West Awards Night

Read on for what Jenn Kirk, West Principal and John Newcombe, Assistant Principal said to the recipients of the School Spirit and William Sturgis Awards.

School Spirit Awards

The School Spirit Award is given to two students who, in the opinion of classmates and faculty, contribute to fostering school spirit through their enthusiasm, positive attitude and concern for others both within and beyond the classroom. The Sturgis Parents Association has donated a $500 scholarship to each School Spirit Award recipient.

Seneca Harmon

Seneca's positivity radiates from her. One teacher said, “She lives the famous quote "be the change you wish to see in the world." If there is a need in the senior class, she is the one to jump in with both feet and make it happen, and with kindness towards all.

She has been described as a hard-working and reflective student. She always does her best to support students both within the classroom and beyond with a positive attitude. She has driven the Sturgis West Spirit club full force all year! (Largely the reason for such a big turnout at sporting events!!)

She is sincere, humble, kind, well-rounded, and perfectly balanced. Within the classroom Seneca is known to offer insightful comments, while also being able to listen to other opinions that are being voiced. She has determination and perseveres. In the words of Ms. May “Seneca provides excellent work. She is always on target with her deadlines and her IA is a fascinating topic: examining the correlation between diabetes and the mortality rate from heart disease.”

Seneca is a natural leader, and her sportsmanship is top notch. Always polite, always friendly– she lifts the entire student body up with her everpresent spirit.

Please join me in congratulating Seneca Harmon.

Max Dowden

A lot of comments about smiles - whether his smile or the smile he puts on other people’s faces

Teachers said, He always has a smile on his face and a lot to say,

You can't help but smile when Max is in the room.

From Ms. Rais: It did not take me long to realize what Max's true spirit can accomplish, he can move mountains with his smile.

Max goes out of his way to make others feel safe, happy and secure. He tries to make everyone’s day a little brighter having a positive impact on everyone around him. He is highly involved within the school, his town, and the community at large. Max is a Boy Scout, dances, is part of Sturgis’ Spirt Club, a member of our GSA and MARCH. He is a very active and talented member of STAGE, and he also starred in the Movie Island Queen.

Mr. Houston said, “Max was my go to student to get students hyped up by demonstrating dance moves and how to properly do calisthenics.” Mrs. Botsford said, “Max Dowden is one of the lights of Theatre and STAGE at West. He brings his own unique and confident energy to all of his performances in class or on stage.”

Mr. Hyers recalls having Max as a 9th grader and said, “He has ALWAYS been the class cheerleader whether for a group laugh or for getting the class back on track. He exudes a positive spirit which is contagious to all who around him.”

In closing, a teacher shared the following “He can change your day with a compliment or a kind gesture. His genuine love of life and desire for equality and inclusivity for everyone, spans anything and anyone. He is a fun-loving and energetic student. Our school will not be nearly as loud and joyous without him next year.

Please join me in congratulating Max Dowden.

William Sturgis Awards

The William Sturgis Award is given to two 12th grade students who, in the opinion of classmates and faculty, embody the positive attitude and exemplary conduct represented by the Sturgis Code of Conduct and Rules to Live By.

It is considered the most prestigious Sturgis award. Like the School Spirit Award, the Sturgis Parents Association has generously donated a $500 scholarship to each award winner.

Jackie Sastry

Jackie has been described as having a humble spirit willing to take risks and help others at the same time. She exudes energy and a positive can-do attitude.

Her Biology teacher shared that has a passion for helping others through medicine. With two of her peers she created the Treats for Treatments Club; creating care packages for women going through breast cancer at area hospitals. She created a presentation for the MARCH conference to help others understand the hurdles people of color face in medical care, due to racism embedded in the system. Jackie is also currently inspired by the medical needs of transgender people, and plans on pursuing a career in gender-affirming medical care. Her heart is simply enormous, and she plans on using this giant heart to help as many others receive quality care as she can.

Ms. Houston recalled Jackie as a 9th grade Biology student and said “She stood out because she always had a smile on her face, always willing to help lead a group, always thoughtful and inquisitive.

She has been a core leader in the West Theater program, acting in most productions and becoming president of STAGE in her senior year- spearheading fundraising events, collaborating in performance decisions and continuing the work to foster an inclusive performing arts environment.

And I’ll close with words from Ms. Rais, “Jackie does it all. She puts her whole heart into every activity she does. Jackie is a melody of strength and humility, a beautiful balance of mind and heart. Jackie is a symphony of kindness, understanding and humanity. She has taught us how true drive and passion can make us accomplish anything we want.

Please join me in congratulating Jackie Sastry.

Jeremiah Janvier

Ms. Doherty said, “JJ is one of the most caring and compassionate people you may ever meet. He cares about the well-being of others. Even those who do not always think the same as him. JJ has a manner of connecting with people through empathy. There have been challenging discussions in our classrooms these past couple of years. Many of his teachers have treated JJ with grace, but more importantly, JJ has honored the personal growth of his classmates and teachers. JJ’s outlook on life and positivity has made him well-loved of the Sturgis community. For example, in his Senior basketball game JJ had the opportunity to shoot a penalty shot in the last minute of the game. Not only were the crowds roaring and cheering his name, but as soon as JJ scored that winning shot the crowds rushed to JJ to celebrate the victory. This is just one example of how JJ has positively impacted the Sturgis community.

And some words from Ms. Lyons, “JJ is just the best. He has worked so hard for as long as I can remember, but in particular, he was still working hard while other seniors hit the "senioritis" wall. He is quiet and reserved, but incredibly kind. In particular, Ms. Lyons said, I remember him telling me stories of helping his siblings, even though whatever he was doing to help would end up affecting him negatively (e.g. helping his sister but this resulted in him having to be late to school). He almost always puts others before himself.

JJ has embraced the Sturgis culture and accepted help from all those who were around him. He has become a phenomenal learner, an excellent self advocate, and is well-loved within the student community.

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