Congratulations to the September Mountaineers of the Month who demonstrated the virtue of charity!
Veronica Saez
“I would like to nominate Veronica Saez for Mountaineer of the Month for the virtue of charity. Veronica exemplified the virtue of charity all month. Veronica is generous and has already done many nice things to help her new classmates in junior kindergarten. She is genuinely concerned for the needs of her friends and always makes a point to congratulate her friends on their accomplishments.” -Mrs. Reichert, Junior Kindergarten Teacher
Audrey Denver
“Audrey has been charitable each and every day. She carries things for her friends if they are struggling, she helps her classmates who are confused with their work, and she tidies the room without being asked. Not only does she do all of this willingly, but she does so with joy.” -Mrs. Spieldenner, Kindergarten Teacher
Clara Golling
“I would like to nominate Clara Golling for the virtue of charity. Clara is a great listener when her teacher is talking. She is kind and can recognize when a classmate needs help.” -Mrs. McGrath, Kindergarten Teacher
Elizabeth Taykowski
“I would like to recognize Elizabeth Taykowski for the virtue of charity. She shows charity to her classmates by helping them organize their belongings. She will even share some of her supplies with her friends. You can hear Elizabeth being kind to others by saying nice compliments to them. I love how Elizabeth will include others during recess or “free choice”. It is an honor to nominate Elizabeth for this virtue.” -Mrs. Mick, First-Grade Teacher
Lila Burchard
“Lila demonstrated the virtue of charity when she cleaned up a mess the class made on the floor, under the pencil sharpener. Lila took it upon herself, without being asked, to clean up the pencil shavings. Lila showed charity towards her classmates and teacher when she tended to this need.” -Mrs. McGrath, Second-Grade Teacher
Zélie Ponce
“Zélie is a wonderful example of charity. Each week, we focus on how we can show charity to our classmates by taking turns, listening to each other, and including others in our play. Zélie puts others first and is the first to offer help to anyone who needs it. She is kind and understanding. Way to go, Zélie!” -Miss Wildrick, Second-Grade Teacher
Luke Taykowski
“Luke is charitable each day when he offers to help other students with their lockers. He has even helped our new student get organized with all their materials. Luke is always offering help to those in need without seeking anything in return.” -Mrs. Walker, Third-Grade Teacher
Ethan Lundberg and Matthew Bingham
“Father Firestone, the pastor of St. John Vianney Catholic Church, repeatedly asks, “Do you know why I encourage students to do their homework? So that they can grow in their knowledge and be better able to serve others.” He understands that as we grow in our knowledge and faith, we are better equipped to serve others.
The virtue for the month of September is charity. This virtue always reminds me of Father Firestone’s words. As students grow in their knowledge of the world, of others, and of Christ, they are better able to serve others. When discussing the virtue of charity, service is not far behind. Students reported that charitable actions could include: donating to the poor, giving your time to help a friend with their school work, sharing with others, seeking out others who may feel left out, and supporting one another.
Like Father Firestone, the fourth-grade students understand that as they grow in knowledge, they are better equipped to be generous by giving to those who are suffering or who are in need. Matthew Bingham and Ethan Lundberg are two students in the fourth grade who embody the virtue of charity. Whether it’s lending a school supply, lending a supportive ear, volunteering their time to help, or just being a supportive friend, both Matthew and Ethan see the needs of others in the classroom and act. This is why it is with honor that I nominate Matthew Bingham and Ethan Lundberg as September’s Mountaineers of the Month.” -Mrs. Motyka, Fourth-Grade Teacher
Isabella Mick
“Bella Mick frequently demonstrates the virtue of charity as she offers to help others often and happily volunteers any time a task needs to be done.” -Mr. Sapienza, Fifth-Grade Teacher
