BY JESSICA STEELEY
Clarkston News Staff Writer

Scientific curiosity and a passion for mathematics earned students Recognition Awards last week.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the children in the room. I’m very, very fortunate to do what I do every day and to get to do what I love and you inspire me, you’re awe inspiring in the things that you do,” said Superintendent Dr. Rod Rock, who attended the awards presentation along with several Clarkston Foundation and Board of Education members. Foundation President Greg Bunting, Deputy Superintendent Shawn Ryan, and Michigan State Rep. Jim Tedder also delivered remarks.
The superintendent discussed the positive effects of awe and how the students bring that to his life and the Clarkston community.
Tedder voiced his pride in the cultivation of a Clarkston culture that breeds excellence.
“I really, quite simply, couldn’t be prouder of being your representative, you make the job very easy,” he said.  “Not only the people of this community, but the young people. I have so much to brag about, I have so much to celebrate, there’s so many accolades that I have the opportunity to share our story across this state.”
After these remarks began the award presentation, with introductions by high school Principal Gary Kaul, junior high Principal Adam Kern and middle school Principal Elizabeth Walker.
“Several nominating teachers that I spoke to about the students referred to the students as having almost a sixth sense for math and science,” Kaul said. “Students, this is to you, you’ve been given a gift of understanding, probably equal parts nature and nurture. What sets you apart is your willingness to expand your natural talents and work hard. I challenge you to continue the efforts you demonstrate to date and use these things, these skills that you have to make the world a better place moving forward.”
Principal Kern said the students honored are obviously very intelligent and he is proud to have them at the junior high as thinkers, learners and contributors.
“They are hard workers who work well with others and are able to share their thinking freely. They work their way through problems, never giving up, these students are dedicated to their learning,” Kern said. “It is their love of learning and strong work ethic that will lead them to success and it is why they are being honored today.”
Elizabeth Walker, Sashabaw Middle School principal, read comments from teachers about each individual student as they accepted their award.
“Dr. Rock talked a little bit about awe this morning and I truly am in awe of these students and how they think about math and science,” Walker said. “What these kids can do is so amazing and when I sat down and talked to the sixth and seventh graders about it, I was just astounded by the things that they had to say.”
All the principals thanked the Clarkston Foundation for holding the award ceremony and for the events and contributions they provide to Clarkston schools.
Deputy Superintendent Shawn Ryan concluded the ceremony by congratulating the recipients on behalf of the school district.
“I love to see that energy, that hard work, that dedication we see in our students and it’s amazing to see the progression that you saw today.” Ryan said. “Makes me want to share that notion that these moments are really special.”

Honored for academics

Mathematics:
Clarkston High School – Seth Bacon, Abigail Davis, Evan Hall, Isabelle Beck, Connor Donnelly, Austin Schmitz, Matthew Cederman, Drue Froeschke and Benjamin Parillo;
Clarkston Junior High – Annie Hubl, Jacob Zelinski, Nathan Aberlich and Faith Schmeling;
Sashabaw Middle School – Griffin Carter, Katherine Speer, Cole Campbell and Gabriella Post.
Science:
Clarkston High School – Andrew Culver, Sophia Dalby, Caitlin Sivak, Heather Burrum, Matthew Heilman, Justin Osborn, Alison Ferer, Andrew Ross and Matthew Williamson;
Clarkston Junior High – Brady Bergman, Maya Bergman, Nicholas Galley and Amanda Sutherby;
Sashabaw Middle School – Anna Mayernik, Leah Stump, Jarod Kaufman and Audrey Parker.