The winners of the Patriot Pride Awards were, standing from left, Tyler Abrams, Connor Brooks, Joe Lapido and Andrew Meashaw. Sitting, from left, is Teresa Spucches and Jessie Brooks. Missing from the photo are Kelly Makarowsky and Mark Reed.
Eight Broadalbin-Perth High School students were recognized as the recipients of the second round of Patriot Pride Awards for the 2015-16 school year, honoring them for character and hard work that has exceeded expectations.
Jessie Brooks, Kelly Makarowsky, Joe Ladipo, Teresa Spucches, Andrew Meashaw, Tyler Abrams, Connor Brooks and Mark Reed were nominated by teachers and selected by Principal Mark Brooks.
“B-P is an exceptional place, and it’s because of students like these,” Principal Brooks said during the during the after-school ceremony Wednesday, March 2.
Each of the teachers who nominated the students presented their student nominee with an iTunes gift card. Brooks said the awards aren’t meant to focus on academics, but rather on character, participation, effort and attitude.
Nominated by Crisan Anadio and Rita Swatt, Jessie Brooks was chosen for the award for her positive demeanor, strong leadership skills and the time sacrifices she has made to the school yearbook. “She has spent much time on the off-school hours to help to make this year’s yearbook a success. Jessie is a team player, has very creative ideas and welcomes feedback from others,” the nominating teachers said.
Makarowsky was nominated by Jeff Jennings, who said Makarowsky’s efforts when she was working at the school’s December blood drive went above and beyond. “Kelly took upon herself the burden of helping those in recovery. She spent the entire day making sure those that gave blood were comfortable after giving,” Jennings said. “Her genuine concern for people was sincere and very well received by all, including workers from the Red Cross.
Ladipo was nominated by teacher Julee Hart. “I have had Joe for a few years, and he has come a long way with his behavior, his focus and his academics,” she said, adding that playing basketball this year has had a positive impact on Lapido. “He really seems to find happiness being part of the team, and I feel it has kept him focused more on his academics.”
Teresa Spucches was nominated by Spanish teacher Erica Johnson, who emphasized Spucches’ continued and rapid improvement in class. “Not only do I appreciate her improvement with her grades, but I appreciate that Teresa comes to class prepared, ready to learn and has continued to keep such a positive and energetic attitude that has definitely begun to influence her classmates,” Johnson said.
English teacher Chereith Vincent nominated Tyler Abrams for the award for his selflessness and kindness toward others. “Tyler enters class every day asking myself and others how they are doing and often shares information that is worthwhile in our classroom discussions,” she said, adding that he volunteers to help her and classmates when needed.
Connor Brooks was nominated by Debbie Miller because of the changes she has seen in Connor since her began as a ninth-grader at BPHS in 2014-15, when she says he had little regard for school. “Since he entered 10th grade, he has brought his grades to Principals List and High Honor Roll. He has become more respectful to himself and others,” she said. “He is now involved in extra-curricular activities and shows kindness toward others.”
In her nomination of Andrew Meashaw, guidance counselor Charla Simonson commended the senior for stepping up to coach a group of first-grade students who had signed up for Odyssey of the Mind and had no coach. “I am so impressed with the amount of time that Andrew gives back to our community and his maturity in working with young students.” Simonson also pointed to Meashaw’s continued work on the school’s nature trail, which he created as his Eagle Scout project.
Cassandra Cirillo nominated senior Mark Reed, noting the changes she has seen in him since his freshman year. “Over the past 3 1/2 years, I have watched Mark grow personally and academically,” she said. Cirillo said she has seen the change in Reed’s motivation and focus on school. “Mark’s dramatic change is illustrated through his rapport with peers and teachers and his grades. The improvements I have seen are tremendous, and I am extremely proud of Mark and all that he has accomplished,” she said.