Randolph County School System STAR Winners for January, 2015

Randolph County School System
STAR3 Winners for January, 2015
Viletta Embree – Franklinville Elementary – 5th Grade
Viletta is the daughter of Jack and Christy Embree. Viletta is another one of our "Above and Beyond Students",
who demonstrates leadership among her peers. Viletta ran for and achieved the position of Student Council
President this year. As part of her campaign, she was expected to create a persuasive poster and a convincing
speech to be read to the entire 5th grade class, teachers, and even parents. This is a major accomplishment
for Viletta, who in the past has had a really hard time talking in front of others. She has overcome this fear by
challenging herself and realizing that she is capable of doing this. As the Student Council President, she has
independently taken the initiative to come up with ways to help the community. According to her teacher,
Mrs. Snider, Viletta is also a very responsible student who completes all assignments and always meets
classroom expectations. She is helpful to her peers and eagerly helps them when she sees them struggling.
Each day Viletta works very hard and strives to do her best. She is a pleasure to have in class and welldeserving of being named Franklinville’s STAR3 student for January.
Mia Browder – Grays Chapel Elementary – 3rd Grade
Mia is the daughter of Cameron and Robyn Browder. Grays Chapel is proud to recognize Mia Browder as our
STAR3 student for January. She is in Mrs. Kay's class, a straight A student and an outstanding citizen. Mia
loves school and learning. She often extends her own assignments and even makes up her own extra
homework assignments. Mia is outgoing and very kind to everyone. According to Mrs. Kay, Mia is just a
delightful girl to be around. All of these characteristics are why Grays Chapel Elementary has chosen Mia
Browder as our STAR3 student for January.
Gavin Hardister – Level Cross Elementary – 3rd Grade
Gavin, the son of Cindy and James Hardister and a student in Mrs. Tucker’s class, is a determined and hardworking student. He has adjusted quickly to his new school and can always be found encouraging his
classmates. Mrs. Tucker describes Gavin as respectful, responsible, friendly, compassionate, and patient. He
does not give up when facing a difficult task. Gavin is a great example of one who works hard to overcome
obstacles. Level Cross Elementary is pleased to recognize Gavin Hardister as our STAR3 student for January.
Andre Raya Cruz – Liberty Elementary – 2nd Grade
Andre is the son of Guillermo Raya Sanchez and Araceli Cruz Vazquez of Liberty. Andre, a second grader in
Mrs. Heilig's class, was chosen Liberty’s STAR3 student because of his academic excellence and willingness to
help others. Andre is a very intelligent young man who is eager to help his classmates. He makes friends easily
and readily includes others at recess and in the classroom. Andre always has a positive attitude, is quick to
give words of encouragement, and is willing to help with classroom duties. He enjoys spending time with his
family and playing soccer, both at school and with the local recreation league. Congratulations to Andre Raya
Cruz, Liberty Elementary School’s STAR3 student for January.
Geraldine Medina Casarrubias – Northeastern Randolph Middle – 7th Grade
Geraldine, a seventh grader on the team of Mrs. Grettler, Ms. McNeil, Mr. Miley, and Mrs. Ritch, exemplifies
what it means to be a respectful student, as she is always polite and conscious of the impact she makes on
others. Beyond being polite, she is responsible in and out of the classroom. Not only does she maintain an A/B
average, she also helps out with taking care of her younger siblings. Doing the right thing is an innate part of
Geraldine’s nature, including admitting when she has made a less than wise decision, but more importantly
she actively seeks out ways to develop into the best person she possibly can be. Another quality that makes
Geraldine an ideal example of a Husky student is her ability to adapt and remain resistant despite the
obstacles life bestows on her. Even through the hardest of times she has been able to overcome terrible
obstacles with the grace and maturity of someone beyond her years. We are very proud to call her one of our
own, and to reward her with being our STAR3 student for January.
Caitlin Sheppard – Providence Grove High – 12th Grade
Caitlin is the daughter of Bruce Sheppard and the late Cecilia Sheppard of Pleasant Garden. Currently, she is a
senior and will be graduating with honors in the spring. She plans to attend a 4 year college and major in a
medical field. While in high school, she has been a leader in the PGHS band. Caitlin has a 4.5 grade point
average and is ranked in the top 10% of her graduating class. Caitlin is mature and engaged in many facets of
our school. She will do anything necessary or asked of her to assist at school. She is a valuable help and is
passionate about serving others and leading by example, especially in the marching band. She can be called on
for about anything and she will get it done. She has wonderful innovative ideas and the desire to carry them
out. She provides the positive influence in and around the school. She will help in any way she sees the
opportunity and the need. Caitlin has much to offer and is an outstanding candidate for scholarship dollars.
Though gifted in the academic area, she has developed a quiet humility. She has a strong confidence from
within, because of who she is and who she basically has become. It is a pleasure for Providence Grove High to
announce that Caitlin Sheppard is our STAR3 student for January.
Taha Chaudhry – Ramseur Elementary – 5th Grade
Taha is the son of Asif and Aisha Chaudhry, and the younger brother of Mutahir Chaudhry. In 2012, Taha
Chaudhry moved to the United States from his native country of Pakistan. He came to Ramseur in 2013 and
quickly acclimated to his new home. Taha is involved in the ESL program at Ramseur, and he has made great
gains since coming to Ramseur. He works very hard in the classroom and never lets language deter him from
expressing his thoughts. We are very proud to say that he has made tremendous growth in reading this year.
His favorite subjects are math and science and he excels in both. It is his goal to go to college to be an
engineer. One of Taha's best features is his friendly personality. He will help anyone without a second thought,
and he is friends with everyone. Taha loves to play basketball and soccer at school and likes to play the Xbox
with his brother at home. Taha also likes to share his culture. He has been known to teach his classmates a few
words in Urdu and has given himself the nickname "Pak-man". He can also put a smile on anyone’s face.
Ramseur Elementary is very proud and pleased to recognize Taha Chaudhry as our STAR3 student for the
month of January.
Jocelyn Ray – Randleman Elementary – 3rd Grade
Jocelyn is the daughter of Robert Ray and Miranda Grace. Jocelyn is a wonderful example of what Tiger Pride
means. She consistently adheres to the PAWS creed, which consists of being prepared to learn. She is always
respectful of her teachers and classmates. She is not only willing to learn, but eager to learn and do her very
best. She is watchful, keeping herself safe and taking care of others. She has been on A-B honor roll which is a
testament to her hard work and focus on presenting her personal best. With her sweet attitude, happy nature
and determination to be the best she can be, it is an honor to recognize Jocelyn Ray as the STAR3 student
representing Randleman Elementary for January!
Jacob Baker – Randleman High – 10th Grade
Jacob is the son of Scott and Kimberly Baker. Jacob is truly a remarkable student who has not only displayed
the characteristics of an outstanding student academically, but he also has demonstrated his ability to be a
leader inside and outside the classroom. Jacob exemplifies leadership by collaborating with his peers and
working hard to not only ensure his success, but to lift up his classmates. In addition to his academic
commitment, Jacob is a dedicated member of the junior varsity football team. He truly is a team player in the
classroom and on the field. Jacob displays a positive attitude by constantly encouraging his classmates,
teammates, friends, and even teachers. He strives to improve his learning and to aid others in their pursuit of
knowledge by providing support when he sees others struggling to understand a concept or complete an
assignment. When he views a classmate who is having difficulties, he steps up and offers aid, demonstrating
that he has maturity and leadership qualities unusual in someone so young. Jacob is a young man who is
aware that his actions have an impact on others and works to be a role model for his peers, especially for any
students who contend with exceptionalities in his classes. His teachers have remarked that they have enjoyed
watching him grow as a role model and leader as they have witnessed how other students respond so
positively to Jacob’s example. Jacob is always respectful to his teachers and peers. An example of his positive
impact shared by one of Jacob’s teachers is the compassion he demonstrated for another student who was
having a rough day. He not only comforted the student whose glasses had been broken, but he provided
support by taking notes for his classmate. This example is just one of the numerous ways that Jacob goes out
of his way to help others and to demonstrate kindness. He is an inspiring student who goes above and beyond
just because he is a good person, not because he desires attention or recognition. He makes good,
responsible, mature choices because he is a young man of integrity and values. He has earned the STAR3
accolade through the leadership he displays daily and by being a role model for his classmates, friends,
teammates, and teachers. Randleman High School is proud to call Jacob Baker our STAR3 student for January.
Damean Swaney – Randleman Middle – 7th Grade
Damean is the son of Brandy Swaney. Damean is being recognized for his remarkable turn-around since 6th
grade, which can be attributed to his positive attitude, hard work in all classes, and his willingness to help
others without being asked. Damean always completes his work and often does extra assignments. He is an
active participant in class and is a positive role model for his classmates. Damean has taken an active role in
the Student Government Association and gets his class involved in school projects. As a football player at RMS,
he represents his team well both on and off the field. When Damean was asked about his turn-around for this year, he
says football has been a motivator for him and he makes an effort to surround himself with positive people. We are
proud of Damean’s accomplishments and look forward to seeing more great things from him. Randleman Middle School
is proud to recognize Damean Swaney as its STAR3 student for January.