On January 28, 2016 the Lynn Rotary Club applauded 7 students from the City’s public and private middle schools.  This 8^th Grade Award program gives recognition to students in middle school who have overcome obstacles in their lives but who are considered model students and worthy of  recognition.  At the luncheon award program, in front of parents, teachers, and friends, each student received a certificate of recognition, a gift card, and a cash award toward a savings program.  A recommendation from the school is also read aloud for everyone to hear regarding their student.  The students who received the 8^th Grade Award for January were: Stephanie Perez, Chloe Kebreau, Madison Desmond, Dariena Noyola, Susan Medina, Anndy Aymar Carpio Martinez, and Edward Perez Ortiz.  What follows are some great quotes by their teachers applauding their students.

1. “This quiet and friendly girl is what we see, but underneath there is a strong and determined young woman. She is well on her way to becoming an outstanding and successful young lady who will be missed dearly next year as she heads off to high school.”

2. “What makes him stand out from his classmates is the fact that he has Type 1 diabetes. He was diagnosed with this chronic condition six months ago, in July of 2015. This is an insulin-dependent diabetes that he will have to live with for the rest of his life. In spite of this chronic condition, he is very responsible.”

3. “In addition to athletics and academics, she is an avid volunteer in the Lynn community. She volunteers for the local Civic Association, and has spent countless hours helping out at school, where students volunteer to help those less fortunate in our community. This year, she has taken on a new role as a student assistant in our Life Skills special education classroom, where she assists intellectually impaired students in day-to-day activities. She takes the lead in this endeavor, and the students and teachers in the classroom absolutely love having her around.”

4. “She came to our school in the seventh grade from another city. She was looking for a change and hoping for a fresh start. Since the day she arrived she has been a pure delight. She has a smile that is contagious and is a joy to be around. She is one of the most conscientious students that I have ever had. School work does not always come easy, but her goal every day is to do the best she can in every subject”

5. “Heart issues have forced her to miss school, sometimes for long periods. Yet, her grades remain high because she always gets her work done and makes sure it is caught up as soon as possible. Furthermore, it is always done well, neat. carefully answered, and up to her very exacting standards. Test grades are high across the curriculum through sheer grit, self discipline. and an immense work ethic”

6. “He started the school year struggling because of organization and attention difficulties. He has since worked very hard to overcome these weaknesses and has become a model student in his class. He puts his best foot forward every day!”

7. “She came to the United States in 4^th grade and started in our school in the 5^th. When she first came to school, she struggled to speak English fluently thus resulting in many academic challenges. While for some students, those challenges would present, and rightfully so, too overwhelming and may result in giving up, She, for a lack of better words, truly stepped up to the plate. She showed an amazing level of maturity and character and at school, we use the word GRIT to describe students who are willing to persevere through even the most difficult times”.  “When I think of the word GRIT, I think of her!”