Congratulations to our
2011-2012 Making a Difference Award winners!
The Stevens Point Kiwanis Club sponsors this unique community award for area sixth graders who have demonstrated to their teachers and principals a commitment to helping others and making a positive difference in their schools and their community. The student is chosen by their school for demonstrating leadership skills, a true care for others, strong school involvement, and an understanding of the importance of making a difference in the world around them. Eleven awards are presented during the school year to students from each of the public and private elementary/middle schools in the Stevens Point/Plover area.
Rachel Wadina, Madison Elementary
Rachel Wadina, Madison Elementary: Rachel Wadina received the Making A Difference Award on May 1st, 2012. The daughter of Mark and Ronda Wadina, Mosinee, Rachel was joined by her parents and Madison Elementary principal Karl Bancker (left) at the award luncheon. “Rachel IS a Madison Mustang - kind, caring and responsible and works hard to be friends with all and helps others with their work,” Bancker said. “Rachel makes a difference at Madison Elementary to all who come in contact with her,” he added.
Hayden Jurgella, St. Paul Lutheran Elementary
Hayden Jurgella, St. Paul Lutheran Elementary: Hayden Jurgella received the Making A Difference Award on April 17th, 2012. The son of Chuck & Laura Jurgella, Stevens Point, Hayden was joined by his parents and St. Paul Lutheran teacher Carmen Zuelsdorff (right) at the award luncheon. “Hayden is a friend to others, a hardworking student, a student athlete and a positive role model for our younger students,” Zuelsdorff said. “He has been a blessing to our school and we are proud he has been selected for the Making A Difference Award,” she added.
Lexi Ford, Bannach Elementary
Lexi Ford, Bannach Elementary: Lexi Ford received the Making A Difference Award on April 10th, 2012. The daughter of Kim and Jim Ford, Stevens Point, Lexi was joined by her parents and Bannach
Elementary principal Jessica Champion (left) at the award luncheon. “Lexi is a young
lady who is already making a positive impact in her school, in her community
and beyond,” Champion said. “She works
hard in all she does, is dedicated to being a well-rounded individual, is kind
to others, and will continue to make a positive difference in years to come,” she
added.
Noah Lamaide, Saint Peter Middle School
Noah Lamaide, Saint Peter Middle School: Noah Lamaide received the Making A Difference Award on April 3rd, 2012. The son of Jill and George Lamaide, Stevens Point, Noah was joined by his parents, grandmother Janice Sparrow (left) and Saint Peter teacher Paula Marciniak (right) at the award luncheon. “Noah is an excellent role model for the students in his class, is courteous, conscientious, a hard worker and possesses strength of character and the courage to do what is right,” Marciniak said. “His positive attitude toward his classmates and school is the reason he was selected for this award,” she added. Noah was featured last month on the CBS Evening News and on
CBS Sunday morning for his efforts to save his grandmother’s house from
foreclosure through “Noah’s Dream Catcher Network.” For more information on his
projects, log on to www.dreamcatcher.bbnow.org
Kadin Hayakawa, Washington Elementary
Kadin Hayakawa, Washington Elementary: Kadin Hayakawa received the Making A Difference Award on March 27th, 2012. The son of David and Sara Hayakawa, Stevens Point, Kadin was joined by his parents and Washington Elementary principal Bill Carlson at the award luncheon. “Kadin is a true difference maker at Washington school, models respect and responsibility, and is often the first student to lend a hand to others with kindness and compassion,” Carlson said. “It is a privilege to have Kadin as part of Washington school,” he added.
Ana Metzler, Kennedy Elementary
Ana Metzler, Kennedy Elementary: Ana Metzler received the Making A Difference Award on March 6th, 2012. The daughter of Rich and Angie Metzler, Junction City, Megan was joined by her parents, Kennedy Elementary principal Clover Schmitt (far left), and 6th grade teacher Amanda Kohlbeck (second from left) at the award luncheon. “When I announced the honoree to our classroom, many students agreed Ana is very deserving. They said, ‘when they think of Kennedy, they think of Ana’,” Kohlbeck said. “She is kind, caring, considerate and a joy to teach in the classroom…always thinking of others and willing to help others in any way possible,” she added.
Michael Glodosky, Roosevelt Elementary
Michael Glodosky, Roosevelt Elementary: Michael Glodosky received the Making A Difference Award on February 21st, 2012. The son of Maureen and Tim Glodosky, Plover, was joined by his parents and Roosevelt Elementary principal Pam Bork (center) at the award luncheon. “Michael can be counted on to do the right thing when no one is looking…this is the true definition of character,” Bork said. “He is an excellent student who finds ways to support his peers…and other students look up to Michael,” she added.
Megan Benser, Plover-Whiting Elementary
Megan Benser, Plover-Whiting Elementary: Megan Benser received the Making A Difference Award on January 17th, 2012. The daughter of Randy and Jill Benser, Plover, Megan was joined by her parents and Plover-Whiting Elementary principal Carl Coffman (left) at the award luncheon. “Megan is an excellent role model for students at our school because she is courteous, conscientious and hard-working, while possessing the strength of character and the courage to do what’s right,” Coffman said. “Her positive attitude toward classmates and school and her sense of humor in her everyday dealings at Plover-Whiting are evident…she is a joy to be around,” he added.
Julia Stupar, McKinley Center
Julia Stupar, McKinley Center: Julia Stupar received the Making A Difference Award on January 10th, 2012. The daughter of Bill and Jennifer Stupar, Stevens Point, Julia was joined by her parents and McKinley Center principal Dr. John Blader (left) at the award luncheon. “Julia has been chosen to receive this award in recognition of the many helpful activities that she is involved in at McKinley Center and throughout the community,” Blader said. “In addition to high quality academic work and great effort, Julia is always upbeat with a positive attitude in the classroom and brightens the mood of all who interact with her,” he added.
Emma Raschka, McDill Elementary
Emma Raschka, McDill Elementary: Emma Raschka received the Making A Difference Award on December 13th, 2011. The daughter of Kent and Kristina Raschka, Plover, Emma was joined by her mom, sister Hanna, and teacher, Brenda Jones (left) at the award luncheon. “Emma is a very conscientious student, works very hard and is a role model for others in her class and in the entire school,” Jones said. “At McDill Elementary, she is involved in orchestra, serves as a cadet captain and even more importantly is a good friend and someone her peers look up to,” she added.
Anna Rathe, Jefferson Elementary
Anna Rathe, Jefferson Elementary: Anna Rathe received the Making A Difference Award on December 6th, 2011. The daughter of Bruce and Suzanne Rathe, Stevens Point, Anna was joined by her parents and teacher, Kim Boden (right) at the award luncheon. “Anna makes everyone at Jefferson Elementary feel at home and is a wonderful part of the sixth grade class at our school,” Boden said. “She has received two service awards from the Junior American Legion, is a Kohl’s Kids Care Volunteerism award winner and volunteers for many activities at school and in the community,” she added.
