The Ridgefield School Board recognized its April employee and students of the month at a meeting on April 13.
Corrina Hollister, a second grade teacher at Union Ridge Elementary School, was named the employee of the month. A news release described Hollister as “an outstanding and beloved teacher,” who expresses empathy toward students who require extra patience and encourages families to support their children. One student in the release stated, “Mrs. Hollister sees what’s in my heart and then she meets me there. I know she loves me, and I really know she cares because she always smiles when she reminds me that we’re ‘getting there’ and ‘we’re going to do this together until it makes sense.’”
Brynn Schaefer, a pre-k student, was selected as the student of the month for the Early Learning Center. The news release stated Schaefer is friendly and takes other students under her wing. “She sets a great example of what a Hash Brown does to be respectful, responsible, resilient and kind,” stated the release. “She’s eager to greet everyone at the door in the morning and gives them each a personal welcome when they arrive.” The release describes her humor as “infectious” and noted Schaefer enjoys making her friends happy.
Elliana Romine, a third grader, was selected as the student of the month for South Ridge Elementary School. The release stated Romine has a “special skill” of knowing when people around her need to be cheered up. “She goes out of her way to ensure all students and staff feel welcome and appreciated,” the release stated. “Whether she is telling her peers that they are great students, telling bus drivers they are hard workers, or telling her teachers she appreciates them, she is always making people smile.”
Yair Diaz Lopez, a fourth grader, was picked as the student of the month for Union Ridge Elementary School. A news release stated Lopez is not only creative but is respectful to adults and peers alike. “In P.E., Yair consistently plays fair and demonstrates good sportsmanship toward his teammates and opponents while ensuring everyone has a great time,” stated the release. “He is kind to all students throughout the day. Yair gives his full effort at all times and demonstrates a love for being active.”
Faith Plourd, a sixth grader, was chosen as the student of the month for Sunset Ridge Elementary School. A news release described Plourd as a “wonderful student” who gained confidence and new skills after a stressful remote learning period prior to the current school year. “She has her own particular brand of communication and organization that makes her a delight and a favorite among staff,” stated the release. “She always wants her friends to succeed and do their best work.” Plourd also regularly arranges Zoom sessions with her friends to finish incomplete work so they can all earn the best score possible.
River Leeling, an eighth grader, was selected as the student of the month for View Ridge Middle School. According to the release, Leeling is an Associated Student Body officer, band member, and active in other extracurricular activities. “River’s positivity and enthusiasm are contagious, and he treats everyone at View Ridge with respect and a positive attitude,” the release stated. “His personality draws others in, which enhances his leadership abilities. He is creative, contributes insightful comments, and is an active participant in classroom discussions, quickly making connections between what he is learning in class, things he has observed, and current world events.”
Olivia Tasso, a sophomore, was selected as the student of the month for Wisdom Ridge Academy. The release stated Tasso is a “shining star” who faces any issues with respect, composure and resilience. Earlier this month, her honors world history instructor praised her strong work ethic stating, “Olivia is not only highly intelligent and academically high achieving, she writes with exceptional clarity, substance and insight. She is definitely the most skilled student I have encountered while working at Edmentum, by far, and in 20 years of teaching predominantly advanced/AP courses, I would put her in the top 3 to 5% of all students I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with,’” stated the release.
Wyatt Bartroff, a junior, was named the student of the month at Ridgefield High School. According to the release, Bartroff’s teachers describe him as “a joy to be around.” They noted he has a tremendous work ethic and leads by example. “Wyatt’s hard work and can-do attitude are evident in the classroom and on the athletic fields,” the release stated. Bartroff has a 3.86 GPA and is a starter on the Spudder football and baseball teams. He has ambitions of securing a scholarship to play football and study electrical engineering, business, or physical therapy at the University of Montana. Bartroff recognized his parents, teachers and coaches, who he said have contributed to his success, the release stated.
