Sparta students receive ‘Human Understanding' awards

Sparta - Dr. Thomas Morton, Sparta public schools superintendent, and school principals presented the 10th annual “Human Understanding” awards to five student recipients at a recent board of education meeting. Each year, the Sparta school district recognizes students from each school “who exemplify the spirit of human understanding and demonstrate good citizenship, respect and consideration for others and for their school.” Students were presented with a plaque and a $50 savings bond donated by the Parent Teacher Organization of their school. Isabella Cuan, a fourth grader from Alpine School, was chosen to receive the award for her school. According to her teacher, Bette Shugg, “Isabella is a kind, caring young lady filled with empathy for others. This fall she was responsible for organizing, along with her sister in second grade, a fund raiser for children whose lives were impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Upon hearing of Nickelodeon’s fund raiser, ‘We Got Your Back,’ Isabella asked classmates for donations of backpacks and school supplies. The response she received was overwhelming. Isabella was able to collect 24 backpacks filled with 150 pounds of supplies. “After completing the fund raiser,” continued Shugg, “Isabella took the time to write each of her classmates a thank you note indicating her appreciation for their generosity. It is very gratifying to see a child so concerned for others less fortunate. Her ability to formulate the idea and follow it through to completions was truly remarkable.” The staff at Helen Morgan School chose Ashley Crane as their recipient, noting that she “always demonstrates good citizenship and concern for others. She has excellent social skills, she is responsible in the way she acts, and she is gracious and friendly and always ready to lend a helping hand. Ashley is consistently courteous, thoughtful and polite,” they continued. “She will be a fine representative for the Human Understanding Award from Helen Morgan School.” Incredible empathy Jacqueline Ziegler was chosen as the recipient from Mohawk Avenue School. Her teachers, Gina Verhalen and Susan LaBell, wrote, “She has an incredible amount of empathy for a 10 year old. She does the typical good deeds like donating clothes and food to the poor, and participating in toy drives, but she does not stop there. For her 10th birthday ...in lieu of presents, she asked her guests to buy items for the people of New Orleans who were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. “She always tries to be a mediator when there is an argument between friends.” they continued. “She is very kind and generously praises others when they do a good job. She does not always think of herself first; she thinks about how she can benefit everyone. It is a pleasure having her at Mohawk Avenue School. Everyone can look up to a shining star like Jackie.” The Sparta Middle School staff presented their award to Nisha Drummond. Brad Davis, vice principal of the school, noted that Drummond was diagnosed with leukemia in 2004, “but has made every effort to maintain her high academic and personal standards. She is a very focused and driven young lady who strives for excellence in all her endeavors. “Nisha has raised thousands of dollars for cancer research and treatment through fund raisers and participating in walks for the cure,” he continued. “Her future plans include becoming a pediatric oncologist, and she has started writing a collection of stories about her experiences to share with her future patients. Exemplary student “Academically, Nisha remains an exemplary student. She has achieved high honor roll status throughout her middle school years taking the most rigorous courses, even though treatment has caused absences. Even from home, Nisha conscientiously e-mails her teachers to make sure she is up to par with her schoolwork. While at school, Nisha volunteers to help classmates when they experience academic difficulty. Nisha’s positive attitude, upbeat personality and true sense of humor are an inspiration to all.” David Trum was the recipient from Sparta High School. Richard Lio, school principal, said, “David is full of energy, excitement and dedication and he takes every opportunity to learn. He encourages others and sets a great example for his peers. He is involved in many activities, yet has found the balance to fulfill his responsibilities. David successfully prepared and auditioned for honors groups both in and out of school, including select choir, the Blue Knights, county band and NJ Pac (a select jazz program in Newark). He is the drum major for Sparta High School’s 100-piece marching band and he also plays and teaches guitar.”