PINEDALE – The Sublette County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees honored five Students of the Month across its member schools to start its meeting on Jan. 13.

Four of those students were honored for the month of December while an additional student from Pinedale Elementary School was recognized for their accomplishments from November.

The first student recognized was Noel Meeks, a fourth-grader at Pinedale Elementary, who was not able to attend the December board meeting to be acknowledged as a November Student of the Month.

Pinedale Elementary School Principal Greg Legerski introduced Meeks, who was recommended by fourth-grade teacher Emily Hittle.

“He fully deserves this honor and he naturally exhibits several wonderful qualities that we try to install in our students at PES,” Hittle wrote in her recommendation. “One of these qualities being his aptitude to work incredibly well with others. Noel is a natural leader and his peers look up to him and seek his advice, as well as his vast knowledge on many topics.”

Hittle went on to say that peers listen to what Meeks has to say, as he continues to take time out of his day to offer assistance to other classmates. He’ll take time out of his day to help while exhibiting patience and empathy towards them.

“Additionally, Noel loves learning,” Hittle wrote. “Every day he comes to class eager and excited to take on the day. He sets a great answer for others by always participating.”

He also gives praise to his classmates, boosting their self-esteem, and is engaged in discussions. He’s also a wonderful listener, Hittle wrote.

All this is more impressive considering this is still his first year at Pinedale Elementary after spending the previous three years at Bondurant Elementary.

Legerski also introduced Isabel Snidecor, who was nominated as Pinedale Elementary’s Student of the Month for December. Snidecor is a first-grade student and was nominated by her teacher, Rebecca Lehr.

Snidecor’s favorite subject is math and she persists in improving math specialties. She also exemplifies the qualities of having a growth mindset, Lehr wrote.

“When Isabel walks into the classroom she is happy, smiling and enthusiastic about learning,” Lehr wrote. “Isabel is the type of student who consistently gives her best effort on her work even when it seems difficult. If she makes a mistake or struggles with a task, she always keeps a positive attitude and knows that with more practice she can improve.”

Because of her perseverance, she’s been able to progress in both reading and math. She also thrives in the classroom due to her determination, hard work and dedication.

Sniedecor was also nominated for her kindest and honesty, which has drawn many of her classmates to her.

“We had a new student join our class recently and Isabel gladly volunteered to be his recess buddy,” Lehr wrote. “She showed him around the playground and made him feel welcome. I’m thankful I have the opportunity to teach such a wonderful individual, and watch her do amazing things to earn this recognition.”

Pinedale Middle School Principal Eric Makelky then approached the board to recognize Megan Boulter, who was nominated by math teacher Brady Schaefer. That nomination was warranted because she fit the school’s theme of “loves a challenge.”

Makelky said Boulter was notified of her accomplishment on a day where she was Principal for the Day and was too humble to call her parents, notifying them of her achievement.

Schaefer wrote that she makes a tremendous role model for the school and her peers in the classroom and on the court as a volleyball and basketball player.

“It was fun to watch Megan embrace her roles on her teams this year,” Schaefer wrote. “Similar to math class, she was tenacious and competitive. Sports can be challenging for her at times, but she, once again, showed that she wants to be the best that she can possibly be. I am excited to see Megan’s hard work pay off for her moving forward!”

Schafer said she has made a tremendous impact on the student body and her teachers have all enjoyed having her in class this year because of her leadership.

“It has been really fun to watch Megan dig into her class work this year,” Schaefer wrote. “She is always willing to cut out distractions and try more challenging problems if she gets done early. In addition to this, Megan is willing to help classmates when she gets finished with her work.”

Pinedale High School Principal Brian Brisko introduced senior Rylie Jean as the school’s Student of the Month for December. She was nominated by art teacher Katie Facklam for exemplifying caring, the character trait of the school for the month.

“Rylie is one of our quiet kids,” Facklam wrote. “She observes and acts all the time when she seems someone who needs a hand or a greeting. She is kind and caring to all peer groups and goes out of her way to show others that she truly cares – there is no false effort here, it is genuine and beautiful to see in our halls and classrooms.

“Rylie is the epitome of a caring young lady.”

Brisko said he was excited to get to honor her. While she is quiet, she speaks to everyone kindly and is a willing participant and teammate in group projects.

“She is a great example of what it is to be caring and working with people in our community, especially in our school,” Brisko added.

Skyline Academy Principal John Snell introduced Jessica Nichelson as the school’s December Student of the Month for exemplifying dependability, consistent effort, self advocacy and a witty sense of humor.

Skyline teacher Lori Moore wrote the letter of recommendation, saying she’s been lucky enough to teach Nichelson in Biology B.

“Jessi put great effort into a genetics assignment, always took initiative to ask questions to clarify assignment expectations and spent extra time after school if there was a need to catch up,” Moore wrote. “Having a sharp wit, Jessi is a master at tossing in a little sly sarcasm at the perfect moment.”

Moore said Skyline teachers love to share “Jessi comments” because they lighten and brighten days. She wrote that she was proud to honor her student for a diligent attitude and unique qualities.

“Jessi is often among the first to share an opinion and participate in class discussions,” Moore wrote. “Showing up on time, staying on task, and tactfully bringing complaints and requests to staff is the Jessi way.”

The school board is scheduled to honor January Students of the Month during the board’s next meeting on Feb. 10.