You are the Light is a recognition program in the Allentown School District that celebrates staff and students. Each month, the district nominates and selects staff and students in three categories -- trendsetters, quiet heroes/heroines, and community catalysts. The district randomly selects some of the honorees each month to be featured on LehighValleyNews.com. Here are those selected for October and November:
November
Sari Winston, Hays Elementary School
Ms. Winston is the behavior specialist at Hays Elementary School, working with students in kindergarten through fifth grade. She was selected as a Quiet Hero, meaning she is someone who continues to nurture those within their schools and departments. Ms. Winston develops successful partnerships and outreach to parents, businesses, or neighborhoods; provides community services or service-learning projects; displays outstanding responsiveness, customer service, or customer satisfaction.
Her students describe her as graceful, kind and AMAZING! Ms. Winston always has a smile on her face and her demeanor serves as a beautiful example of how we all should strive to be. Despite a sometimes hectic environment Ms. Winston never waivers, and remains graceful.
Odette Moreno, Mosser Elementary School
Odette Moreno is a fifth-grade student at Mosser Elementary School and was also selected as a Quiet Heroine. Student Quiet Heroes contribute to the culture and climate of their school/community by supporting other students, staff, families as a role model of active kindness, cooperation, and teamwork. Odette is always prepared for class, focused and ready to work. She helps others around her if they need assistance and always includes others or joins with others at recess to try new things. She is also dedicated to keeping her school community safe as a part of safety patrol. She is always willing to help students in class who need help. She is an excellent role model.
Her teachers describe Odette as a hard worker who will ask for help when needed, but will try her best at everything she does first. She is an excellent reader and writer, and works very hard at her math skills and is a determined young lady. She is an excellent student in every sense of the word.
October
Shameka Gatling, Raub Middle School
Shameka Gatling is a school safety officer at Raub Middle School and was nominated by multiple people within her school community as a Quiet Heroine. Ms. Gatling uses her role as a safety officer to build relationships with students in the building, and works to improve the overall climate and culture of the school. She is a strong leader of the school safety team, and a knowledgeable resource for teachers, counselors, parents, students, and administrators.
Her colleagues describe her as dedicated, dependable and someone who is supportive of student success by keeping them safe.
Adbigail Martinez, Jackson Early Childhood Center
Adbigail Martinez is a kindergarten student at the Jackson Early Childhood Center. Student Quiet Heroes contribute to the culture and climate of their school/community by supporting other students, staff, families as a role model of active kindness, cooperation, and teamwork.
Adbigail helps her other kindergarten classmates by setting an example of good behavior and academic success each day in her classroom. Her teachers describe her as a rule follower and a student to emulate. Even though the school year had only just begun when she was honored, she already knows her letters and letter sounds!
Dan Bosket, Alumni Recognition
Dan Bosket is a valued member of our school district community. He is the director of Community Action Lehigh Valley in Allentown. He is also the ice president of the Allentown Chapter of the NAACP. Mr. Bosket manages community development initiatives, nurtures relationships with community partners and funders and elevates the voices of Allentown residents.
He is most proud of giving residents “a seat at the table,” equipping them with the skills, confidence and motivation needed for them to become advocates for improving their neighborhoods. He is a proud graduate of Dieruff High School and regularly provides support and resources to benefit Allentown School District students and staff.
Mr. Bosket’s unwavering commitment to excellence, both in academics and community service, shines brightly, making him a beacon of inspiration for all. He is a model of the type of ASD product we strive to create in our students. Our recognition for him through this program is a small token of our appreciation for him.