Newtown Rotary Honors May Students Of The Month

Newtown Rotary recently recognized Students of the Month for May. Students are chosen not only with consideration to their academic merits, but also for their involvement in their school and communities, as well as their relationships with their peers.

Eighth grader Michelle O’Rourke is a student at St Rose of Lima School. She is described as a very caring person who puts others first. Others have noted that she “always has a smile on her face” as well as a strong character that makes her a positive role model to others.

Recently, Michelle coordinated a project to recycle holiday greeting cards. The proceeds were delivered to an agency that provides a safe haven for children who have been abused.

Michelle also was recently involved in the AmeriCares Habitat for Humanity project. She also assists her mother in teaching CCD class. In her spare time, she enjoys playing softball and basketball.

Jaclyn Schulz is an eighth grader at Newtown Middle School. An honor roll student, Jaclyn particularly enjoys learning and is proud of the many academic projects she has completed over the years. According to her teachers, Jaclyn, “throughout the school year,” has grown “as both a student and a young woman.”

During the school year, she often aided in peer-tutoring other students in math class. The activity is a demonstration, her teachers’ note, on how her self-confidence has grown.

Outside of school, Jaclyn can be found on the soccer field. For several years, she has played for the Trumbull Express Premier Team. She said she enjoys the sport because it is a means of “demonstrating sportsmanship” as well as an opportunity to develop “leadership skills.”

A favorite hobby is cooking. She developed the interest from her grandmother. One day, Jaclyn would like to become a pastry chef. Her specialty would be Belgium waffles.

Newtown Middle School seventh grader Melissa King is an honor roll student who enjoys school, especially when she masters challenging new material. She enjoys participating in intramural volleyball and is also a member of the Technology Club. In addition, Melissa plays the trumpet in the Newtown Middle School concert band. She also enjoys singing in the school’s concert choir.

While maintaining a high academic average, Melissa volunteers her time at River Glen Health Care Nursing Home for an afternoon each week. While there, she spends time with the patients, cleans and maintains the library and delivers mail.

Doing this activity, she says, helps her feel good about herself.

Melissa also teaches a CCD class for fourth graders at St Rose of Lima Church. She is also a Cadette Girl Scout. She would love to have a career in education, law, or acting someday.

Jessica Cherry, a sixth grader at Reed Intermediate School, is described as a kind, considerate, and caring individual who truly enjoys helping others. She is noted as being sensitive to the needs of others. She has made it her mission to “spread a little sunshine” on others. She is often the first person to bounce into a classroom, enthusiastically engaging classmates in conversation.

Jessica’s teachers sum her up this way: “Jessica is truly a super role model for her fellow students and her cooperative nature is truly an asset to the classroom.”

Throughout the school year, Jessica has successively strived to overcome some personal struggles. She has become increasingly more responsible toward her academics, producing quality work and always asks for help when needed. She hopes to someday become a veterinarian, doctor, or artist. Her passion is to help others, as well as celebrate her love for animals. She is the owner of a Nisha, a 1-year-old tabby cat.

In her spare time, Jessica enjoys playing softball through the Parks and Recreation department. She loves her family, especially her mother and younger brother, as well as her grandmother, who she notes is an inspiration.

Reed Intermediate School fifth grader Jacob Eventoff was selected predominantly because of his community service activities and his efforts to charity fundraise. He is currently collecting pledges for Newtown’s Relay For Life to find a cure for cancer. Jacob also volunteers his time with other charitable organizations including the Rotary Club sponsored Interact Club Rotary Community Blood Drive. He also served at a dinner for a Rotary event in March.

His dedication is reflected in the Rotary’s belief to engage in “service above self.”

Jacob is a vocal participant in class, often adding rich insight into class discussions. A risk taker in the very best sense of the word, he is not afraid to challenge things he feels are unfair. He strives to examine an issue from all sides.

A violinist in the school orchestra, he enjoys singing and dancing. He also began playing the piano a year ago. His interests have sparked his fondness for Broadway. His favorite production is Phantom of the Opera.

Each month Newtown Rotary presents awards to the Students of the Month to show the community the wonderful students that are in our schools and to honor them with public distinction. Anyone interested in learning more about Rotary or who have a desire to help in their world wide efforts to make this a better world both locally and worldwide should call Rotary President Brian Amey at 426-6605.