122710 Ohio Lottery recognized Cornerstone student and teacher
By Sharon Haught
December 13, 2010
279
For the second time in as many months a student and a teacher from the Wooster City School District have been recognized for academic and civic excellence by the Ohio Lottery.
Melina Mera, a third grade student from Cornerstone Elementary School, was named the Ohio Lottery Academic All Star from the Akron region for the month of November.
Each month the Ohio Lotterys Academic All Star program recognizes one student in each of nine geographic regions in Ohio. To be considered for the award students much demonstrate academic excellence, responsibility, citizenship, leadership and school pride. Students must also be involved in extracurricular and community service activities outside of school.
Mera was nominated for the award by Principal Sharon Ferguson who described Mera as a very helpful and responsible third-grader who takes on her own learning and makes sure that she understands each new concept or skill.
According to Ferguson Mera, who is fluent in Spanish, has been assisting a new sixth grade Cornerstone student who speaks only Spanish. She has also assisted Cornerstone faculty members by offering her services translating for the new student.
Id like to thank Mrs. Ferguson for nominating me, said Mera. It really means a lot. Im glad I could be helpful this year.
The district would like to congratulate Melina for receiving this award, said Wooster City School District Superintendent Michael Tefs.
We would also like to thank her for being so helpful and compassionate toward a new student. Shes a terrific role model for her peers and shows that a Wooster City School District education not only includes academics but a respect for your fellow students and teachers, said Tefs.
Another member of the Cornerstone family was also honored by the Ohio Lottery.
Cornerstone Elementary School kindergarten teacher Kristina Beichler was named the Ohio Lottery Teacher of the Month from the Akron region for November.
The award recognizes outstanding teachers for their dedication, professionalism and work on behalf of Ohios students.
Beichler was nominated for the honor by fellow teacher Jenny Gaut.
Kristina is an outstanding teacher who is dedicated to her students, said Gaut. She fosters learning through her unique instruction and scaffolds her students to realize their maximum potential. Her students are engaged in the classroom and are eager to learn.
Im very honored to be a Teacher of the Month, said Beichler. I believe that hands-on activities are extremely important, especially in young children. It keeps them engaged and makes learning a fun, positive experience.
This honor is a fabulous testament for the efforts that are being strategically initiated within the early childhood education program of the Wooster schools, said Tefs. Ms. Beichler is a wonderful representative for the 21st century teaching that is being delivered by our early childhood faculty.
As Teacher of the Month and an Academic All Star Beichler and Mera received numerous items, including a certificate of excellence, four tickets to a local event, recognition during the event and a variety of Partners in Education merchandise.
November marks the second month in a row that a teacher and a student from the Wooster City School District have been honored by the Ohio Lottery.
In October Kean Elementary School sixth grade student Hannah DeHart was named an Academic All Star and Parkview Elementary School third grade teacher Melissa Arko was also named the Ohio Lottery Teacher of the Month for the Akron district.
To read more about Mera and Beichlers accomplishments and to learn more about the Ohio Lotterys Partners in Education program visit the lottery web site at www.ohiolottery.com.
