2009-10 School Year

Week of

May 30

Hannah Gershowitz, a fourth grade student at Citrus Grove Elementary, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillar of Caring.

Recently, Hannah donated her hair, which she had been growing for two years, to Locks of Love, a charity that makes wigs for children with cancer or hair growth illnesses. Citrus Grove Elementary and CHARACTER COUNTS! in Martin County are very proud of Hannah’s thoughtful, caring gesture.

Week of

May 23

Marian Harriel, a member of the Cole-Clark (Hobe Sound) branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County and a sixth grader at Murray Middle School, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillar of Respect.

Marian was a nominee for the Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year for the respect she gives to her peers, adults, to her community and to God. She frequently volunteers to help at the Club and through her church where she is a member of the praise dance team, the youth group and the Bible study group. Marian started a newspaper in the Banner Lake community called News Scoop, is an excellent student and musician, and hopes to become an attorney when she graduates.

Week of

May 16

Ashley Bilodeau, a member of the Palm City branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County and a sophomore at Martin County High School, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillar of Caring.

For the second year in a row, Ashley was a nominee for the Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year for her caring disposition and willingness to help. She cares deeply for her friends and family, as well as her peers at the Club, where she leads cooking classes and helps others with homework. At school, Ashley is on the honor roll and is a member of the Sigma Phi community service club.

Week of

May 9

Elizabeth Moberg, a student at Citrus Grove Elementary School, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillars of Fairness, Responsibility and Caring.

Elizabeth is not only an outstanding athlete, but the way she conducts herself off the playing field is truly amazing. She is a perfect example of how to use good sportsmanship. Elizabeth always encourages others to do their best and is the first person to help out a team member. She starts everyday with a positive attitude and a kind word to all. Elizabeth is an all-round super student and athlete.

Week of

May 2

Joshua Rodriguez, a pre-kindergarten student at Citrus Grove Elementary School, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillar of Trustworthiness.

Joshua found a $100 bill on the playground and without hesitation turned in the money to his teacher. Joshua’s teachers say he always does what he is supposed to do, is respectful to all his classmates, and strives to do his very best at all tasks. He is an all-around student who stands at the top of all Six Pillars of Character.

Week of

April 25

Stephany Serrano, a member of the East Stuart branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, nominee for the Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year, and a junior at Martin County High School, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillar of Trustworthiness.

Stephany is a positive role model and help to the staff at the East Stuart Club as well as throughout the community.  She volunteers at the Club helping other with homework, leading culinary classes, and helps at special events. A member of the Health Occupation Students of America, Stephany has helped raise money to fight cancer and breast cancer. She is an excellent student, is kind, understanding and has a great sense of humor.

Week of

April 18

Adriana Mancini, a fifth grader and 2009 – 10 Student Volunteer of the Year at Bessey Creek Elementary School, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillar of Citizenship.

Adriana, passionate about preserving our Earth’s resources, initiated a new Recycling Club at Bessey Creek Elementary this year called “BCE Team Green."  Through Adriana’s leadership, club members empty and clean recycling containers every Tuesday during recess, giving their free time for this worthy cause.  Adriana is also very compassionate towards others less fortunate.  She has committed to helping “Charity Water," a nonprofit organization that provides clean drinking water for people in developing nations who desperately need it.

Week of

April 11

Sean Ashley, a junior at the Clark Advanced Learning Center, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillar of Respect. 

Sean always has a smile on his face and is naturally courteous to all staff and peers. He volunteers as a chemistry lab assistant and is always willing to help at anytime without complaint. 

Week of

April 4

Anthony Smith, a member of the John and Marge Bolton branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County and a student at Martin County High School, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillar of Responsibility.

Recently recognized as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County’s Youth of the Year, Smith is wise and mature for his age. Over the summer, he served as junior staff president, providing a leadership role to his peers as the group oversaw programs and activities with younger club members. In addition to his involvement with Boys & Girls Clubs, Smith is also very active with his church and hopes one day to work as a youth development professional.

Week of

March 28

Ashton Houser, a third grade student at J D Parker School of Science, Math & Technology, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillars of Respect and Responsibility.

Ashton acted in a responsible and respectful way despite his reputation being challenged when his scooter was stolen at school earlier this year. He handled this difficult situation in a level-headed and mature manner.

Week of

March 21

Olivia Davis, a senior at the Clark Advanced Learning Center, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillar of Responsibility. Olivia was also recognized in October as the Clark Student of the Month for the Pillar of Responsibility.

Olivia has always approached any problem with a positive, problem-solving attitude. She is very caring and is always willing to help her peers and school staff and is very responsible in all aspects of school and home.

Week of

March 15

Pascual Francisco, and eighth grade student at Indiantown Middle School and an recipient of the 2009–10 Joe Kordick Youth Character Award, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for displaying the Pillar of Caring.

Near the end of the school year, Pascual asked if he could volunteer over the summer helping the custodial staff clean the school because he noticed they had too much work to do to get ready for the new school year. While most students were having fun enjoying their time off, Pascual was cleaning with the school’s staff. Pascual is one of those rare students who displays aspects of every CHARACTER COUNTS! Pillar, especially Caring, Respect and Trustworthiness.

Week of

March 7

Matthew Cole, a senior at South Fork High School, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillar of Citizenship.

Matthew has volunteered at the Florida Oceanographic Institute since the summer of 2006 and has contributed over 700 hours of service since August 2009.

Matthew’s guidance counselor, Mrs. Saxenmeyer, writes that “Matt has demonstrated his ongoing commitment to community service and embodies several of the pillars of character. Matt is an outstanding student and young citizen and his experience and dedication will make a difference in our community for years to come.”

Week of February 28

Week of February 14

Week of February 7

Devin Primus, a student at Felix A. Williams Elementary School, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillars of Caring and Responsibility.

Devin is a kind and caring boy. He is helpful in the classroom and demonstrates excellent listening skills.  Devin is a Peer Pal in the summer program at Jensen Beach Elementary School and a member of the Safety Patrol at F.A. Williams.

Week of January 24

Maria de Lourdes Ramirez, a fourth grade student at Warfield Elementary, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillars of Fairness and Responsibility.

Maria is an outstanding member of the Warfield community. She serves on the Safety Patrol and is a member of the Sunshine State Readers Club.

Maria is an extremely conscientious student and an excellent role model for the younger students at Warfield Elementary.

Week of January 17

Shelby Dray, a fifth grade student at Port Salerno Elementary, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillar of Citizenship.

Shelby is an active Safety Patrol members, working hard to help insure the safety of the students, and volunteers daily in the science lab. 

Week of December 13

Mikaella Desume, a student in Mrs. Dickinson’s class at Port Salerno Elementary School, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillars of Responsibility and Trustworthiness.

Mikaella always does her very best with no reminding. She knows the procedures and what is expected of her and her group. Mikaella is a born leader and takes on that role as she leads her group to do the right thing. Mikaella is trustworthy and very honest.

Week of December 13

Jonathon Flores, a student at Murray Middle School, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillars of Respect and Caring. Jonathon befriended and defended another student when others were making fun of her, and he has taken several students under his wing to mentor.

Jonathon has become a calming force in the classroom. His teacher, Mr. Fredosso, writes that Jonathon has matured greatly this year and he really sees purpose in his life.  The CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week program is sponsored by The Lyric Theatre, Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, and United Way of Martin County.

Week of December 6

He has excelled in Academic Games and always strives to improve his personal best. Shantanu has demonstrated good character by being a responsible student, a caring friend, and a positive role model.

Week of November 22

Dakota “Cody” Brockway, an eighth grade student at Murray Middle School, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillar of Responsibility.

Cody is a curious, conscientious student and very well-rounded. He is co-editor in chief of the school’s yearbook, an active member of the Builder’s Club, a member of the National Junior Honor Society and plays soccer. Cody steers clear of peer pressure, doesn’t like conflict, but knows when it is important to stick up for what he believes in.

Week of November 8

Aaron Hawkins, a member of the East Stuart branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County and a sixth grade student at Stuart Middle School, was recognized as a CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillar of Responsibility.

A member of the Boys & Girls Club since the age of 5, Aaron is a great peer leader to his fellow Club members. He is a junior staff member at the Club where he has shown great responsibility helping other staff members. He plays first base for the Scrappers Little League baseball team, is president of the Torch Club, a community service club and last year was chosen visit the White House by J. D. Parker Elementary.

Week of November 1

Tony Valentin, a member of the Indiantown branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County and an 11^th grade student at South Fork High School, was recognized as a CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillar of Caring.

Tony demonstrates caring by being a mentor to younger children at the club. He is actively involved in programs run by Tykes & Teens and the probation department by helping younger children deal with their anger management, communication skills and goal setting.

Week of October 25

Matthew DiFede, an eighth grade student at Hidden Oaks Middle School, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillar of Trustworthiness.

Matthew pointed out an error his teacher made in grading his quiz, an error that was not in his favor. Even though he ended up with a lower grade, Matthew showed great integrity with his decision to be honest.

Week of October 18

Two Crystal Lake Elementary School students, Kylie Brown and Chase Whiddon, are being recognized by the Martin County School District Transportation Department and Crystal Lake Elementary as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Students of the Week for demonstrating the Pillar of Responsibility.

During their trip to school one day, Kylie and Chase were exceptionally helpful by clarifying instructions given by their bus driver to the students and by helping the younger children. As Cheryl Wall, Lead II, Transportation, wrote to Crystal Lake Elementary School Principal, Xenobia Anderson, “I just wanted you to know because it seems the good isn’t mentioned enough.”

Week of October 11

Week of September 27

Patrick Schumann, a senior at Jensen Beach High School, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillar of Caring. Patrick is a senior peer mediator and has done a great job recognizing students who need help as they adjust to being new at JBHS.

An example of his caring nature is each day at lunch Patrick seeks students who are sitting alone, sits with them, and introduces them to other students. This seems to work well – one day Patrick introduced a boy to three girls and now they eat together every day.

Week of September 20

Brandon Renick, a fifth grade student at Crystal Lake Elementary, is being recognized as this week’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Student of the Week for demonstrating the Pillars of Caring and Responsibility.

Brandon’s teacher writes, "Brandon is such a pleasant young man and is always willing to help when needed. He takes his schoolwork very seriously and gives his best effort – he is so grounded and focused."