Northern Middle School
Recognition of Excellence

Responsibility

Responsibility

Staff Nomination - Lecia Ross

I would like to nominate Tayler Dick for the character word of Responsibility.  She is a great asset here at Northern Middle School for many reasons.  She takes it upon herself to complete duties without being asked, such as turning on all the library computers each morning.  Also, as a member of the NMS News Crew, she ensures that the news is ready to go each morning.  Tayler has an awareness of other people’s needs and will not hesitate to assist with anything.  Tayler is a fine role model for other students in that she takes the responsibility of school and sports very seriously.  She has maintained all A’s while playing golf and soccer.  She is outgoing and friendly with students and adults in our school and community.  She has a great sense of humor and always helps others find the “Silver Lining”, even when they are having a bad moment.  Tayler takes the responsibility to make her own life successful.  Exhibiting responsibility comes naturally for Ms. Tayler Dick.   

Northern Middle School would like to nominate Lecia Ross for the character word of responsibility.  Mrs. Ross has just started her second year as Attendance Clerk for our school.  This huge responsibility entails keeping accurate attendance records for 760 students and 100 staff members, collecting and submitting time sheets for all classified staff, overseeing our One Call Now system, ensuring that staff members have keys to classrooms, etc., and maintaining records for the Truancy Diversion Program.  Each responsibility is not only done with 100% accuracy, it is done with a soft spoken voice and a genuine smile.  Mrs. Ross is always calm, level headed, and committed to doing what is best for students.  Combining traits of responsibility with a positive attitude is always a win, win situation and that is exactly what you see in Mrs. Ross 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

The Eagle Team would like to nominate Jonathon Murphy for the character trait courage. 

Jonathon had to show tremendous courage when he began his 8^th grade year here at Northern.   At first he was very unsure of himself, but as time has gone by, he has become more independent, self-confident and outgoing. 

As an adult, it would be hard for anyone to be taken out of their comfort zone, given more challenges, and to be surrounded by strangers and the unknown.  Jonathon has met this challenge with his head held high and with extreme courage.  He is determined to see it through.  We are all proud of the accomplishments made and the steps he has taken to succeed in his education.

     Courage is defined as the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger or pain without fear. The Eagle team feels that Mrs. Clayton is an excellent example of this virtue.

     During the past several years Mrs. Clayton has endured several serious illnesses within her family. A few years ago her husband who is a preacher was diagnosed with a tumor behind his eye. The uncertainty of how much damage the tumor had caused to the brain would not be immediate. The months to follow would be hard; countless trips to doctors, hours of waiting and the fear of not knowing had emotional toll on not only the patient,but their family. The Clayton family, with the help of God, made it through this rough time. Although the condition has left him partially blind he’s back to preaching God’s word.

     Last year Mrs. Clayton was challenged with another health issue, this time it would be her that was diagnosed with cancer. Not wanting to leave school, she waited until spring break to have her surgery and returned four weeks later.  She faced her cancer with all the courage of David, and at times even made jokes about it.

     This year Mrs. Clayton was once again confronted with the “Big C.” Nanna, her husband’s aunt who lives in Arkansas, was diagnosed with lymphoma. She is receiving her treatments here so that her family can care for her. She is currently in remission.

     The mere mention of the word cancer is frightening but having to endure it gives it a whole new meaning. Mrs. Clayton has been an encouragement to those of us who have been slapped in the face with its ugly existence. She won’t take credit for all her strength though. She knows that with everything that has happened to her and her family, God has been her comfort, guidance and strength.

We would like to nominate Rita Lukat for the character award of respect because  of her great respect for her profession and position  at Northern as speech pathologist.  Dedication and respect have brought numerous success stories.  Rita has heard children say their very first words.  She truly believes that speech pathology can open closed doors for students, bringing skills and confidence otherwise never achieved.
Rita Lukat places respect for each and every student at the top of her list.  She takes to heart the needs of each child, no matter how challenging each student’s needs are, to serve them providing the best plan possible.  She spends long hours in preparation, she shares with faculty necessary steps and considerations with students, and she stays current and updated in all available treatment and services.
Because of Rita’s respect for her profession and for each student she serves, the educational process here at Northern is greatly served.  

Kaitlynn Wolsey is a student who respects her teachers, her peers, and our school rules.  She always does as requested, never second guessing a teacher.  Even when she is not being closely watched, she continues to follow procedures and sets the example for others to do the same.  Kaitlynn has a great appreciation for her educational opportunity, being very involved with her schoolwork and extra-curricular activities.  She has been the top fund raiser for Cherrydale and also, for Choral fundraisers.  Kaitlynn is a contributor to the education of others.  She works hard at everything she does.  Because of her respect of her school, Kaitlyn has earned the respect of her peers and teachers.

Compassion

Compassion

Staff Nomination

Student Nomination

Optimism

Optimism

Staff Nomination

Student Nomination

Staff Nomination

Student Nomination