BRUNSWICK, Ohio -- Friends, families and neighbors gathered at Danbury for a celebration of students who have proved to be among the best citizens of their schools.
Each year, the Optimist Club of Brunswick asks Brunswick school administrators to nominate one boy and one girl from each building who have shown optimistic, caring attitudes.
"They don't have to be straight-A students," explained Norma Lesnak, coordinator of the annual event. "They have to be good kids -- helpful, hard working and able to work well with other students and teachers."
Dean Holman, incoming president of the Optimist Club, introduced one boy and one girl from each school, reading glowing reports of why they were nominated.
From Applewood: Grace Mullen and Nicholas Lloyd were chosen by the fifth-grade team for their leadership skills. Grace is a member of the safety patrol, art club and APPLE leadership group and, as a member, recently spoke at the Brunswick Board of Education meeting about the group. "She is a great friend and helper with her peers," the nominees said.
Nicholas is also a member of Safety Patrol and Sidekicks. He's a third-grade mentor and gives up multiple mornings a week to help tutor a struggling third-grader. "He works very hard and earns amazing graces," they said.
From Crestview: Graisyn Brush and Jacob Marzich received awards. "Graisyn exhibits all aspect of the Brunswick/Crestview PRIDE code in her school work and extracurricular activities and family commitments," nominees said.
Jacob uses his talents to raise awareness and money for charities. Jacob rings the bell during the holiday season for the Salvation Army and led a school-wide fundraiser to raise money for the Brunswick Hills Police Department. He planned and implemented all the details, which included interviews with the K9 unit, counting money and creating spirit days to rally the students' interest.
From Hickory Ridge: Chloe Ousley and Miguel Matos earned honors for having positive attitudes and always having smiles on their faces. "Chloe has been rocking fifth-grade participating every day and always helping friends in need," the nomination said.
Miguel, teachers said, "Is always ready to complete whatever tasks are given to him. He takes on extra work/duties to be a leader and a positive influence on others."
At Huntington: William Jones and Alexis Loughren-Zak were honored. "William excels academically and his effort," they said. He is a member of Project Support and collects school recyclables every Friday.
Both were named for their work making valentines for seniors in local nursing homes and for veterans, as well as for collecting and counting hundreds of dollars worth of coins during recess time for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Alexis "is self-motivated to produce high-quality work and always delivers her best. She helped with a variety of activities, including food donations for the Brunswick Food Pantry, giving up three recesses each week to mentor a kindergarten student in reading, and belongs to the Huntington Video Club."
From Kidder: Chloe Parr and Josh Sauer earned honors. Chloe is a member of safety patrol, the Kidder PBIS Student Council, is a building leader and represents Kidder and Brunswick PRIDE, the nomination said. She also is a member of dance team.
Josh always brightens other students' days, his teacher said. He is an excellent role model for younger students and is a hard worker in class. "His never-give-up attitude will help him immensely in middle and high school. He is always eager to help out a classmate if they are having a tough day, sad, sick or hurt."
Comments for both included that their "future is so bright that they need sunglasses."
Students from Memorial were joined by their teacher, Kelly Roberts, who nominated Sophia Hovan and Eryk Twarowski for their hard work and dedication. "Sophia is always prepared for class and goes above and beyond with her assignments," she wrote. Sophia also enjoys dance and art.
"Eryk asks questions and does not give up if a task or concept appears too difficult. His ability to shine as a role model for other students makes Eryk a winner," she said. Eryk's activities include playing soccer.
From Towslee: Madline Kolman and Aiden Mechling were selected to be honored. Both received nominations because of their great attitudes and for fulfilling the definition of being true optimists.
Maddie comes to school every day with a great attitude, ready to give her best no matter what the challenges, and excels at the highest level. "She never looks back, except when another student needs her help, and then she gives the same energy to helping them," the nomination said.
Aiden comes to school each day prepared and ready to work. "He is also a very good athlete who loves to compete but is the ultimate team player."
From Edwards: Kymberli Cleal and Lucas Shedlock were honored. Kym has been a peer mentor in the school leadership program for two years, leading sixth-graders with presentations on how to survive middle school and helping new students integrate into the building. She is active with drama club, band, choir, softball and Girl Scouts.
Lucas is an active member of Edwards' Academic Challenge team, which competed at the state level this year. He has been on the Math Counts Team all three years. He is "an amazing pianist," his principal said. "He performed in both the Edwards and district middle school talent shows, entertaining with his musical ability and humor." Lucas does private tutoring and works on videos after school.
At Visintainer: Isabella Bryson and Matthew Puleo were presented awards. "What separates Isabella is her service for others and her willingness to step up. Staff have observed her sticking up for other students; she has tutored others and is a leader in demonstrating school spirit, as she was one of the leaders at our school spirit assembly," her nominators said.
Matthew was said to be kind to all. "Several staff members mentioned that he says good morning every day to all of the adults in the building. He perseveres in the face of adversity. He is an active participant in everything we do at school." He also is a member of band.
At Willetts: Abby Ereg and Jackson Sandvick received awards, both for their hard work in the classroom. In addition to her studies, Abby is a Girl Scout, volunteers with her church youth group and plays the violin.
Jackson takes two high school-level classes while an eighth-grader, loves to read and is "a very kind person to other students and staff. Jackson is a flexible student and ready to adjust when needed."
At Brunswick High school: sophomores Gabby Foust and Kevin Gabriel earned their principal's nominations for leading the St. Baldrick's Day event to bring attention to the cause of defeating childhood cancer. They each spent many hours of their time to organize the event and "singlehandedly were the driving forces behind our fundraising efforts. This is not an easy event to put on, and their service and sacrifice need to be recognized."
In addition, Gabby spends her free time helping with the American Cancer Society and donating time to the Boy Scouts. Kevin is involved in cross country and track and is a member of the student council.