From left are Optimist Outstanding Student Citizens Joseph Mansour, Kendall Hine, Ciara Waggoner, Clare Nalepa, and Anthony Felix. Photo by Phil Custodio

BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
Five of Clarkston’s best and brightest earned Outstanding Student Citizen honors from the Optimist Club, April 26 – Joseph Mansour of Sashabaw Middle School; Anthony Felix, Everest Academy Middle School; Kendall Hine, Clarkston Junior High School; Ciara Waggoner, Clarkston High School; and Clare Nalepa, Everest Collegiate High School.
Joseph “Joey” Mansour is an exceptional student, said SMS Assistant Principal John Bennink.
“He exemplifies the Optimist Creed – ‘To make all your friends feel that there is something in them’ and ‘wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile,'” Bennink said.
His teachers describe him as selfless, mature, polite, kind, respectful, positive, and forever helping out.
“He’s a role model who leads by example. He helps students who need help. He does these things quietly, not for recognition,” the assistant principal said. “He’s an all around wonderful young man.”
Anthony Felix is the first Outstanding Student Citizen chosen to represent the Everest middle school, said Principal Greg Reichert.
“This is representative of who he is – he stands out as a leader, supporting teachers, fellow students, and school ideals,” Reichert said.
Teachers say they are inspired by his mature behavior, modesty, positivity, reliability, and friendship with others. His positive spirit has helped his class stay together as his teacher deals with a long-term illness.
“He has helped hold the group together like glue,” his principal said.
Kendall Hine stands out by continuously challenging herself, earning top grades in advanced honors classes, and staying active in school Leadership and basketball, said Sarah Wasilk, teacher at Clarkston Junior High School.
She reflects the creed’s “to think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best” and “to be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.”
Teachers say she is a fantastic representative of Clarkston Junior High, a friend to all, clearly focused on what is important, calm, composed, and puts all her passion and creativity into her work.
“She has a cheerful bounce in her step, and a smile that is so genuine. She is a role model to all,” Wasilk said. “She’s an amazing student, kind, compassionate, and very bright.”
A dislocated elbow does nothing to slow her down, the teacher said.
“She’s always encouraging and helping others,” Wasilk said. “She has the unique ability to make those around her feel wonderful.”
Ciara Waggoner exemplifies what optimism is about, said Clarkston High School Assistant Principal Josh LaMay.
“She is a good student, a great person, and an overall tremendous human being, a ray of sunshine every morning,” LaMay said. “She is wise beyond her years, with a great sense of humor, and very talented in the arts as well.”
She is also a positive influence in the school community, and stands out amongst the 2,000 students in the school, said the assistant principal.
Waggoner has a job which she doesn’t let interfere with school work, and volunteers with local children.
“She’s faced and learned from life’s challenges, and helps others facing similar challenges,” he said.
Clare Nalepa was the obvious choice for Everest Collegiate High School, said Principal Reichert.
“I received an incredible amount of feedback for Clare from teachers,” he said. “She lives up to the Optimist and Everest ideals. She accomplishes everything asked of her and more.”
She is well positioned for college, involved in many activities, and is a leader in and out of school. Earning all A grades, the senior is entitled to skip final classes, but she isn’t.
“She doesn’t quit,” her principal said. “She is happy and kind. Her peace resonates with those around her. She always puts her best foot forward.”
Her smile is infectious, and she is always teeming with excitement, he said.
“It’s because of who she is, that she is receiving this award,” he said.