November

Wade Abbott

Art

Wade is a student who has a positive attitude and is enjoyable to have in class. When approaching assignments, Wade always goes above and beyond. He gives his full attention to what’s right in front of him, therefore he turns his work in on time, every time. The artwork Wade creates is well crafted and interesting because of the time and effort he puts into being a student of Art.

- Ms. Vaughn

Keegan Makowski

English

I have Keegan for the second year in a row for English, and although fully virtual this quarter, he is thriving. His written responses are solid and analytical. He has perfect attendance for class, and I’m impressed with his growth in writing from tenth to eleventh grade.

- Ms. Halliday

Nathen Battaglia

FACS/Business

I would like to nominate Nathen Battaglia for the Academic Student of the Month in Business, due to his continuous positive attitude and effort towards any task that is assigned to him in both Career and Financial Management I and Career Portfolio - CFM II. Although Nathen is a fully virtual learner, he is extremely engaged throughout the entire class and is always willing to put in the extra time to make sure his assignments are completed with one hundred percent effort. When assigned a task, Nathen is attentive to the instructions and works diligently to complete quality assignments that reflect his knowledge. Responsible and hardworking are words that describe why Nathen is a great role model for other students both in and outside of the classroom and why he should be honored as student of the month.

- Ms. Blanchard

Amya Tillman

Mathematics

Amya has aced everything in Regents Geometry with Lab so she currently has a 100 average. As a completely remote learner, she has perfect attendance! She regularly volunteers in class discussions and uses the chat feature on Google Meets to help her classmates by explaining things to them. Amya is a perfect example of what it takes to be successful as a completely remote learner!!!

- Ms. Eberz & Mr. Sickles

Zy'Aijha Epperson

Music

Zy’Aijha Epperson is an active member of many areas in the Mohonasen music department! She is currently involved in the high school choir, band, select choir, field band, saxophone quartet and music production class! In past years, she has student directed Mohon Masque productions as well. She is always the first to volunteer to help out in class and/or assist in setting up, picking up, or organizing before or after rehearsals. Her positive and helpful attitude and high level of musicianship make our music department “Mohon Proud”!

- Ms. Kondenar

Andrew Rice

Science

Andrew has excelled in Chemistry so far and he has been a model student, both in-person and while online. He always asks terrific questions that require a high degree of critical thinking and demonstrates a genuine curiosity and interest for science. This continues while Andrew is a virtual learner, as his engagement, and his ability and willingness to think on a molecular scale, sets a wonderful example for his classmates. I feel like his eagerness to fully apply himself to interacting with and understanding Chemistry is something that should be recognized, which is why I believe this nomination is fitting.

- Mr. Niedbalec

Laura Colamarino

Social Studies

Since our first class, Laura has demonstrated an outstanding work ethic and an ability to accept the challenges of learning virtually head on! She is always willing to share her work with the class and ask questions when something is unclear. Through her attitude and behavior, Laura has become a leader in the classroom and will undoubtedly continue to thrive and excel in her studies of United States History. I am confident that she will meet head on, and do her best to overcome, any obstacle put in her way!

- Mr. Martin

Lucas Braccini

Technology

Lucas has shown a high level of interest in engineering and technology since last year when he started taking technology classes in ninth grade. This year, Lucas enrolled in two classes, Robotics and Aerospace Engineering. Lucas is very focused on learning as much as possible about career opportunities in the field of engineering. He initiated contact with Dr. Michael Blinn, a mechanical engineer during his visit to Mohonasen to speak to students last year. This year, Lucas inquired about the engineering program at SUNY Maritime College. He initiated contact with a Mohonasen alumni who is graduating from the school this year. Lucas was able to gain valuable insights about the engineering program through this interview.

Lucas recently found a part from a machine he has at home and is working on reverse engineering the part so he can improve the design and make the part using the tools available in the CAT building. You can see Lucas is very skilled at creating opportunities for him to learn and gain new skills.

Lucas consistently does very high-quality work, he’s very friendly and willing to participate in all activities and help other students who need assistance.

- Mr. Reluzco

Matthew Small

Work-Based Learning

Matthew comes to school each day with a smile, positive attitude, and contagious energy, that makes all of us who are lucky enough to work with him so incredibly happy. He is flexible with the changing classroom expectations of the day, completes extra work around the classroom without being asked, and is one of the kindest students. He is a friend to all, enjoys walking around the halls waving and saying hello to all the faculty/staff and students that he knows, completes all of his work on time, and has scored top grades on weekly spelling tests. On top of achieving academic success, Matthew spends part of his day working with Mr. Macbeth in the Work Based Learning program. In this program, he is responsible for carrying out the responsibilities for the school wide recycling program. This program ensures all the recycled goods in the school are being collected weekly to help keep our school environment clean and eco-friendly. We so appreciate all that Matthew brings to our classroom and Mohonasen school community.

- Ms. Restifo & Mr. Macbeth

Mackenzie DiSorbo

World Languages

Mackenzie is an awesome student who is able to adapt to any situation. She has taken on the challenge of learning online and has not let the changes get in the way of her excellent grades. She is responsible, reliable and helpful. If anyone asks Mackenzie for help, she is always willing to lend a hand. She is a highly intelligent student, and is able to apply her knowledge in her daily life. She is a committed student and her grades have always been commendable. In addition, Mackenzie is thoughtful and kind toward others, and is very much liked by her peers and her teachers alike.

- Ms. Saullo