Seventh Graders Honored for Academic Achievement

Teachers and students alike were honored at the Board of Education meeting on Monday, May 9.

The accomplishments of Lacey Township Middle School’s Gifted and Talented Program were noted as they recently took the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT), an exam designed for high school juniors and seniors.

“Taking the SAT’s as a junior or senior is arduous to get those scores for college. To do it as a seventh grader, absolutely amazing,” Principal James Handschuch said.

Six students scored above state average on the language arts and reading portion while five students scored above the state average in mathematics. One student scored 620 in math, which is 100 points above the state average and another scored 540 on the verbal, which is 24 points above the state average.

“Seventh graders. Almost every student started school here in kindergarten. Parents, you have a lot to be proud of. Community, you have a lot to be proud of,” Superintendent Richard Starodub said. “I guarantee you, you will hear from those students as we go forward and the future certainly looks bright for our school district.”

The group of seventh grade students is a part of the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth, a program that identifies, assesses, and recognizes academic talent internationally.

The program includes having the students take the SAT to reveal more about their academic talents and where they stand.

The students were selected for the program based on their ASK test scores. They had to place in the ninety-fifth percentile in Language Arts or Mathematics.

The following students were honored for their achievements in the Gifted and Talented Program:

• Aaron Boos
• Shaylann Doherty
• Jessica Earley
• Peter LoBello
• Marissa Mengotto
• Dillon Paprota
• Kelly Reitmeyer
• Jonathan St. Clair
• Ryan Tirella
• Andrew Wehrendt
• Victoria Cortese
• Lindsay Dykoff
• Isabella Gebhart
• Shannon Marschall
• Jack Moss
• Isabella Perry
• Ruby Smyers
• Jacob Szepsy
• Danielle Tsougarkis
• Cara Wilson

Starodub continued to talk about the “ingredients” that help get the students to this point. It starts at home, followed by staff in a school setting, he said.

Teachers Brian Stike, Linda Kirk, Moya DeMartino, Darlene Price, Brenda Camaligan and JoAnne Applegate were selected as .

“All six of our Teachers of the Year are highly dedicated professionals who are well-deserving of this recognition,” said Vanessa Clark, Assistant Superintendent. “Although their individual teaching styles are as varied as their backgrounds and disciplines, they all share the common goal of providing students with a quality education in an environment that is caring, creative, innovative, and efficient.”

Watch the Board of Education’s Reorganization Meeting, honorary ceremony, and the regular meeting on TV Channel 21's website.