December Students of the Month chosen

Chosen as December Falls City Middle School Students of the Month are, left to right, Erik Eickhoff, sixth grade; Abigail Gilkerson, seventh grade; and Jordy Stoller, eighth grade.

The students of the month for December at Falls City Middle School were Jordy Stoller, eighth grade; Abigail Gilkerson, seventh grade; and Erik Eickhoff, sixth grade. Each pupil received a T-shirt printed with the Student of the Month logo. The shirts are compliments of Stripes and Signs. The Elks Club will sponsor a complimentary meal during Youth Week for all this year's student of the month recipients and their parents.

Erik Eickhoff is the sixth grade student of the month for December. He is the son of Marty and Mary Eickhoff. According to his teachers, he is a student who strives to do his best, completes work on time, and comes to class prepared to learn. Erik enjoys being able to change classes, having lockers, and having choices at lunch time at the Falls City Middle School. His favorite classes are P.E. and math. Erik also participates in chorus and Clown Troupe. He is an Honor Roll and ABBIT student. Erik has also been recognized for perfect attendance.

Erik stays active outside of school with baseball and travelers basketball. He is a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church and of the Happy Go Lucky 4-H Club. He has received medals in animal showmanship, shooting sports, and archery in 4-H. Erik's favorite movie is The Blind Side, and he enjoys eating at A & G Restaurant!

Abigail Gilkerson is the seventh grade student of the month for December. She is the daughter of Tighe and Barbara Gilkerson. Her teachers say that Abigail sets a great example by being a positive student and classmate in the classroom. Her favorite class is Math. She is active in quiz bowl and Clown Troupe. Abigail enjoys the teachers and classes at the Falls City Middle School. She has received recognition for Honor Roll, ABBIT, and perfect attendance.

Abigail's favorite movie is Despicable Me, and she enjoys eating at Frosty Queen!

Jordy is the eighth grade student of the month for December. He is the son of Mike and Joleen Stoller. Jordy is a hardworking, positive, and polite student who strives to do his best every day in everything that he does. His favorite class is Science. He is active in football, basketball, track, chorus, show choir, quiz bowl, and FCA. Jordy likes the atmosphere of Falls City Middle School, especially because the teachers make it a fun learning environment. He continues to be on the Honor Roll and ABBIT lists. Jordy has also received numerous art awards.

Away from school, Jordy participates in baseball and church group. Jordy's favorite movie is Coach Carter, and he enjoys eating at Breadeux Pizza!

The students who received honorable mention for December include Cathryn Holland, Bryan Sickel, Cheyenne Dovel, Anthony Baker, CJ Dawkins, Marissa Ogden, Delisa Kirkendall, Weston Witt, and Brody Weinmann.

To receive student of the month, students must first be nominated by one of their teachers. The criteria for nomination this year focuses on the 212 degree message. The teachers are continuously looking for the students who give the extra degree. The student demonstrates extra effort by being an exemplary student. Someone who internalizes the truth that is “Not enough to be good when you have the ability to be BETTER!” Each month the teachers will choose an individual from each grade who was identified as a 212 degree student and met the criteria. This includes turning work in on time; exemplary behavior everywhere; going out of their way to help peers; good grades and/or improvement; always showing effort; active and/or involved in the community,;leadership accomplishments that are academic, athletic, or in the community; school attendance; positive attitude toward others; honest and trustworthy; cooperative and dependable; helpful to teachers; positive attitude toward school; and considerate of other’s feelings.

On the day of voting for student of the month, the teachers meet before school. Teachers who have comments about those nominated are asked to contribute. The teachers then vote by private balloting. To win student of the month, one student must receive a majority of the votes. Those who don't win are given honorable mention and are eligible in future months.