The Ridgefield School Board recognized its March employee and students of the month at a meeting on March 8.
Susan Karnes, a special education teacher at Sunset Ridge Intermediate, was named the employee of the month. A news release called her “the epitome of a team player,” as she always lends a hand whenever necessary. “Students who refuse to speak to or respond to any other adults seem to magically come out of their shells and find peace and comfort from Mrs. Karnes,” the release stated. “At Sunset Ridge, we have seen many students blossom when working with Susan. She truly brings the best out of everyone that she works with. She so deserves this recognition as an invaluable member of the Sunset Ridge school community.”
Carson Giles, a pre-k student, was selected as the student of the month for the Early Learning Center. The release stated Giles’ actions remind people that “it’s all good,” even if things don’t go according to plan. “On the rare occasion he is not happy or silly, Carson has learned to go to a calming place and he’s ready to reconnect in no time,” stated the release. Giles is described as a joy in the classroom, who often “wears his biggest smile throughout the day.”
Benjamin TerHorst, a fourth grader, was selected as the student of the month for South Ridge Elementary School. TerHorst is described as an outgoing, deep thinker who enjoys sharing his ideas with other classmates. “He is passionate about technology, even creating a step-by-step tutorial on how to animate drawings on the computer to teach his peers,” stated the release. “He enjoys making people laugh and his smile and humor always bring joy to others. Benjamin is a curious learner who asks great questions. He is caring, compassionate, and a fantastic example of what it means to be a South Ridge Roadrunner.”
Hayden Barnette, a fourth grade student, was chosen as the student of the month for Union Ridge Elementary School. The release noted Barnette is kind and helpful to students and staff, maintaining a great attitude even when things get tough. “He perseveres through the task and continues to work hard and give it everything he has,” the release stated. “Hayden also has a lot of integrity for someone his age and he leads by example. He consistently makes the right choices, even if they aren’t necessarily the popular ones.”
Ginger Gorycki, a sixth grader, was selected as the student of the month at Wisdom Ridge Academy. The release stated Gorycki stands out because of her many great qualities, including her “unwavering kindness” and “out-of-the-box creativity.” “Ginger advocates for herself, voluntarily attends all of our extra support sessions each week, and consistently comes to enrichment and helps to create a safe, inclusive and fun atmosphere,” stated the release. “Her kindness and positive spirit consistently make the students and staff around her smile.”
Parker Bellah, a sixth grader, was selected as the student of the month at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School. The release describes Bellah as a natural leader. His classmates voted him into the role of classroom president. “He is considerate and empathetic to his classmates’ feelings and opinions, which he consistently displays on a daily basis,” the release stated. “Not only is his leadership noticed by his classmates and teachers, but his resiliency also shines through in the effort he puts forth in both academics and in while supporting his peers. Parker exhibits the ‘See Something, Say Something’ behaviors we encourage and has been known to speak up for others in situations of unkind interactions on the playground.”
Nathan Kim, an eighth grader, was selected as the student of the month at View Ridge Middle School. The release stated Kim is a leader both on and off the basketball court, who is known for his empathy, compassion, friendliness, mindfulness and kindness. “Many of Nathan’s teachers commented that he is an ‘engaged and active learner,’ who asks meaningful questions and puts in maximum effort while showing resilience and persistence each day, using feedback to keep working on a task,” stated the release. “As he works with others, he is helpful and supportive of his classmates. When Nathan contributes to class discussions, he demonstrates a high level of understanding in his subjects.”
Alberto Vasquez-Ramirez, a senior, was selected as the student of the month at Ridgefield High School. The release stated Vasquez-Ramirez moved to the area from Mexico at the age of 18 in February 2020. He quickly had to adjust to a new country, a new school, and a new language right as the COVID-19 pandemic started. “It is a testament to Alberto’s resiliency, and his teacher’s creativity and tenacity, that Alberto remained in school through that first year,” the release stated. “A new country, a new educational system, a new way of life, a new language, and, in a few months, this soon-to-be 21-year-old will be a new Ridgefield High School graduate carrying a 3.4 GPA.”
