Students who stand out academically are chosen by their teachers to be nominated as a Renaissance Star. Each marking period, two students from each grade are selected as a Renaissance Star. No matter what age, all students agree that it’s an amazing feeling to get recognized for their hard work.

Fifth Grade

Mikenzie Weaver

Middle school newbie, 5th grader Mikenzie Weaver was nominated by Mrs. McClelland.

Mrs. McClelland: “Mikenzie is a reliable student who can be trusted at all times. She is hard working and strives to do her very best in all she does. Mikenzie demonstrates SOAR values each and every day at school. She is well liked by her peers and shows her school spirit by participating in SOAR assemblies and activities. She is the kind of student every teacher would like to have in class. She is helpful, considerate of others, respectful of all, and a conscientious student in all she does. Mikenzie SOARS at the Tyrone Area Middle School.”

Eagle Eye: What does it feel like to be a Renaissance Star?

Mikenzie Weaver: It feels great to be a Renaissance Star because I know that my teachers count on me.

EE: What is your favorite thing about Tyrone?

MW: My favorite thing about Tyrone is that you can count on getting a good education.

EE: What’s your best subject in school?

MW: My best subject in school is math because I usually get a good grade and I can count on the teacher to help me.

Ross Gampe

In fifth grade, Ross Gampe was chosen by Mrs. Lang.

Mrs. Lang: “Ross is a hard working student who strives hard to do his work to perfection. He shows he cares about his education by his willingness to be a leader and to help others who are struggling. Ross is kind, treats people with respect and follows rules when in class or anywhere else in the building. Although he has a quiet disposition his attitude speaks volume about who he is as a person.”

EE: what does it feel like to be a Renaissance Star?

RG: It feels good to be a Renaissance Star.

EE: What’s your favorite thing about Tyrone?

RG: My favorite thing about Tyrone is the teachers.

EE: What’s your best subject in school?

RG: My best subject is math.

Sixth Grade

Alayna Capobianco

Sixth grader Alayna Capobianco was nominated by Mr. Zupon.

Mr. Zupon: “Alayna is a leader in every sense of the word. She started here at the beginning of the year as a new student and has flourished. She works hard at all times. She cares about her work. She is helpful and friendly to ALL students. She is supportive to the teachers and aims to please. She is a leader and a great person. She deserves this award. Alayna is a model student. Makayla Sprankle was chosen by Mrs. Light. Makayla is a student who tries her best in class and is nice to her peers. She works to her potential in all curriculum areas and she advocates for herself and others. She has shown positive growth over the past few years and she has a great attitude.”

Makayla Sprankle

Makayla Sprankle was chosen by Mrs. Light.

Mrs. Light: “Makayla is a student who tries her best in class and is nice to her peers. She works to her potential in all curriculum areas and she advocates for herself and others. She has shown positive growth over the past few years and she has a great attitude.”

Seventh Grade

Wyatt Barnett

Wyatt Barnett was chosen by his teacher, Mrs. Dunn.

Mrs. Dunn: “Wyatt always comes to school with a positive attitude and is respectful of those around him, both students and adults. His upbeat attitude is a welcome addition to the classroom. Wyatt also does his best to stay on top of work. He is a great example to the other students around him as he really embodies the middle school SOAR principles!”

EE: What does it feel like to be a Renaissance Star?

WB: It feels pretty good to be a Renaissance Star and I’m pretty happy that I got to be one.

EE: What is your favorite thing about Tyrone?

WB: My favorite thing about Tyrone has to be how nice it looks in fall and winter.

EE: What is your best subject in school?

WB: My best subject is art class.

Ella Pearson

Ella Pearson was chosen by Mrs. Orlosky.

Mrs. Orlosky: “Ella is a very hard working and caring student. She is always willing to assist other students and will do her best to accomplish all required tasks. She is polite and follows all the middle school core values. On a daily basis, she brings to class a positive attitude and is always enthusiastic about learning something new. Ella is a great asset to the classroom environment and a joy to have as a student in the seventh grade.

Eighth Grade

Michael Stoner

Eighth grade team: “Michael completed a leaf project that went above and beyond the expectations that were set in the requirements. He successfully identified all of his flowers and included very interesting facts and uses for each of the flowers in his collection. He also contributes daily to the positive classroom environment offering thoughtful questions that help others to gain a deeper understanding of the material that is being covered during class. Michael is a great example for his peers inside and outside of the classroom. He is a motivated student who strives to do his best whether it is on a project, in a discussion, or on an assignment.”

EE: What does it feel like to be a Renaissance Star?

MS: It feels good because I know that teachers see my projects and think that they are really good.

EE: What is your favorite thing about Tyrone?

MS: Playing sports with my friends such as football and baseball.

EE: What is your best subject in school?

MS: My best subject is Spanish.

Madison Soellner

Eighth grade team: “Madison is always seen helping out her peers in the hall and during class. She sets a positive example for her classmates by displaying solid SOAR core values. She is respectful during classes and remains focused and intrinsically motivated. Madison actively participates during class and continually turns in assignments on time. She is responsible when she misses classes, asking all her teachers what she missed during class and completes this work in a timely manner. She is a positive role model for all her peers.”

EE: What does it feel like to be a Renaissance Star?

MS: It feels like even though I’m kind of shy, the teachers have seen what I can do. It is a really good feeling to have.

EE: What’s your favorite thing about Tyrone?

MS: My favorite thing about Tyrone is the sports. I really like the Tyrone’s soccer program.