Rising Arrow Award winners announced for fourth nine weeks
Clinton Public School District
Dr. Tim Martin, Superintendent
(601) 924-7533
Media contact: Sandi Beason, APR
CLINTON — There are hundreds of children in Clinton’s public schools who are not on honor roll, not the star of their sports team, or not the top of their class.
But they come to school every day and do their work, they are courteous to teachers and staff, they help other students and they excel in ways that may not be quantified. The new Rising Arrow award honors students who are quietly working to make the world a better place.
“We began this award to recognize students who demonstrate integrity and good character,” said Dr. Tim Martin, superintendent of schools. “They help others in need, both at school and in their community. They are kind to others. They do the right thing without being asked, only because it’s the right thing to do. The Rising Arrow award is a way to say thank you for being good people, and not just good students.”
The Rising Arrow award is given to one student per school per nine weeks period. Teachers and staff nominate students who show integrity, good character and who are helping and encouraging others around them. Winners are recognized at a school board meeting, and receive gifts from Wal-Mart and Chick-fil-A.
Fourth nine-weeks winners include:
- Z.Z. Wallace, Clinton Park Elementary
“Z.Z. is such an inspiration to so many people at Clinton Park. She has had to go above and beyond learning where things are, routines, and life at school. She has never let her disability get in the way of everyday life as a Clinton Park kid! She always has a smile on her face and a word of encouragement for anyone she meets.”
- Khamari Smalls, Northside Elementary School
“During his third grade year we watched Khamari show tremendous growth in his behavior as well as academics, in both reading and math. His level of achievement is tremendous. One of his goals for the year was that he would follow directions and remain in his seat when asked four out of five times. He met and exceeded that goal by Christmas. He has grown to be a leader and set the example for other students in the classroom. Khamari is a Rising Arrow. He has worked on all areas of being a student. And when he misses the mark sometimes as we all do, he embraces it positively and pushes forward.”
- Travis Collins, Eastside Elementary School
“Travis is a model student. He comes into the classroom every morning ready to work. I have heard him say many times, ‘What do I need to do today?’ ‘Let’s go,’ ‘Let’s get this.’ Not only is he prepared for class, he helps to motivate others in the classroom. He will patiently assist students who are not English speakers, or others who need clarification of directions. During tutorial class, Travis is always a leader in his small group. He will make sure that all students work together to complete the given task. His leadership and motivational skills help his fellow students strive to achieve their own academic success. He tells other students, ‘This is important stuff!’ Travis works hard for his academic success. He has been on A/B honor roll and AR lists since August. Travis already knows that his education is important. ‘I am going to college, but I just don’t know which one yet.’ He will continue to strive for excellence. I know Travis has a bright future and exemplifies the characteristics of a Rising Arrow.”
- Zoie Zumbro, Lovett Elementary School
“Zoie participates in the ACCENT program, the yearbook committee, tumbling, soccer and First Baptist Church in Clinton. She shows a real zeal for success by having a strong work ethic all day, every day. Zoie enjoys every subject area and is determined to showcase her best work, creative drive, and positive outlook in every aspect of her life. During class she strives for excellence and during breaks, Zoie is zippy and zestful leading all her friends in a made up song, play or dance. She is also down to earth with her intelligence and wit. She gives 110% in anything and everything she does. She never has a negative comment or attitude to share. Positivity follows her everywhere she goes. It is very difficult to put into words how calming and encouraging Zoie is to her peers. She does not show off her intelligence but uses it to help others around her have better understanding.”
- Abigail Vargheese, Clinton Junior High School
“Abigail is an outstanding student. She is involved in multiple extra-curricular activities, such as band, choir, and Math Counts, all while maintaining top scores in her classes. Abigail always has a positive attitude, is a hard worker, and has a smile on her face every time you see her. Abigail recently received results from taking the ACT, of which she scored a 30.”
- Caitlyn King, Sumner Hill Junior High School
“Caitlyn is new to the Clinton Public School District this year. She has a great attitude and always has a smile on her face. She is involved in the Peer Guidance Committee, National Junior Honor Society, and Choir. She is a hard worker and her teachers love having her in class. She is a leader and genuinely cares for her peers. She has had to adjust to moving to a more challenging school district but has made every effort to excel to the best of her ability.”
- Halle Coleman, Clinton High School
“Halle Coleman is a senior at CHS who not only sets high goals for herself but aims to achieve them. She has participated in the CHS band where she has excelled at playing the clarinet. Halle is in the Cultural Awareness Club and is very involved in her community. When Halle is not at band practice or working on academics, she volunteers for her church’s dance ministry. Halle has received the honor of being selected as a Senior Class Favorite and Homecoming Princess. She has been accepted into Jackson State University’s W.E.B. DuBois Honors College and plans to major in communication. She desires to one day work as a reporter for her local community.”
Photo:
Rising Arrow student award winners are (from left) Abigail Vargheese (CJHS), Khamari Smalls (Northside), Zoie Zumbro (Lovett), Caitlyn King (Sumner Hill), Z.Z. Wallace (Clinton Park), Halle Coleman (CHS), and Travis Collins (Eastside/CPSD winner).
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