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MSHS Student of the Semester
Each semester, one student is selected to represent their grade level from MSHS.
Students are selected based on good citizenship and going above and beyond in the classroom. Students are nominated by teachers and staff. 1st Semester
Andrew Robinson -Freshman
Student’s ambition(s) or dream(s): I don’t know exactly what I want to do, but it will probably be something with computers. Additional Comments: (Joking) Just don’t be bad. (More Serious) Be the best you can possible be. Parents’ comment(s) or quote: Andrew is a great kid. He makes it easy to be a parent. He is kind and genuinely cares about others. On a lighter note he has a sarcastic sense of humor which makes him fun to be around. Teacher comments: From day one in August, Andrew has struck the perfect balance between his considerable giftedness and being a down-to-earth, approachable classmate. In fact, Andrew is also highly valued by his classmates because he’s genuinely eager to help others, excited to see them make the same discoveries he’s made, and they can sense that. To me, that speaks volumes. 
Abby Loven - Sophomore
Student’s ambition(s) or dream(s): My dream is to find a career where I can both work with animals as well as have a role in the business world. Additional Comments: I’ve really enjoyed the opportunities that I’ve been given at MSHS. Parents’ comment(s) or quote: Abby is self-motivated and always willing to work hard to accomplish her goals. She’s able to keep a healthy balance between school work and the extracurricular that she loves. We are so proud of the bright, caring, young woman she has become. Teacher comments: It didn’t take long for Abby to acclimate to the honors pathway. And that’s because of what she brings into our class each morning: heartwarming perseverance, attention to detail, and an energy and smile which are contagious. All great stuff, but the #1 reason I nominated Abby is her curiosity; she loves to discover and make sense of things, and her curiosity compels Abby to selflessly ask questions which helps her classmates every day. 
Shaelin Ruzich - Junior
Student’s ambition(s) or dream(s): I want to go to a university that will challenge me academically. Also, I hope to run and pole-vault as a collegiate athlete. Additional Comments: I am so honored and appreciative to have been nominated this award and I want to say thank you. Albert Einstein once said, “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” I chose to put this in here because this quote has so much truth to it and I hope it motivates other students like it does for me. Parents’ comment(s) or quote: We are extremely proud of Shaelin and the effort she puts into school, the community, and extracurricular activities. We are thankful for the teachers’ support and school recognition. Teacher comments: In 22 years of teaching, I can’t remember a student who has grown more in one semester than Shaelin Ruzich. Moving to a new school midway through your high school career is difficult enough, but jumping into the honors math pathway makes it even more daunting. She is so tough-minded, courageous and inspiring to all of us. 
Jillian Jordan - Senior
Student’s ambition(s) or dream(s): I am going to Butler University in the fall for Pharmacy / Health Sciences. Additional Comment: I would like to thank my teachers for this nomination. It’s quite an honor. Parents’ comment(s) or quote: I’m so proud of Jillian! She works hard in school and in all of her extra-curricular activities. It has been so fun to watch her grow over the years. Teacher comments: Jillian is one of the strongest leaders in our choral department. Her mature approach to the rehearsal process is greatly appreciated. She’s talented and dependable in Madrigals, and I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to teach students like her! |
Luke Busch H.E.A.R.T. Award
Luke Busch was a student at Mahomet-Seymour Junior High when he was diagnosed with a terminal illness. The Busch family established the Luke Busch H.E.A.R.T. Award in his memory.
Students are selected based on: Helpfulness, Effort, Acceptance, Respect and Tolerance The award is given quarterly to one student in each grade level at MSJH. Students are nominated by their teachers and staff. 2020-2021
3rd Quarter 6th Grade – Taylor Mills, Daughter of Tecia and Nathan Mills Nominating teacher: Mrs. Nicole Kelly, Art I nominated Taylor for the Luke Busch Heart Award because she is a role model in the hybrid art classroom. Throughout the school year, I have personally witnessed Taylor demonstrate her ability to be helpful when her peers have questions, show effort in the work that she creates, accept feedback in order to improve her work, and model respect in the comments and actions that she takes both inside and outside of the classroom. This school year has been a challenge for many students and Taylor has exceeded the expectations placed on students in a hybrid learning environment. What are your ambitions or future dreams? Taylor hopes to become a dentist someday and help others out as she continues to grow. She wants to continue to be active in school and sporting activities throughout all of her school years; she is looking forward to this track season and spending time with friends and family. Please share a comment(s) about your student or a favorite quote. We are incredibly proud of Taylor; we are thrilled with how she has really matured this last year and taken all of the new COVID restrictions in life and school with stride. She has been a role model for her siblings and has taken on a lot of extra responsibility in having to deal with the new forms of school. We are forever thankful for Taylor and her continued smiles and bright outlook on life; she is loving, kind, helpful and is becoming a wonderful, mature, young lady with a bright future ahead. We are so thankful she was nominated for this award and couldn’t be prouder of our girl as she grows. 7th Grade – Camryn Nelson, daughter of Stephanie and Darrin Nelson Nominating teacher: Mrs. Laura Collins, Physical Education and Health Camryn was the perfect candidate for this award because she is quick to help, listen and show respect to both peers and teachers, and is always inclusive of others. Everyday Camryn shows up and gives her best self to her schoolwork, her peers, and her teachers. She has a radiant joy that spreads to all who come in contact with her. What are your ambitions or future dreams? I would like to run a shelter for stray animals. Please share a comment(s) about your student or a favorite quote. Camryn has such a big heart for animals. She has never met an animal she hasn’t wanted to bring home. She loves all animals and would gladly take them all in. 8th Grade –Abby Kieffer, daughter of Patricia and Jeffrey Kieffer Nominating Teacher: Mrs. Amy Higgins, 8th Grade ELA Abby truly exemplifies the qualities of the Luke Busch Heart Award: Helpfulness, Effort, Acceptance, Respect and Tolerance. She is always willing to lend a helping hand to those around her, she gives her best effort in all of her work, and she treats others with kindness and respect. She helps create a welcoming atmosphere in the classroom, and I’m so happy I’ve had the chance to teach her this year. What are your ambitions or future dreams? I would like to be a nurse or go into the healthcare field. Please share a comment(s) about your student or a favorite quote. Abby is a wonderful young lady. She is responsible, a hard worker and always willing to help out in times of need. She has a big heart and a lot of sass, which is why we love her so much. We are so very proud of her! Congratulations, Abby! 2nd Quarter 6th Grade – Kaylee Guth Parents: Jonathan and Kathy Guth Nominating teacher: Mrs. Priscilla Hart Kaylee is an exceptional young lady with a humble heart and a servant attitude. She is consistently respectful to both peers and staff, takes initiative in all things, and finds ways to encourage those around her. We are so grateful for her kindness, gentleness, and hard work. Kaylee: What are your ambitions or future dreams? I want to be a Christian musician, and spread God’s word through music. I’ve been inspired by Christian music all my life, and I now know that is what I want to do. Right now I play the piano and French horn, and I want to play the guitar. And I want to use those skills. I have to play those instruments in songs and/or in a band. Also I’m not nice because I expect an award but I’m nice from experience. I have gone through a lot of things that have changed me that I don’t want anyone else to go through. So my goal every day is to make people feel accepted and like they have a purpose. But I do appreciate the award. Parents: Please share a comment(s) about your student or a favorite quote. Kaylee has a heart for others and it does not surprise us that others see that in her. She is always looking for ways to be like Christ to others in everything she does. She tries to always look at the positive side of things and encourages others to as well. She is wise beyond her years! 7th Grade – Audra Bell Parents: John and Jody Bell Nominating teacher: Mrs. Stacey Buzicky Audra is a wonderful young lady who is a true joy to be around and have in class. She is a hard working, responsible and dedicated student. Audra is kind hearted, caring and thoughtful towards others. She exemplifies the traits of the Luke Busch Heart Award because she is a leader to her peers, helpful to her teachers, accepting of everyone, respectful and always sets a good example. Audra: What are your ambitions or future dreams? I want to be a lawyer that specializes in civil and political rights. Parents: Please share a comment(s) about your student or a favorite quote. Audra sounds like Luke in so many ways. On the farmette where we lived in northwestern Illinois, she loved riding our horses, naming our cows and calves, playing with her two younger brothers, our dog and cats and roaming the pastures and fields that surrounded our home. She loves musical theater and is active in the Champaign Park District youth theater program and MSJHS Drama Club. She is active in our church and lives out her beliefs. Her Kindergarten teacher in NW IL once described her as being like Snow White: she skipped happily everywhere she went and was a friend to everyone. We have heard stories from teachers through the years of her finishing her own work and then helping others unprompted, befriending new kids or those who seemed left out, and quickly coming to the aid of those needing help or support. We are deeply honored to have Audra recognized in a way that honors Luke’s legacy. 8th Grade – Kira Smith Parent(s): Kimberly Smith Nominating teacher: Mrs. Sarah Smith and Mrs. Nicole Hill Kira is an absolute joy to have in class and we are lucky to have her as a student at MSJH. She is kind hearted, hardworking, determined and considerate to all of those around her. Kira is very soft spoken and does not do the right thing for recognition, she just does it because that is the type of girl she is. She is always willing to step up to help out her peers and teachers in any way possible. Kira: What are your ambitions or future dreams? I want to be an Occupational Therapist. Parents: Please share a comment(s) about your student or a favorite quote. Kira has a heart of gold and a mind with patience! Kira is full of faith and love. 1st Quarter Student Name: Megan Smith, 6th Grade Parents: Mike and Kayla Smith Nominating Teacher: Miranda Crawford Megan: What are your ambitions or future dreams? To be frank, I don’t know what I want to do when I grow older. But, I do have many interests. Some of my interests include the speech team, playing French horn, and spending time with my friends, family and teachers. Hopefully I will know what I want to do when I’m older. Parents: Please share a comment about your student and why you feel they represent the criteria of the Luke Busch Heart Award. As Megan’s parents, we are so proud of the young lady she is becoming. She is a hard worker and caring friend. Megan loves to read and is always up for a new adventure. We are excited to see what her future holds! Mrs. Crawford: I nominated Megan because she is an extremely conscientious student who is helpful and kind to all her fellow classmates and teachers. She has a positive attitude that is simply amazing and a huge smile each day! Student Name: Levi Avery, 7th Grade Parents: Andrea Bennett and Chad Avery Nominating Teacher: Heather Johnson Levi: What are your ambitions or future dreams? I try to aim for high grades and success, I want to help children in the future, and I want to stay in music, possibly putting it into my future career. Parents: Please share a comment about your student and why you feel they represent the criteria of the Luke Busch Heart Award. Levi is an extremely motivated individual, who works hard and sets high standards for himself as he strives to achieve his goals. He cares deeply about others and has worked on numerous committees and projects for the betterment of our school and local communities. Levi makes us proud with all that he accomplishes and how he shows love to everyone he meets. Mrs. Johnson: I nominated Levi because he exemplifies each of the qualities of the award. Levi is a bulldog buddy for our COMPASS program and demonstrates such acceptance and kindness for our students with disabilities. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is entirely optional for bulldog buddies to attend classroom group times and assist this year. He is attentive to our group and responsible, being early every week on his remote days with his fellow buddies. Levi demonstrates the maturity and diversity acceptance of someone much older. He is also a fast learner, picking up on ways to encourage and assist the COMPASS students just with teacher modeling. Levi is honest and charming with our students. He has made one student laugh, be engaged, and want to participate in a social group-something that students’ teachers haven’t seen for the past three years. I can’t imagine a student being a better representation of great character than Levi Avery. Student Name: Rio Casillas, 8th Grade Parents: Dan and Kris Casillas Nominating Teacher: Jonathan Ramirez Rio: What are your ambitions or future dreams? After high school, I would like to go to college and have a successful career. I want to play softball after high school, and hope to live happily in whatever I do. Parents: Please share a comment about your student and why you feel they represent the criteria of the Luke Busch Heart Award. We feel Rio represents the Luke Busch Heart Award because we have always heard from teachers how willing she is to help out her teacher or peers in the classroom. Rio has always been a driven child/student who loves to read and understand concepts/topics. Rio also likes to solve problems and set-up technology at home. She is always willing to help out with friends, family or others. Lastly, Rio is a loving and caring person. She loves her family, friends, and cares deeply for animals and people in her life. Mr. Ramirez: Rio brings a positive influence wherever she goes. She has a wonderful, kind personality and everyone seems to be comfortable with her. She makes me, and others, smile. She is pleasant and kind, willing to ask for help, and willing to help others. She is a hard-working and friendly student and a pleasure to have in class. |
