Citizenship Award Honorees Announced
In June, the Webster Retired Educators Association (WREA) continued its tradition of honoring outstanding fifth grade students with the annual WREA Citizenship Award. This prestigious award recognizes a student from each elementary school who consistently embodies the core values of service, scholarship, leadership, and sportsmanship within their school and community.To be selected for this esteemed award, students must demonstrate active participation in both school and community initiatives, consistently apply their best abilities across all academic subjects, exhibit strong leadership qualities in various school activities, and treat their peers with fairness, respect, generosity, and courtesy. These deserving students truly represent the future leaders and compassionate citizens of the Webster community.
Webster CSD is proud to announce the 23rd annual WREA Citizenship Award recipients: Eliza W. for DeWitt Road Elementary School, Emma T. for Klem Road North Elementary School, Josie D. for Klem Road South Elementary School, Camden E. for Plank Road North Elementary School, Austin Z. for Plank Road South Elementary School, Scarlett H. for Schlegel Road Elementary School, Will L. and Scarlette K., both for State Road Elementary School.
Eliza W., DeWitt’s honoree, consistently gives back to her school and community. She volunteers without being asked and helps classmates who are struggling. Whether in safety patrol, orchestra, chorus, Pirates! 2, The Hidden Treasure Musical, Ridge Runners, or lacrosse, she leads by example. This is particularly true in the classroom where she ensures everyone’s voice is heard and treats each person and idea with respect. Eliza cheers on others' successes while her quiet integrity motivates those around her to be their best selves. She has a genuine love of learning and a commitment to academic responsibility, hard work, thoughtful participation, and helping others succeed. Eliza also volunteers at her local church, where she sings and leads younger children. She understands that a strong community is built by people who care for one another. She recognizes sportsmanship by handling both victory and defeat with grace and is a kind, considerate teammate who celebrates the success of others and offers encouragement amid adversity.
Klem North’s honoree, Emma T., enjoys participating and learning. She approaches each activity with perseverance and dedication, enjoys working as a reading buddy with second graders, volunteers as an anchor on the Klem North Morning Show, and is a dedicated member of the Klem North Band. She gave additional time to her instrument to prepare and perform in the NYSSMA solo fest. Emma has also eagerly participated in additional school activities such as chorus, Ridge Runners, and Jewelry Club. When not in school, she is involved in a variety of activities such as basketball leagues, the CURE/Childhood Cancer Association, and her church’s children's group where she participates in events that give back to the community. When not busy with all of this, Emma loves the Bills, tacos, reading, and spending time with family. Her kind heart, positive attitude, and amazing work ethic make her the true definition of a Klem North Star.
Josie D., Klem South’s honoree, demonstrates sportsmanship through morning meetings, daily recess, class activities, and basketball. She also participated in the Klem South play, chorus, and band, playing clarinet at solo fest, earning her a spot in the all-county band. Josie has shown scholarship by performing her best in every task, advocating for herself and others, and setting and achieving goals. She takes pride in her academic work and accepts challenges. One of her biggest academic accomplishments this year was completing an enrichment project: writing a chapter book with peers. This required brainstorming, planning, writing, editing, illustrating, and publishing their work while working cooperatively. Josie serves her school and community by helping classmates and teachers, being a kindergarten safety, and working with younger English language learners. Outside of school, she volunteers at Rescued Treasures Pet Adoptions and is an active member of the Webster Presbyterian Church. Josie is a positive role model, stepping up when needed, persevering through challenges, and being inclusive and respectful to all.
Plank North honoree Camden E. is a model student who consistently demonstrates kindness and helpfulness to his peers, staff, and teachers. He displays essential skills, actively engages in his learning, and is dependable, courteous, and considerate to all. Whether offering help to a friend or assisting a teacher, Camden's positivity shines through with a smile and a kind word. He helps classmates and praises their efforts, leading by example with a gentle, quiet nature that makes everyone feel comfortable. Camden is respectful to classmates, who know they can count on him in any situation. A quiet leader, he is also dedicated to his learning, tackling challenges head-on, pushing himself to deepen his understanding, and serving as a positive role model. Camden's commitment extends beyond the classroom as a valuable member of the fifth grade orchestra, chorus, Battle of the Books, Math Olympiad, and School Safety. Outside of school, he enjoys Ridge Runners, soccer, and basketball.
Austin Z., Plank South’s honoree, consistently works at a high level, participates in class discussions, pushes his academic thinking, and honors mistakes and feedback. He treats classmates with fairness, respect, generosity, and courtesy and enjoys working with anyone in class, especially those who need a little extra support. Austin goes above and beyond to give compliments and encouragement to others. He demonstrates leadership in Ridge Runners, Student Council, and classroom activities. When anyone makes a mistake, he provides encouragement and focuses on positivity, making an impact on his classroom. Austin participates in band, safety scouts, the Plank South Post Office, and the Morning Show. Outside of school, he has been involved in the WTA Breast Cancer Walk and the First Responders 5K. Austin collects bottles and cans to use the proceeds to buy goods that he donates to local food cupboards. He also visits a local nursing home where he plays the piano for the residents and plays checkers, does crafts, and chats with them.
Schlegel’s honoree, Scarlett H., consistently embodies CARE (cooperation, accountability, respect, and excellence), achieving high standards through hard work and dedication. She leads by example, effectively collaborating and communicating, always ready to support peers’ learning. Her respectful, kind, and compassionate demeanor, coupled with her enthusiasm, positively influences those around her. Scarlett ensures that everyone feels included and valued, consistently seeking growth opportunities. Her diligence, positive energy, and sense of humor are inspiring. She’s active in school, helping in the preK classes while also participating in chorus, band, intramurals, and courtyard ambassadors where she strives to make Schlegel’s outdoor learning space a better environment. Scarlett is also been an active in Lego Club, Ridge Runners, and Math Olympiad. Outside of school, she takes piano lessons, is a Girl Scout, plays volleyball and basketball, and enjoys spending time with her family.
Will L. and Scarlette K. share the State Road honor. Will exemplifies CARE with his insatiable thirst for knowledge and unwavering motivation. He fully engages in every lesson, eagerly sharing ideas, asking insightful questions, and volunteering for challenges. If he finishes early, he seeks out or even creates his own advanced work, demonstrating a remarkable drive for learning. He even completed his ST Math homework through his seventh grade journey, showcasing his dedication. Will is never boastful, often using his academic strengths to help classmates without judgment. His kindness and inclusivity are frequently noted by peers, as he consistently strives to be a true friend. His commitment extends to his extracurriculars, where he was a dedicated Battle of the Books captain, spending recesses reading to support his team. He balanced fierce competition with respect and grace, even in victory. Will further enriches his school community by participating in band, chorus, drama, Ridge Runners, hosting the Morning Show, acting as a safety patrol, and serving as a flag bearer.
When Scarlette first arrived at State Road, she was reserved, yet her inherent kindness and embodiment of CARE were immediately evident. While she still enjoys quiet moments — reading about animals, crafting cards, or crocheting — she's now a highly engaged and thoughtful participant in class discussions, always offering insightful contributions and asking questions that benefit everyone. Scarlette is an active member of the State Road community, serving as a safety patrol, flag bearer, and chorus member. At recess, she ensures everyone feels included, consistently demonstrating kindness and standing up against injustice. She has a remarkable impact on how others perceive themselves, always giving her best and prioritizing the well-being of those around her. Compassionate, dependable, and full of integrity, Scarlette consistently goes out of her way to make others feel they belong. Her selflessness and positive, grateful attitude make a meaningful difference in the lives of many.
Thank you to the Citizenship Award Committee for helping us to recognize these outstanding students. Committee members include: WREA representatives Kathy Foster, Barbara Kammer, Dina Dugan, Heidi Zastowny, Al Heary, Stephanie Jones, and Diane Weisskopf, and educator representatives Trish Forgensi, Akira Stata, Jeanne Nourse, Kayleigh Sciarratta, Mark Schichtel, Katrina Servati, and Ann Merkey.
