By Mark Reynolds
High School
Bryn Ercolani was named the Marlboro High School Student of the Month for March.
Principal Ryan Lawler described Ercolani as, “an outstanding student with an incredible work ethic. We’re very proud of her.” Teacher Katelin Brady was unable to attend the meeting but her comments about Ercolani were read by fellow teacher Valerie Bardunias.
Brady chose a quote by author Dr. Travis Bradberry, saying that it aptly describes Bryn Ercolani.
“Grit is that extra something that separates the most successful people from the rest. It is the passion, perseverance and stamina that we must channel in order to stay with our dreams until they become a reality,” Bradberry wrote.
Brady said Bryn is an “amazing” student.
“She is able to balance her extra-curricular activities and sports, all while maintaining her grade point average. She has a passion for learning; she perseveres when she’s faced with a challenging task and she has the stamina to follow through on all of her assignments,” Brady wrote.
Brady also solicited comments from Ercolani’s other teachers who described her as “hard-working, dedicated, mature, self-motivated, responsible, and a pleasure to work with.” Brady said Ercolani was their natural choice for Student of the Month, “because she has been an amazing student and it has been a pleasure working with her for two years. Congratulations to Bryn and her family for raising such a wonderful daughter and hard-working student.”
Elementary School
Noah Ernst was named the Marlboro Elementary School Student of the Month for March.
Principal Patricia Walsh introduced Ernst, saying she saw him perform recently at the Ulster County Music Festival.
“He was just so talented in the band; he is a multi-talented musician,” Walsh said.
Music teacher Rony Cheron said Dr. Jason Orsen could not attend the board meeting because he was conducting the band for the High School musical. Cheron said his comments were from both of them.
Cheron said Ernst is accomplished as a pianist, dancer, tubist and a vocalist and was one of three Marlboro students to perform at the All-County Band Festival and one of eight who participated in the All-County Chorus Festival. He said to be selected for these prestigious organizations, “is an honor and quite an accomplishment.”
“Noah is a kind, helpful, smart and very talented,” Cheron said. “He works very hard and it shows in his accomplishments. He is a leader in fifth grade and is an encouragement for his peers. We always see Noah with a smile on his face and surrounded by his friends. We will always watch with great pride as he excels through his school years. We know that this is just the beginning of his success and we wish him the very best. Congratulations, Noah.”
Middle School
Zachary Moran was named the Marlboro Middle School Student of the Month for March. Music instrumental teacher Lillian Fu and vocal teacher Stephanie Corbett were unable to attend but provided a singing video to describe Moran. They chose the melody from “Don’t Stop Believing’” by Journey and provided their own lyrics:
“Just a simple boy going to the Middle School
Showing everybody how to be everyday
Just a friendly face working hard to make his place
positive and a musical space for everyone
So don’t stop believing, Zach as the student of the month
Don’t stop believin, we’re so proud of you
Don’t stop believin, he’s got the musical feelin
Don’t stop believin you are cool
Don’t stop"
Lillian Fu said, “Zach is an outstanding student in music and at MMS. He is an active part of the school community and a hard worker. He is often a TV studio morning announcer, greeting the school with his positive attitude and important daily information.”
Stephanie Corbett said, “in class Zach always contributes to the musical ensemble. He is a leader among his band and chorus classmates. Zach is a talented young man who sings, plays the Piano and the French Horn. Ms. Fu and I always see him giving 110% to doing his best. Zach also takes piano lessons out side of school and additionally Zach is a member of the select chorus, jazz band, drama club, FCCLA and the track team.
Fu noted that Moran is an honor student, “who is also taking honors math and science. He represents the community well and is an exemplary example of a hard working student. We are so proud of him and we want to congratulate him for being the student of the month.”
Superintendent Michael Brooks said it is an honor to single students out for their achievements.
“It’s always nice to honor children at the board meetings. We have such great kids that wander our halls every day,” he said. “It’s such a wonderful time that we bring families out to celebrate some great things about them.”
Brooks loves to acknowledge and applaud the accomplishments of the students each month.
“It’s just such a nice night to celebrate them in a formal way,” he said.
Brooks predicts that in future years the Students of the Month will look back with fond memories upon the night they were nominated.
“Those go in the memory box and they also go on their resumes too; they go out there as Students of the Month with a board certificate,” he said.