FEATURED COLUMNIST
Celebrating SUESD Students By Scott J. Turnbull, Superintendent, Soquel Union Elementary School District
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ith the 2022-23 school year now in the books, it’s a great time to celebrate a few students who have especially embodied the spirit of each of our schools. While we have a whole district full of students that make us swell with pride, here are a few that regularly go above and beyond to make the most of their educational opportunities. •••
Miebella Herrera
5th grade • Soquel Elementary he models the Cougar Way (student learning expectations) on a daily basis, consistently in and out of the classroom, displaying a bright and “paws-itive” attitude to school and her learning experiences. She is fantastic academically and as a leader. Not to mention, she’s kind and compassionate and always willing to lend a hand. Her personality and skill set will help her accomplish all of her goals and aspirations. She is an active and dedicated member of Student Leadership; she is a Kindness Ambassador and a Spirit Leader. She is willing to help and engaged as she supports school-wide assemblies, spirit day planning, and providing student voice in this leadership role. Her teacher said, “Miebella is the definition of a role model. In addition to possessing many other qualities, she
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12 / June 2023 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
is responsible, determined, confident, resourceful, empathetic, helpful, and loyal.” Miebella’s student leadership advisor said, “Miebella is an outstanding member and integral part of our Student Leadership Team. As both a Spirit Leader and a Kindness Ambassador she serves with genuine kindness, positivity, and a willingness to make her school an amazing place.” •••
Sadie Summerrill
4th Grade • Main Street Elementary adie is a role model to others as she consistently challenges herself to do her best academically while being compassionate, caring, respectful, and honest. Sadie faces new challenges with a growth mindset, knowing that when she tries her best, she can accomplish anything. Not only is she an amazing student, but a loyal friend and a truly joyous person to be around. When not at school, Sadie enjoys playing volleyball with Main Beach at Cabrillo College. Main Street Principal Ronnie Platt said, “Sadie is a student that other students look to for support” Motivation, Access, & Passion Coordinator Marc Lewis said, “If you’re looking for someone to be the ambassador of kindness, then Sadie is your person, she consistently goes out of her way to make sure her peers and younger students feel safe and cared for.”
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Sadie is a motivated, enthusiastic, and goal-oriented student who exemplifies the Main Street Way. Sadie is a true leader who is always willing to help anyone in need, students and teachers alike. One way Sadie helps others at Main Street is by being involved in school leadership. In school leadership, she works with classmates and her lead teacher to help build community by planning school-wide Spirit Days and events. Sadie also volunteers her own time during recess to help younger students in their classroom and at their PE and recess time. Her teacher, Ms. Ann Wilson, said Sadie is a role model to others as she consistently challenges herself to do her best academically while being compassionate, caring, respectful, and honest.” •••
Ellie Andes
1at Grade • Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary llie Andes embodies the SCG Way of being Safe, Kind, and Responsible, and according to her teacher, Sally Walker she “works very hard in class, and always gives her best effort. She cares deeply about her classmates and celebrates the success of others and helps students when they are upset. She is a role model for her peers.” Ellie has made exceptional growth in reading and math this year, and that is a result of the hard work that she has put into these subjects. Ms. Walker also reports that “Ellie has an exceptional heart and is a wonderful representation of Santa Cruz Gardens!” It is especially exciting to have such a young student nominated for this honor and her characteristics embody the school’s commitment to Social Emotional Learning. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning describes SEL as “an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.”
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“Celebrating Students” page 16