Each month teachers in the Marlboro School district select one student from each of their three schools to honor and acknowledge their academic achievements.

High School
Autumn Pitkin was named the Marlboro High School Art Department Student of the Month.

Art Teacher Rachael Elder has taught Autumn for the past three years, in Advanced Studio Art, Drawing and Painting and AP Portfolio Development and she is presently enrolled in AP Development II. Elder noted that Autumn has always been enthusiastic about art in and out of school and has balanced this well with her other academic activities and a busy sports schedule.

“Autumn finds a way to make art for others and spreads colorful designs in our community,” Elder said. “Autumn uses her skills to help with the National Honors Society art fundraisers [by] making school posters, athletic banners and even making extra art projects for my classes when she sees a project that she’d like to help with, which is great.”

Elder said Autumn not only has strong drawing skills but is a, “hyper-realistic artist whose attention to detail I’ve never seen in my eight years of teaching...It’s been a joy teaching and working with Autumn and watching her artistic skills grow and is a genuine hard working individual. She has so much talent, a fun spirit and her drive is going to be a great addition to any learning community.” Art Department chair Amy Tremblay added that Autumn, “was recognized by her peers and teachers as one of the kindest kids in the school.”

Middle School
Asst. Principal Demian Stanmyer introduced Isabella Pellegrino as the Marlboro Middle School Student of the Month.

“I first got to know her via the Drama program last year when she really stood out to me in her role in the play,” he said. “She’s always a ray of sunshine and smiling and positive and is tremendously deserving.”

Teacher Chelsea Zehnacker described Isabella as, “one of the most pleasant, well-mannered and humble students I have ever come across...She has the drive to succeed but even more importantly to better herself as a student and a human being. I couldn’t be more proud of Isabella and am lucky to have someone like her additionally in FCCLA [Family Career and Community Leaders of America].”

Teacher Daniel Nicosia described Isabella as having a driven nature and spirit, “that does not stop in ELA [English Language Arts].

Nicosia said that every day Isabella proves, “to me that you are one of the most pleasant and vibrant students I’ve ever met. Her goal is to become an actress on Broadway and I really believe with her tenacity to succeed, I think we can see you really going far and I really hope that you don’t forget about us when you become really famous.”
Teacher Kevin Egan started by saying that teaching, “would be easy if every student was like Isabella. She’s self-motivated and driven to reach her goals, she’s enthusiastic and excited to be in school every day. She’s kind, respectful and helpful to everyone around her. Isabella has no fear of failure and embraces its role in the learning process by using every failure as an opportunity for growth. In the face of a challenge, Isabella has a determination and grit that we can all learn from.”

Teacher Harrison Colandrea recalls that, “Isabella stole the stage and captivated her audience in a way that not many other students could. She flourished under the bright lights of the stage and I knew that one day she would be a star...I highly commend her for her efforts in the classroom as well as striving to keep her personal dreams and goals alive.”

Elementary School

Principal Jena Thomas introduced former Kindergarten teacher Sara Amodeo, “who always reminds me that everything I ever needed to know I learned in kindergarten.” Amodeo introduced Ava Passante as the February Elementary School Student of the Month.

Teacher Marion Appler said, “since September Ava has been a leader and being a leader in kindergarten is a really big deal. She is kind, compassionate, hard-working and she always models good choices for her peers.”

Ava read a book to the school board that she wrote and illustrated: “My name is Ava Passante and I am five years old. I like to play with my family and friends. I’m in Miss Appler’s class in Marlboro Elementary School. Recess is my favorite. I can play on the swings. I like to read and write in the classroom. STEM Lab is fun too. School is the best. Here is my class on the one hundredth day.”

Appler knows Ava will continue being a leader as she continues on her educational journey.

School Board President Michael Connors took a moment to congratulate all the Students of the Month for their outstanding achievements.