Robert Galbreath photos

PINEDALE – The Sublette County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees recognized four Students of the Month at its April 8 regular meeting.

Pinedale Elementary kindergarten teacher Tess Vrska recognized Jarratt Majhanovich as Student of the Month, highlighting the positive character traits he exhibits.

“One trait in particular that stands out is Jarratt’s ability to be a great role model and friend to his peers,” Vrska wrote to the board. “He is a positive friend and always encourages his peers to do their best. He is the first one to jump up and offer a classmate a helping hand.”

Majhanovich puts time, effort and care into his assignments to rise above expectations and hand in his best work, Vrska added.

“Jarratt enjoys the journey of learning and takes thinking to a whole new level,” Vrska said. “I love his inquisitive questions and excitement as he explores a new idea.”

Vrska also emphasized Majhanovich’s bright disposition in the classroom.

“Jarratt is easygoing and is very humble,” she wrote. “His positive, upbeat and infectious personality is a wonderful example, not only to all the other kindergarteners, but to all the students and staff at Pinedale Elementary School.”

“When I think about Jarratt, I think of selflessness,” PES Assistant Principal Janel Scurlock told the board. “As a kindergartener, that’s a pretty big compliment. He’s the first to just jump in and do anything without judgment of anybody.”

District ELL coordinator Lindsay Adam nominated sixth grader Fatima Mata as Student of the Month at Pinedale Middle School. Mata is an example of the school’s core values, particularly the ability to see mistakes as an opportunity for learning, Adam said.

“A teacher of Fatima’s once told me that if you get a Mata in your class, you are getting someone special,” Adam added. “This statement could not be more true of Fatima. She impresses me daily with her positivity, work ethic and academic achievement. She is the kind of student that makes every teacher look good because really, she’s doing all the work.”

Mata strives to improve and accepts feedback in order to master new concepts in the classroom, Adam said. A determined learner, Mata never becomes discouraged when confronted by a challenge, Adam continued.

Adam pointed out that Mata won Student of the Month twice – in elementary school and now middle school.

“I really, truly, inside my heart feel like Fatima is someone who is going to change the world,” Adam said.

Holli Redmond, a teacher at Skyline Academy, presented senior Grace Harnack as Student of the Month for demonstrating responsibility. Redmond wrote that a responsible student is diligent and reliable, someone who sets a strong example by doing the right thing.

“Grace has taken responsibility for her own education by asking questions and actively participating during academic classes, independently completing a web-based curriculum and giving a high level of effort on assignments and assessments,” Redmond said. “She produces high-quality work, is prepared and timely, uses her time efficiently and helps when she sees there is a need.”

Harnack attacks schoolwork with an effort and tenacity that sets the bar for other students, Redmond added.

“Though Grace may not be aware of it, her example has a positive effect on the students around her,” Redmond said. “If she continues to have such a positive attitude and exemplary work ethic, Grace will continue to accomplish any goal which she sets.”

Pinedale High School English teacher Kendall Brunette nominated senior Preslie Mecham as Student of the Month for exhibiting the monthly character trait of patience. Mecham worked under Brunette’s guidance as a mentor to younger students in English 10 this year.

“I have observed Preslie work patiently with sophomore students as they struggle to write or understand certain concepts,” Brunette wrote. “She offers advice, direction, guidance and help with a level of patience that is very admirable. Preslie has proven to be a great asset in class and I am so appreciative of her mentorship.”

Principal Brian Brisko also congratulated Mecham on her award.

“I think (the mentorship) goes to show a lot of the character that Preslie has,” he told the board. “If you don’t know her, she’s involved in everything – she just got done with the musical and she’s doing soccer too. I’m super proud of her and what she’s done. She has made Pinedale High School a better place.”