At the Board of Education meeting on November 24, Verona High School Principal Joshua Cogdill recognized five VHS students as the Student of the Month for October.
Rebecca Marcillo-Gomez (far right) was nominated as the freshman student by math teacher Kenneth Treitler, for her grasp of Algebra 1 as well as for the help she provides to other students and the mature attitude she displays. Marcillo-Gomez is taking Honors English, Honors Modern World History and Honors Biology (Lab).
Mitch Kiwior  (center) was nominated as the sophomore student by both math teacher Danielle Mutovic and chemistry teacher Nathan Scott. Cogdill said that, according to Mutovic, Kiwior has a 102.5% average in Algebra 2 Honors and that, in the past seven years, only one other student has come close to achieving an A+. Scott called Kiwior a “paragon of excellence” in honors chemistry , where he had a 99% average for the first marking period. Kiwior is enrolled in Honors English II, AP Biology (Lab), Honors Chemistry (Lab) and Honors Algebra II, with A grades in all subjects.
Kaitlyn Deo (second from right) was nominated as the junior student by chemistry teacher Dr. Janan Wehbeh, who noted that while Deo started the year not doing well on an AP Chemistry test, she began coming for extra help and got the high score on the select response portion of her second test and 100 on the open response. When averaged, her grade was the highest in the class. Deo, who participates in several sports, takes Honors English III, AP Chemistry (Lab), Honors Physics (Lab), Honors Pre-Calculus/Trig and Fundamentals of Computer Science.
VHS teachers nominated two seniors as students of the month for October. Eileen Scandiffio (far left) was picked by math teacher Jennifer Errico for her hard work and determination, who noted that Scandiffio’s GPA has grown every year and she is currently on track to be around 4.0. Ericco said, in her note to Cogdill, that Scandiffio “is an incredible role model to any student in this school.” Scandiffio is enrolled in Intro to Financial Accounting Honors, College Algebra/Trigonometry and Physics College Prep (Lab).
Rayna Newkirk (second from left) was selected by English teach Fran Young, who singled her out as a leader in the classroom, saying “I can always count on Rayna to stimulate the discussion with her interesting comments. ” Newkirk is also heavily involved in VHS theater, having tried out for every production since her freshman year and being cast in every show. “What I love about Rayna,” Young added, “is that she doesn’t care what size part she gets. She always does her best, no matter what.” Newark’s classes include AP English Lit. & Comp, AP Environmental Science and Honors Physics (Lab), and had all A grades on her report card for marking period 1.
“All the students”, said Cogdill, “should be proud because we know we are proud to have them represent VHS.”
