Verona High School has created a program to recognize students for their activities at the school and new Principal Josh Cogdill announced the Students of the Month for September at Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting. The students are freshman Megan Forrest, sophomore Michael Shamouil, junior Austin Camp and senior Emily Petermann.
Each student was nominated for the award by a VHS faculty member. Forrest, who is currently taking three honors classes, was nominated by Betty Hou, VHS’ Mandarin teacher. Shamouil, who is taking five honors classes, was nominated by phys ed department member Patricia Hemsley-Cartotto, who singled him out for being one of the kindest students at VHS. Camp, nominated by Spanish teacher Jessica Calvo, participates in many after-school activities, clubs and sports, even though he is taking five AP classes and honors physics. Petermann, who takes four AP classes, was nominated by biology teacher Paula Ramos-Santiago for her work in organizing group chats on marine biology and a beach cleanup, as well as a video for incoming freshmen as part of the Peer Leadership program for Back to School night.
Superintendent Rui Dionisio told the four students, “You epitomize what it means to be a VHS student.”
Hallelujah! Thank you Superintendent Dionisio for putting the right people in place to bring into focus the academic achievement at VHS. The need for recognition in academic excellence is long overdue and kudos to Principal Cogdill for immediately putting it on his agenda. Bravo!