Students Honored During Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

Theresa Dardanell Leadership, kindness, honesty, and a caring attitude are only a few of the characteristics of the students honored during the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration on January 12, 2017, at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School. One student from each of the Frederick County Public Schools was chosen for this award. The quotes below are from the nominations submitted by the staff at each school in the Catoctin feeder area. Michael Tylicki (senior at Catoctin High) was selected to represent Catoctin High School as this year’s King Award Winner because “He works well with all students, including those with special needs. Learning for Life students love Mikey for his kindness and willingness to help them. Instead of aligning with a specific peer group, he is really a friend to all. Michael is a humble student who is honest and cares about others. He is a quiet leader, mature beyond his years.” Abigail Christian (eight-grade student at Thurmont Middle) was chosen for this honor because “She is a wonderfully caring and helpful student. She contributes to the learning environment, volunteering to tutor students having difficulty and sharing honestly with them with what they have to do. Because Abigail puts forth her best, she is able to earn very good grades. Abigail has a bright, infectious and sunny attitude, making her a positive role model. She is a considerate and respectful leader.” Trey Glass (second-grade student at Thurmont Primary) received this award. Staff and students describe him as “displaying great heart power, perseverance by never giving up, and always having a positive can-do attitude.” They consider him a leader. Patrick Payton (fifth-grade student at Thurmont Elementary) was presented with this award because “Patrick is all of the things one would expect of a young leader: honest, hardworking, and caring towards others; but Patrick is more than just these things. He is also the kind of person who holds high expectations for himself, making him a leader by example as well as by character.” Patrick is a Safety Patroller at Thurmont Elementary School. Cody Faulkner (fifth-grade student at Emmitsburg Elementary) received this honor because “He continuously demonstrates the six pillars of character at Emmitsburg Elementary School. Cody follows directions the first time they are given and perseveres to complete assignments to the best of his ability. He is a quiet leader who consistently uses manners with adults and students. Through his actions, he encourages other students to make appropriate choices when solving problems. Humbly, Cody strives to help others at all times without being asked or without thought of praise or reward for himself.” Jenna Conley (fifth-grade student at Lewistown Elementary) was chosen for this award because “Jenna has served as Peer Ambassador two years, is a Morning News crew member, and an art helper. She uses ROARing good behavior and lives her school motto to Learn, Excel and Succeed. A leader with gratitude, Jenna consistently includes others. She participates in Girls On The Run and is a great role model with a contagious upbeat attitude. She helps with classroom tasks and is trustworthy and honest, showing responsibility as she perseveres.” Kylie Stracener (fifth-grade student at Sabillasville Elementary) received this award because “She consistently demonstrates the leadership qualities characteristic of Dr. King and the Pillars of Character Counts.”