Verona High School recognized the February students of the month at the March 29 Board of Education meeting. VHS Principal Joshua Cogdill began the student of the month award with the 2015-2016 school year. Students are selected from nominations made by VHS teachers.
The February students were Kathleen Ashley, grade nine; Hope Sweeney, grade 10; Olivia Lucanie, grade 11; and Patrick Citrano, grade 12.
Kathleen Ashley, was recognized as a strong student who has demonstrated a commitment to learning, and a student who has perfect attendance this school year. Patrick Bresnan, the history teacher who nominated her, said, “Kate is a bright and extremely respectful student. She brings insightful commentary to all lessons as well as a general motivation to learn.” Mr. Cogdill said that Ashley is excelling in her classes.
Mr. Cogdill noted that Hope Sweeney has arrived promptly for each school day and has earned a B or higher in all of her classes. Jennifer Errico, the math teacher who nominated her said, “Hope shows a great deal of effort during instruction, she always participates with enthusiasm, she respects her peers, teachers, and all staff. She always looks to help others, and Hope works well during independent assignments as well as during collaborative ones.”
Olivia Lucanie has earned a B+ or higher in all of her classes, including Honors Physics, Honors Pre-Calculus, AP English, and AP Environmental Science. Dr. Marie Meyer of the VHS English department said, “In addition to being an excellent student, Olivia has done a great deal of work for the community. She has volunteered her time with a women’s shelter, and is organizing a drive to benefit the women of the shelter. She was chosen to attend and speak at the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations through our GLI (Girls Learn International) chapter. She is a model for others to emulate.”
Patrick Citrano was hailed for excelling in his six AP classes this year, including AP Physics, AP English, AP US Government and Politics, AP Environmental Science, AP Chinese Language and Culture, and AP Calculus. He was nominated by Mandarin teacher Betty Hou, who said, “Patrick is hardworking, motivated, friendly, willing to help others, and his presence and participation always makes my classroom a cheerful and less stressful learning environment.” Citrano will be attending the University of Southern California in the fall.
