Georgia Chapman
Special to The Express
Recognized for her hard work and determination, Silver Lake Regional Middle School (SLRMS) 8th grader, Kelley Savoie, of Halifax, was awarded the first annual Silver Lake Regional Middle School P.T.O. Educational Endowment for Meritorious Effort. The endowment’s objective is to encourage and recognize a SLRMS 8th grade student who would not normally be recognized, but who has made meritorious (valiant) effort and has grown as a learner during 8th grade at SLRMS. Kelley was awarded a $250 endowment she may use to further her education. She may use it towards an educational summer camp, career and technical training, school supplies, a computer, etc. Kelley plans to study Early Childhood Education at Silver Lake Regional High School in the fall.
Janice Bracken, one of Kelley’s 8th grade teachers said of Kelley, “Throughout my teaching career, there have been only a handful of students who have stood out to me as being all around student. Kelley is one of them. She is kind, considerate, thoughtful, funny, and always willing to give a helping hand to someone who needs it.
Kelley follows the rules, but not the crowd. She is happy with who she is and who she has become. I have no doubt that she will continue to follow this path and that she will find success in whatever she decides to do going forward. This would mean the world to her if she was chosen for this award.”
Kelley has proven to be a student that the Silver Lake community encouraged and recognized her educational effort. The endowment committee was impressed by her character and hard work as an 8th grade learner. Kelley’s valiant effort was noticed by her teachers and they nominated her for this award. Kelley showed improvement in her overall grades from Quarter 1 to Quarter 3 of the 2019/2020 school year. Despite her learning weaknesses, she went above and beyond what was expected of her, she always put forth her best effort, and did not miss a day of school this academic year.
Additionally, she excelled with the transition to the new distance learning format and never missed an assignment. Kelley displayed school pride by dressing up for every school Spirit Week, participated in the school talent show, and always showed pride in being a Laker. Her self-confidence has flourished since term 1 and as a result, she overcame many obstacles that would have otherwise held her back from achieving personal and academic success.
When creating this endowment, the PTO worked closely with administration and the guidance department. Together they created the criteria and selection process, making sure confidentiality was kept and an unbiased decision made. Of the 300 8th graders at SLRMS, 10 were nominated by their teachers this year.