Sidney schools January students of the month

(Pictured from left: Lilee Weiser, Taylor Sprenger, Cayson Boltjes, Vedant Patel and Ava Brown -- Photo by Forrest Hershberger/News Channel Nebraska)

SIDNEY -- The Sidney School District Board of Education recognized the January students of the month Monday. 

The Monthly Performance Award acknowledges other criteria as well as achievement. These criteria are: 1. Superior academic performance, (or), dramatic improvement of classroom work, G.P.A. or attitude toward learning. 2. Exceptional work effort toward a particular class project. 3. Outstanding Contribution to the class. 4. Leadership exhibited in the class/school. 5. Citizenship emphasized and modeled. 6. Service to school. The January Students of the Month were recognized at the February 9 board meeting. 

January students of the month 

7^th grade – Ava Brown: Ava Brown does an excellent job with setting high academic goals for herself and then achieving them. She works very well individually as well as in a group setting. She is attentive and dilig4ent in all of her work and she is well prepared to take on every challenge within the classroom. Her positive attitude and behavior are great examples for her classmates. Ava is the daughter of Aaron Furrey and Heidi Brown. 

8^th grade – Vedant Patel: Vedant approaches school with enthusiasm, determination and a positive outlook. He tackles each assignment with tenacity and a willingness to learn, often doing so with a smile that reflects his strong character. Vedant’s leadership is evident not only in group and partner work, but also through his consistent class participation and engagement. He is respectful, dependable, and sets an example for others through his actions. His dedication and leadership make him a very deserving recipient of his honor. Vedant is the son of Bhavesh and Hetal Patel. 

9^th grade – Liam Ford: Liam is a great student who leads his classmates with respect and kindness. He is focused and ambitious in class, has a great attitude, and is a natural leader. He is always engaged in discussion and willing to help other students with their work and how to understand a certain concept. He challenges himself with making assignments the best possible version they can be. Liam participates in football, basketball and golf. He is the son of Nicholas and Haley Ford. 

10^th grade – Cayson Boltjes: Cayson is always wearing a smile and shares his friendliness with students and staff. He succeeds in the classroom, offering unique perspectives and completing his assignments in detail. Cayson is an exceptional student athlete and wrestler. He participates in band, football, wrestling and track. He is the son of Anthony and Kristin Boltjes. 

11^th grade – Taylor Sprenger: Taylor is a high ability learner who challenges herself to take advances classes and participates at a high level in her extracurricular activities as well. She is reliable, kind to everyone, and takes initiative to grow as a person. She participates in volleyball, basketball, track FFA and National Honor Society. Taylor is the daughter of Brian and Kari Sprenger. 

12^th grade – Lilee Wieser: Lilee consistently demonstrates outstanding responsibility, leadership and a genuine desire to learn. She contributes thoughtfully to discussions, offers to help with tasks, or supports her classmates. Despite balancing a busy schedule of extracurricular activities, Lilee stays on top of her class=work and maintains a strong work ethic. She comes to class prepared, asks meaningful questions and shows a true eagerness to understand the material. Her curiosity and engagement set a positive example for others. Lilee participates in DECA, basketball, volleyball and track. She is the daughter of Tyler and Rachel Wieser.