Middle School Students

Honored By Newtown Rotary

The Newtown Rotary honored three Middle School Students as Students of the Month. Rotary President Bill Wiemels presented Personal Achievement Awards to Megan McGowan, cluster 6D; Emily Lockhart, cluster 7E; and Tilly (Elizabeth) Philbrick, cluster 8A

Megan McGowan was selected by her cluster teachers because of her progress so far this year from entering class as a shy, young lady to “blossoming” into becoming an integral part of the class’s personality. Megan leads quietly by modeling a strong work ethic and determination. She befriends anyone who needs a companion, especially those students who may not have as many friends as they would like.

She also demonstrates strong leadership qualities in which she guides through patient and tolerant ways. She always has a smile and approaches her day with a tolerant and upbeat attitude, willing to help anyone who needs assistance. Her teachers describe her this way: “Megan is a very bright star who doesn’t ask to be the brightest, but her actions allow her to be. We can’t imagine not having this student in our cluster.”

Megan has also been dancing for eight years in ballet, tap, and jazz; has been playing right wing in soccer for six years on The Cheetahs; has been a Girl Scout for four years; likes animals, in particular her chickens that she cares for and her pet rabbit, Cocoa.

Emily Lockhart has served for two years as a Student Council Representative in sixth and seventh grades and she takes her job seriously. For example, she created a suggestion box for the classroom so that students may anonymously share concerns about school government. Emily’s diligence is also reflected in her academic work in the classroom and her enthusiasm can only be described as “contagious.”

Emily’s day-to-day relationships with others is always sincere, graciously lending a hand to classmates, and regularly volunteering for classroom jobs. In her teachers’ words: “Emily is a mature young lady who truly lives life from the heart, sharing her insight and thoughtfulness during class discussions and journal responses.”

Besides being an example of citizenship in middle school, Emily often returns to Middle Gate School to assist at the yearly Rainbow Spring Fair. In her spare time, Emily has played soccer with her Park & Rec teams for five years, has engaged on floor gymnastics for six years; loves her cat, Theo, and her hamster, Uno.

Tilly Philbrick’s teachers describe her as a “dazzling whirlwind of perseverance and talent, which shows itself not only in her beautiful and complex Irish rhythmic dancing, but also flows into her awareness and charity for others.” Her awareness for others shows itself on her face with bright eyes and a beautiful smile while assisting someone in class.

Tilly has also brightened the days of residents at Ashlar through her gift of dance at holiday time for the past three years with the Grey School of Irish Dance, and made people aware of the seriousness of diabetes. Tilly was inspired seven years ago after watching an Irish dance demonstration at Middle Gate School and has danced ever since. She has played soccer for two years, as well as loved her dog, Maggie.

Her teachers’ final words say it best: “Tilly performs from her heart; she is a role model of caring and giving in our school and her community.”

These three young women were supported by their teachers Nancy Martin, Valerie Leone, and Georgia Batey and their families, who were all in attendance at the presentation.