Tusky Valley names Students of the Month
Caleb Wieland, left, Tusky Valley February Student of the Month; Kolton Kohler, Athlete of the Month; and Danell Spivey, Fine Arts Student of the Month.
Tuscarawas Valley High School announced its Student of the Month recipients at the February board of education meeting. High school principal Jason Phillips awarded plaques and certificates to those who could attend.
Each month the school chooses students who represent the best in academics, athletics and fine arts. However, many students excel in more than one category, as happened this month.
Student of the Month recipients receive plaques and recognition in front of the BOE and reserved parking spots near the entrance for one month.
Student of the Month
In addition to an impressive academic record, Caleb Weiland is on the basketball team and the Hope Squad, a group that focuses on educating and training other students about suicide awareness. Weiland enjoys playing basketball, video games and weight lifting. A senior this year, he plans to attend college and become a high school science teacher.
“I had a teacher when I was a freshman who made science really for me, and that’s what I want to do,” he said.
Weiland is the son of David Weiland of Mineral City.
Athlete of the Month
Kolton Kohler is on the Tusky Valley basketball and soccer teams. He’s also been snow skiing since the age of 2 and has been actively involved in 4-H for 11 years raising hogs.
Kohler plans to attend college and earn a degree in business.
“I like the idea of having my own business and maybe even getting into real estate somewhere down the road,” he said.
Kohler is the son of Rich and Celina Kohler of Mineral City.
Fine Arts Student of the Month
Danell Spivey is not only a gifted artist, but also academically and athletically inclined. Spivey’s artwork was featured at Love’s Art Gallery in New Philadelphia, and her painted snake sculptures were taken to a New York art festival by the high school art teacher, Mr. Michael Jacobs.
Last year Spivey was Student of the Year in both geometry and art. A junior this year, Spivey will be inducted into the National Honor Society.
“Everyone thought it was so weird that I get the academic award and the art award,” she said.
A member of the school’s ski and board team, Spivey also will play soccer this year. She plans to attend a college where she can double major in biochemistry and art.
Spivey is the daughter of Robert Spivey of Canton and Nicole Kniceley and Travis Williams of Mineral City.
Expanded program recognizes character traits
Each month Tusky Valley also chooses underclassmen as Student of the Month recipients based on a specific characteristic. For February the character trait was kindness. Those students receive certificates and recognition in the yearbook.
Chosen for their kindness were junior Teagan Phillips, sophomore Kilee Rainsburg and freshman Arayah Seeley.
“Obviously, academics are part of it, but mental health and emotional and social well-being are also important,” said Jason Phillips, high school principal. “So we may recognize a student who shows school spirit, politeness, positivity or other traits.”
Phillips said he believes most of the staff like to look at what students are doing beyond the classroom when nominating candidates. “Who are they as people and what else do they do? How else do they contribute to Tusky Valley and the community?”
Phillips said he enjoys telling the students they’ve been named Student of the Month.
“They come in here, and I tell them they’re a Student of the Month, and their reactions are just awesome,” Phillips said. “Almost every single time they are shocked, and that’s kind of cool.”