires are his parents, because “they are the ones who give me clothes, food, love, and a place to live.” He also appreciates Andy Schultz and Brad Howe, because they “show me how to do different things at work and how to operate everything.” If he could be someone else for a day, Brendon would chose “no one; I only want to be myself because there is no other one of me.” After high school, he would like to “have a well-paying job or have my own business, a house, and a family.”

Rising freshman Hannah Elizabeth Morrison is the daughter of Denny and Sarah Morrison of Sherman. English and math are her favorite subjects. Hannah has competed on the CLCS varsity swim team since seventh grade and is recognized as a Scholar Athlete. This spring she performed in the high school musical, Bye Bye Birdie. Outside of school, she participates in 4-H, and she has studied tap dance for ten years. She looks forward to earning a college degree in science or math.

Rising eighth grader Nathan Engdahl is the son of Dan and Jolene Engdahl of Mayville. Math, social studies, and Spanish are his favorite subjects. Nate has competed on the CLCS modified basketball and baseball teams. He has achieved high honor roll status every quarter of the past school year. Outside of school, he enjoys playing sports, especially baseball, basketball, and football. In history, Nate admires Franklin D. Roosevelt, because “of how he helped people affected by the Great Depression.” If he could be someone else for a day, he would select singer-songwriter and rapper Drake, because “he travels the world on his tours and gets lots of love from his fans.” Nate’s favorite college is Oklahoma, so after high school, “I would love to go there to become a pro athlete or a physician.”

Teachers Amy Redman and Tara Reyda coordinate the Student of the Month recognition program in the secondary school.