December 12, 2022
The Aledo ISD Board of Trustees recognized students for the character trait gratitude at their regular board meeting on Monday night. The district is celebrating these students as Bearcats of Character, a part of the Positivity Project - or P2 - district character recognition program.
P2 says that gratitude is the feeling and expression of thankfulness and appreciation. It is an affirmation that there is goodness in other people and in the world. Dr. Robert Emmons, a Psychologist and leading expert in the research on gratitude describes it as a, “relationship-strengthening emotion because it requires us to see how we’ve been affirmed and supported by other people.”
Congratulations to the following students:
Aledo High School: Susannah Rodgers, 12th grade
Susannah is so grateful for all of the opportunities that she has had at Aledo High school. As a new student last year, she jumped into various groups and organizations and is thriving. Each time she comes into the counseling office she expresses nothing but gratitude for any help she receives. The staff at AHS is grateful she is a Bearcat!
Aledo Learning Center: Brooklyn Turbeville, 12th grade
Brooklynn is an excellent example of a student who shows gratitude on a daily basis for the opportunities and help she's given. She is kind and thoughtful to everyone, even when she might not be having the best day. She looks for the good in all people and in all situations. Brooklynn is also someone who will accept help, both in and out of the classroom. She always makes it a point to voice her thankfulness and appreciation for any help that she receives.
Daniel Ninth Grade: Lauren Tinsley, 9th grade
Lauren is someone who can always be counted on for a smile and a welcoming expression whether a wave or a hello, or her smile. She is always willing to help a fellow peer with whatever they need. Whenever her peers thank her for helping, Lauren always responds with a smile and “happy to help.” When it is her turn to need assistance and receive the help, Lauren does not let the person who helped her go without a multitude of praise and gratitude for helping her when she was in need. Lauren is a prime example of what it means to be a Bearcat and what it means to give without cause and be overly grateful when she receives it.
Aledo Middle School: Tam Nguyen, 7th grade
Each day Tam comes to school to learn and shows her gratitude by being polite to teachers. She follows classroom rules and is respectful of her peers and teachers. When in class, she waits her turn, she shares her insight on topics in Social Studies, Science and all her classes. Tam has earned the respect of her teachers and peers alike. Each day as she leaves campus, she hustles to get her belongings to meet her mom at parent pick up. I am blessed to work parent pickup and get to say good bye to Tam daily. It amazes me the respect Tam shows by making eye contact and giving me subtle nod of her head each day she leaves. I take this as a deep heart felt appreciation for the education, attention and safety we provide each day. Her gesture of gratitude is noted and rekindles the desire to be better each day for all our students.
McAnally Middle School: Claire Taylor, 6th grade
McAnally is proud to select Claire as our character champion for gratitude! Claire's teacher, Mrs. Allsion, shared that she is humble and kind, and expresses genuine gratitude to others for the little things that really count. She notices and expresses her appreciation for the things that her parents, teachers, and classmates do to make her day better. Claire brings a smile to the faces of those around her by her caring and gracious personality. Congratulations Claire, we are proud of you!
Annetta Elementary School: Aiden Saenz, 5th grade
Aiden's classroom teacher says, "Aiden shows gratitude each and every day. He never misses an opportunity to say "thank you," even just for every day things like holding the door. Aiden names and notices the good in others throughout the school day which adds so much positivity to our class. We are so grateful to have him in our classroom and school!"
Coder Elementary School: Bradley Burke, 5th grade
Bradley is so considerate. He’s always the first to say thank you, hello, and good morning. He does everything with a smile on his face and with a positive attitude. Being around Bradley makes other students more positive, more gracious, and more thoughtful. He is a prime example that thankful people are the happiest people. Also, Bradley is such an example of what it is to be thankful. He always says thank you and is always the first student willing to help his classmates. His attitude is contagious. Every time I see him, he has a smile on his face! I am blessed to have him in my class. Finally, Bradley always notices when I go above and beyond to do something special for his class.
McCall Elementary School: Norah Trask, 1st grade
Her teacher, Mrs. Utley, says "When I think of gratitude, I think of Norah. She is a child who doesn't take anything for granted and appreciates all that she has. She is quick to say 'thank you' and is one who truly appreciates what she is given."
Stuard Elementary School: Katie McClay, 5th grade
Katie's classmates say – Katie is a student that has a smile on her face, doesn’t complain, says thank you, and isn’t a negative person. Katie tries to find the good in all situations! From Mrs. Wittrock, Katie’s teacher: Katie is a student who greets you with a smile, looks at ways to make others have a good day even when things are not going as planned. She is a polite student who expresses her appreciation to her teachers and classmates with thank you, “Have a great day!”, and will share her good things in our class with gratitude and appreciation of the things going on in her life!
Vandagriff Elementary School: Luke Deary, 3rd Grade
Luke is very kind and is ready to show his gratitude and appreciation to his teachers and fellow students. He always uses his manners and participates with his class. He is a great kid. He is very respectful to teachers and has a genuinely fun-loving spirit. I don’t think he has ever has a day when he doesn’t laugh or smile. He has a true love of learning and is eager to be better at academics, athletics, or anything that he tries. His puts forth his best effort in all endeavors, with a kind and eager spirit.
Walsh Elementary School: Cody Ayers, 1st Grade
Cody embodies gratitude in all he does each and every day. He comes in with a smile on his face and is also so excited and joyous to be at school and see each and every student. No matter what we are doing he class he is excited for whatever option he receives and does not complain if it is not his favorite. Cody eagerly will switch with another student so they can have their favorite or to make them happier. Cody has such a positive disposition and is so gracious with what he does each day.
