Fifth graders Morgan Lotts and Gwen Zabel were honored as Outstanding Student Citizens for their schools.
“Gwen truly embodies the Optimist Creed, with a positive attitude, and love for learning and life,” said Chris Turner, principal at her school, Independence Elementary. ‘She truly understands the importance of education, and strives to put the needs of others before herself.”
Lotts was nominated by her school, Pine Knob Elementary.
“She’s always smiling,” said Principal Jodi Yeloushan. “She enjoys reading. She’d like to be a pediatrician when she grows up.”
Clarkston Optimists honored the students, there with their principals, teachers, and families, at their March 18 meeting.
Zabel participates in student council, Alpha Club, Link, quiz bunch, skiing, Science Olympiad, and soccer, and would like to be a doctor or brain cancer researcher when she grows up.
Matt and Andrea Zabel said they are proud of their daughter for all she does.
“I just like to be busy doing and trying new things,” Gwen said. “I love a variety of things, just have fun all the time.”
Lotts? name immediately popped up when considering who to honor, said Lisa Abel, her fifth grade teacher.
“She’s very optimistic, very kindly,” Abel said. “She’s a wonderful, open minded student. She always tries to lift others up, make her fellow students better, and me, a better teacher.”
The fifth grader is an intergral part of her class, serving on the safety patrol and volunteering with reading, writing, and math partners, said Pine Knob Principal Jodi Yeloushan.
“They go to her for advice. She’s a good role model,” her teacher said.
“I like making everybody happy, bring smiles to their faces at school,” said Morgan, there with her parents, her parents, Karen and Scott Lotts. “I want to enjoy school.”
“She helps everybody all the time,” Karen said.
“She’s always been nice and caring, ever since she was little,” added Scott.