Brownstown Central Community School Corp. students, from left, seventh-grader Charlie Blair, kindergartner Joy Martinez and junior Landon Whitson were recognized as Students of the Month on Tuesday during a school board meeting.
Aubrey Woods | The Tribune
BROWNSTOWN — The Brownstown Central Community School Corp. board of school trustees recognized the Braves of the Month during a meeting Tuesday night at the high school.
They were kindergartner Joy Martinez, seventh-grader Charlie Blair and junior Landon Whitson.
Brownstown Elementary School Principal Marty Young discussed Martinez’s nomination as Little Brave of the Month by music teacher Lori Tabor and her kindergarten teacher, Rachel Johnson.
“Joy has a level of ability in music and believes it is very important for her family to know about her special gift,” Tabor wrote in her nomination letter. “During rhythmic activities, Joy is always on beat and never needs assistance to know how to find the beat. During the last few weeks, Joy has been playing along on pitched percussion with perfection. Joy should be given every opportunity to continue to explore her gift in music and watch her grow.”
Johnson wrote that Joy is a true delight to have in class.
“She has been academically excelling and transitioning so well,” she wrote. “Joy has shown us she is such a bright girl with a lot of character behind that smile. We enjoy her dancing and many facial expressions. Her personality has captured all of our hearts, including her classmates.
“We know when Joy has arrived each morning because the other students will announce, ‘Joy is here.’ They show such excitement when she walks in and begins her morning socializing,” Tabor said. “I am very proud of her efforts and the progress she has made being a part of our inclusion program. It has been an honor and an absolute pleasure to share this year with her.”
Young said the staff is looking forward to seeing Martinez grow.
“She has changed so much,” he said. “She is doing amazing, and her family is great support for her.”
Brownstown Central Middle School Principal Doug McClure said Blair was selected as Student of the Month by the seventh grade teachers.
“Throughout the year, we have appreciated Charlie’s dedication to being the best he can be,” the teachers wrote in his nomination letter. “He works beyond the minimum requirements and always completes his assignments on time. Charlie is an attentive listener and contributes to the cooperative atmosphere in class. Considerate and aware of other people around him, he treats his peers with kindness, respect and patience.”
Outside of the classroom, Blair enjoys playing tennis.
“Charlie was very helpful in working with the younger players on the team,” the teachers said. “He helped teach them and played consolation matches against the players who were still learning the game.”
When tasked with a challenging problem, the teachers said Blair shows the ability to slow down and think about what he already knows in order to work through unfamiliar situations.
“He is resourceful, respectful and responsible — a reliable, independently minded individual who is certainly a positive addition to any class or group,” the teachers said.
Brownstown Central High School Principal Joe Sheffer said Whitson, who played Shrek in the choir department’s production of “Shrek: The Musical,” was nominated by music teacher Stephanie Brock.
“Landon has shown exceptional leadership skills in choir class and especially in this year’s production of the musical,” Brock wrote in her nomination letter. “He came to his first rehearsal with the entire script memorized, which set the bar pretty high for the rest of the class.”
Sheffer said Brock has been impressed with Whitson’s talent level combined with his humble attitude as well as his willingness to be a leader and set a positive example.
Sheffer also said Whitson did an outstanding job in the role of Shrek and the musical was great.