Elementary School

Meghan Febbie, Director of Special Education, recognized Chase Richardson as the Marlboro Elementary School Student of the Month for March.

Teacher Sarah Casella has been providing Chase with home-based services for the last five years, saying, “I have the honor of introducing you to one of Marlborough’s most incredible students.” She noted that Chase is seen in his home with family, nurses and providers throughout the day.

“To know Chase is to know joy. He is determined, hard-working and the strongest boy I know,” she said. “He is a fighter, patient and simply put, Chase is pure happiness.”

Casella said that while Chase does not speak, “his eyes speak volumes and he works hard each day to communicate with his eyes. His smile can cure the most broken of hearts and I can assure you that I’ve shed more than a few tears watching Chase work so hard to complete any task that is asked of him.”

Casella said Chase loves his family, the bells that indicate she is coming into the living room, music and especially the sound of chirping of birds. Upon finding this out his parents filled his room with stuffed birds, a bird clock, bird books and feeders. She believes that Chase, “may be teaching us to slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.”

Casella shared a few comments from Chase’s Occupational therapists. One started working with Chase in 2014 when he was just six months old and had just come home from the hospital, noting that “Chase is a very special boy whose infectious smile will light up the room...and in the face of adversity he has shown us that he will overcome it with a will and determination that few others possess. Even though he doesn’t use words, Chase constantly demonstrates his love for his family. He is a shining star whose positivity has touched everyone’s life who’s had the great fortune of knowing him.”

Casella concluded by saying that, “Team Chase is one of the most special communities to be a part of and to celebrate Chase tonight with the Marlborough community is the perfect way to recognize this incredible little boy.”
Middle School

Sixth grader Kara Morehead was named the Marlboro Middle School Student of the Month for March. Assistant Principal Demian Stanmyer described Kara simply as a “beacon of bright light.”

Teacher Nicole Kitson said Kara, “was an easy and deserving choice for this honor. In English Language Arts [ELA] class Mr. [Gary] Trapani has observed many traits that qualify Kara to receive this honor. In ELA she has an incredible voice in her writing and always includes her sense of humor. In Science she always is focused and pays attention and in Social Studies Mrs. [Nicole] Wurster says she adds wit and comedy to her assignments that bring the content to life. In Math she carries the class with her participation and energy and she always perseveres through challenging problems.”

Kitson described Kara as, “more than a wonderful student [but] she’s a wonderful student to be around. She has meaningful conversations with both students and adults and her teachers never have to worry about her because Kara always makes the right decision. She demonstrates leadership qualities both in and out of the classroom. Kara, we are all very proud of you and cannot wait to see what the future holds for you. Congratulations.”

High School

Noah Gecht was named the Marlboro High School Student of the Month for March. Principal Ryan Lawler said Noah is in his senior year and has, “a lot of 100s on his report card and transcript and he is looking to go into Business Analytics after high school.”

Spanish teacher Tamara Natoli said choosing this month’s student was a challenge since, “I have twenty very motivated students in my College Spanish 202 class, but when it came to picking just one student from that group, Noah has always stood out and has always put his best effort into everything that he did.”

Natoli described Noah’s original writing and speaking as “creative and witty.” He would partner with anyone, “and would be so helpful when working with struggling students; it was like having another adult in the room.”

Natoli said Noah is earning so many college credits this year that he may start college as a sophomore.

“He is naturally smart but is not arrogant about it in any way. I believe he is number 1 in the class, but he does not come across as competitive or boastful most of the time,” she said. “He always raises his hand to answer any question in class and when he asks a question he always does so in Spanish and it’s great to see that he does that.”

Natoli said Noah is a member of the Spanish Honors Society and regularly goes to the Middle School to help 8th graders who are struggling. Natoli pointed out that he does so, “with a patience and understanding that is wise beyond his years.”

Natoli said that whatever career Noah chooses, “I hope he knows how much he is appreciated. Noah, it has been a pleasure and I can’t believe you have never been Student of the Month before.”
School Board President Michael Connors had the last word.

“Congratulations to all of our Students of the Month; you, the teachers and administrators, you’ve all made us so very proud,” he said.