Waterford's Elementary School Students of the Year

Monday, three Waterford students - one from each of the town's three elementary schools - were named students of the year by the Waterford Rotary. 

Fifth-grade students with leadership qualities who do community service were selected, according to Anne Ogden, the Rotary Club's secretary. For each student, the principal of the school gave a speech about them and then they were handed a certificate.

The three students selected this year were Gage Henry of Great Neck Elementary School, Brooke Brackett of Oswegatchie Elementary School and Sonia Magano of Quaker Hill Elementary School. Below is why the principal chose the particular student.

Brooke Brackett

Brooke volunteers as a kindergarten playground helper daily and serves as a mentor to a first-grade student, Oswegatchie Principal Nancy Macione said. She also organized a pony-tail drive this year to raise money for the American Cancer Society, Macione said.

This year alone, she baked cookies and sold them to teachers, giving the money to breast cancer research, she handed out trick-or-treating safety sheets around Halloween time to ensure her classmates would be safe and was recently named the master of ceremonies for the Oswegatchie Talent Show, according to Macione. Next month, she is organizing a jump rope event to raise money for the American Heart Association, Macione said.

"She is kind, generous with her time and her own money, and is always looking for ways to help others," Macione said. "She is most deserving of this rotary award today. Congratulations Brooke Brackett."

Sonia Magano

Since she was in kindergarten, Sonia has served as a sight guide for a fellow student, Quaker Hill Principal Glenda Dexter said. She has embraced the role, even learning some Braille, and might even make it a career choice, Dexter said.

She also volunteers her time to clean the Quaker Hill Green and helps organize the holiday singing events at the green with her family, Dexter said. Overall, she is a role model for all students who attend Quaker Hill Elementary School, Dexter said.

"You are the whole package, the kind of person we all strive to be," Dexter said. "And it's because you are who you are that I am so proud to be here with you and your family today, as you are honored as our rotary student of the year."

Gage Murphy

Every morning, Gage runs the morning announcements for Great Neck Elementary School, Great Neck Principal Pat Fedor said. He is particularly good at making new students feel comfortable about doing the announcements, if they are nervous, Fedor said.

This year, Gage has served as a peer mentor to a student with severe challenges, Fedor said. Now, the student can participate in physical education classes, thanks to Gage's mentoring, Fedor said.

"Gage, you defied your limits and this year alone you have given back to your school more than 300 hours of volunteer time," Fedor said. "So keep defying those limits."