Adrian Optimists announce September Students of the Month

The Adrian Optimist Club is pleased to honor Students of the Month from the Miami, Ballard, and Adrian schools. Criteria for this honor center on outstanding academic and civic achievement and school spirit. Staff at each of the schools make the selection, and their decision is based on expansion of these criteria. Selection is based on the criteria, but a student stepping up to a particular task will come to play in it. Each student is honored with a certificate of recognition from the Adrian Optimist Club and $20.00 in Adrian Chamber of Commerce “Chamber Bucks”.

The Miami Student of the Month for September is Merissa Talley a junior. Merissa is the daughter of JD and Pam Talley. In school she is active in FBLA, Student Council, basketball, volleyball, and softball. Merissa still finds time to be with friends and family. Staff at Miami say “Merissa has really taken a step forward in becoming a positive influence and a vocal leader. She is extremely helpful and considerate to others.” Merissa says “The sports that I do help me to stay on task during school.” As for her future, she plans a college career studying to be a doctor or athletic trainer.

Pictured: Adrian Optimist Member Mike Peterson, Merissa Talley, and Miami Principal Dr Daniel Johnson

The Ballard Student of the Month is senior Holly Tate, daughter of Troy and Jana Tate. Mrs. Bauman, Special Education teacher, states “I find Holly to be an extraordinary student. She works incredibly hard to keep her grades as high as possible. Holly is not ashamed to ask for help when it is needed. She goes to tutoring sessions after school and still participates in sports, while maintaining her grades. Holly is a loving and caring person. She helps others when she can. She is an excellent teacher’s assistant. She is calm and patient with other students.

I believe Holy is an extraordinary person. I admire all that she does, which would overwhelm many people. Holly is the type of person who will be able to achieve any goal she sets.

Keith Smith, English Teacher, states “Holly is ALWAYS willing to help any student with problems. Very respectful of teachers. Never derogatory and always compassionate.”

Brad Dunkin, History Teacher, states “Holly is dedicated, inquisitive, and reliable, Her contributions to our school are unmatched and highly valued.

Pictured: Adrian Optimist Member Josh Nieder, Holly Tate, and Ballard Principal Eric Hahn

The Adrian Student of the Month is Tanner Pitts, senior son of Jerry and Bobbie Pitts. In school Tanner is active in FBLA, Student Council, National Honor Society, football, basketball, and baseball. He also finds time and encouragement through competitive baseball, church, and Adrian Little League Football. Tanner is inspired by this statement by Kevin Durent, “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.” Tanner plans to attend Pittsburg State University majoring in Biology.

Pictured:  Adrian Principal Abe Lewis, Tanner Pitts, and Adrian Optimist Member Cary Six