Southdown Honors September’s Stars
Students and their teachers walk around Southdown Primary School with heads held high. They are a proud bunch and they like to celebrate successes big and small. The recent “splash” assembly in the gymnasium was an opportunity to recognize a sensational group of young people for their work around the building and a very special teacher who gives her all each day.
Why a so-called “splash” assembly? Well, Southdown is the home of the dolphins, the school’s mascot. Students are awarded ‘splashes’ for displaying positive behavior in and out of the classroom, being kind to others, demonstrating proper behavior in hallways and even boosting the spirits of someone feeling a little down.
One Southdown student is selected from each class in the building for formal recognition at the monthly “splash” assembly. The school considers these youngsters to be its stars of the month.
September’s award winners include Emma Barch, Elizabeth Fernandez Sanchez, Jaime Uvena, Anderson Fuentes Acosta, Sena Knopf, Analia Bonilla, Jake Chiclacos, Leighton Evans, Grace Oliva, Emma Polinsky, Dana Saramago, Rafaella Gregorio, Lauren Donaghy, Jeveeny Campos Trejos, Za’Khie Ramos, William Coreas-Interiano, Kelly Zelaya and Katherine Estrada.
A longtime Huntington School District physical education teacher, Mrs. Hefele was also recognized for the work she performs each day. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Springfield College in physical education and movement science/biomechanics, respectively. She’s an expert at infusing literature and literacy into her classes.
Principal Scott Oshrin was beaming during the recent assembly. He’s only too happy to congratulate the youngsters at Southdown whenever they give him a reason to. Teachers feel the same way.