Newtown Rotary Honors October Students Of The Month

The Rotary Club of Newtown recently held a packed special meeting honoring October Students of the Month representing Reed Intermediate School, Newtown Middle School, and Newtown High School.

Included are fifth grader Will Arndt, described by teachers as “always prepared and ready to learn.” Will was selected due to his dedication to his family and school, athletic ability, and academic achievements. Well-liked by peers and teachers, Will defines what it means to be a self-directed learner through his hard work and consistent achievement, noted Rotarian President Brian Amey.

In his spare time, Will, a Yankees fan, enjoys playing baseball and says his favorite pitch was a fastball that helped him and his team win its first-ever Regional Championship last year. Will has also been a running back and defensive end for Pop Warner football for the past two years. He also plays violin with the Reed Orchestra and somehow, in-between, finds time to play with his two kittens, Simba and Sheeba.

Sixth grader Jessica Edward exemplifies the Rotary motto of “service above self.” She participates in a variety of community service activities, including the Walkathon for Cancer Cure. A member of the United Methodist Church of Monroe, Jessica also volunteers at the church’s annual Apple Festival. In addition, Jessica and eighth grade sister Sarah enjoy baby-sitting their neighbors’ children. Jessica also helped a friend collect cereal boxes for the Reed Boy Scouts recently and has contributed her own money to the Jimmy Fund.

Jessica likes to relax with her 1-year-old puppy, Jed (short for Jedadiah) and her guinea pig, Cinnamon.

Seventh grader Colin Nanavaty loves music. A member of the seventh grade band and jazz band, he enjoys playing the flute and trombone. While he enjoys all his classes, Colin’s favorite subject in school is social studies. Described by teachers as having a positive attitude “everyday,” Colin rises as early as 5:30am to get a jump-start on the day. He someday hopes to be a chemical engineer.

In his spare time, Colin loves spending time with his family and two chocolate Labs. He also enjoys spending summer days at Cape May, N.J., where his family has been vacationing for the past seven years.

Eighth grader Cristi Parks, born in Rota, Spain, loves shopping, writing, swimming, and playing basketball. Teachers describe her as “unassuming and magnanimous,” as well as accepting of everyone. Cristi is environmentally conscious, regularly picking up trash along a river near her neighborhood. She also has participated in packaging food and wrapping gifts for families in need during the holiday season.

She says her friends are an important part of her life at Newtown Middle School, where she serves as a Student Council representative. She enjoys vacationing in Spain to visit relatives and plans to someday pursue a career in writing or science.

Andrea Smith was honored by Newtown Rotary as the English Department’s Student of the Month. She was introduced at the Rotary Meeting by her English teacher Kathy Smith. Ms Smith said that since Rotary is dedicated to serving its community and doing good for humankind, one always tries to think of who possesses those characteristics and Andrea certainly does.

Ms Smith also said that Andrea is the kind of student every teacher wants in her classroom and everyone should want to know. Having had the privilege of teaching Andrea for two years, Ms Smith has gotten to know the young lady who has a work ethic that is exceptional. Andrea is self-directed in checking what the homework is and does everything asked of her in class. When she is unclear about a required assignment, she is willing to ask for clarification. Being a risk taker in classroom work, which all to often adolescent conformity makes others hesitate, she will participate and question.

In addition to being a hard worker and an academic achiever, making honor roll last year and perhaps again this year when the quarter closes, Andrea is civic-minded like the Rotarians. Andrea is a Girl Scout and speaks often and with enthusiasm about the projects they do and the camaraderie she has found within her troop.

As a member of the Rotary’s AFS (American Field Studies), she serves as an ambassador for the United States. Her quick smile, sense of humor and love of sports, particularly the Yankees, make her perfect for welcoming newcomers to the United States.

Rotary’s monthly Student of the Month program is designed to honor those students who stand out as exemplary students not only in the classroom but also in their life at home and in the community. The program is fully supported by the teachers and the administration.

“These students of today will be our leaders of the future and public recognition should be given to show public support for their efforts and goals,” said Mr Amey.