WREA Honors Fifth Graders with Citizenship Awards

The Webster Central School District congratulates this year’s recipients of the 24th Annual Webster Retired Educators Association (WREA) Citizenship Award: Colin S. of DeWitt Road Elementary School, David C. of Klem Road North Elementary School, Carter C. of Klem Road South Elementary School, Raelyn L. of Plank Road North Elementary School, Ethan C. of Plank Road South Elementary School, Kamryn F. of Schlegel Road Elementary School, and Zoe L. of State Road Elementary School.

Each year, the WREA recognizes one fifth grader from each Webster elementary school for outstanding service, scholarship, leadership, and sportsmanship. These students are selected because they are consistently reliable, courteous, polite, respected, respectful, trustworthy, responsible, kind, and considerate of others.

Colin, DeWitt Road Elementary School’s honoree, is known for making learning fun while leading with kindness, curiosity, and enthusiasm. Teachers describe him as joyful, thoughtful, and a student who exemplifies the school's CARE values of Cooperation, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. Colin excels academically, seeks out challenges, and welcomes feedback to improve. He is a supportive classmate who serves as a safety patrol member, CARE leader, kindergarten bus buddy, band member, and intramurals participant. He also volunteers to assist younger students and classmates, and his welcoming nature on the playground ensures everyone feels included. Whether cheering on teammates or inviting new students into a game, Colin is a friend to all.

David, Klem Road North Elementary School’s honoree, is recognized for his humility, perseverance, and dedication both in school and in the community. He approaches every learning opportunity with integrity and enthusiasm while serving as a Morning Show anchor, bus sign holder, lunch count helper, and orchestra member. An accomplished musician, David also plays the viola, ukulele, keyboard, and guitar, sharing his talents to support school performances. Outside of school, he enjoys bowling, camping, hiking, traveling, helping with church services, restoring cars, attending car shows, building model cars, and driving remote control cars. His positive attitude and willingness to lead by example make him a true Klem North Star.

Carter, Klem Road South Elementary School’s honoree, demonstrates every day what it means to be an outstanding citizen. Honest, dependable, and respectful, Carter consistently does the right thing whether anyone is watching or not. He encourages classmates, values everyone's voice, and naturally looks for ways to help others through simple acts of kindness and consideration. In the classroom, he perseveres through challenges, embraces feedback, and actively contributes while ensuring others have opportunities to participate. Through his character, compassion, and commitment to doing what is right, Carter proves that one person can make a meaningful difference.

Raelyn, Plank Road North Elementary School’s honoree, embodies integrity, resilience, and determination. Whether tackling challenging academic work or competing in soccer and lacrosse, she consistently chooses to do the right thing and sets a positive example for those around her. Raelyn is one of the hardest-working students her teachers have encountered, approaching every obstacle with grit, focus, and a "never give up" attitude. Her quiet leadership, accountability, and ability to bounce back from setbacks inspire both classmates and teachers. Through her kindness, perseverance, and unwavering dedication, Raelyn truly represents the heart of the Plank North community.

Ethan, Plank Road South Elementary School’s honoree, is a dedicated student who consistently gives his best effort and serves as a role model both inside and outside the classroom. Classmates seek him out as a partner because of his patience, kindness, and willingness to help others succeed. Ethan demonstrates leadership through numerous school activities, including Safety Scouts, library helper, band, chorus, Morning Show, Post Office, Math Club, Ridge Runners, and Robotics Club. Outside of school, he participates in swimming, basketball, football, Boy Scouts, and community service projects, including supporting local shelters and donation drives. His compassion, resilience, and commitment to serving others have earned the respect of both peers and teachers.

Kamryn, Schlegel Road Elementary School’s honoree, exemplifies exceptional character, kindness, and integrity every day. A high-achieving student and natural leader, she consistently supports her classmates while modeling the school's CARE values through her actions. Her warm greetings, respectful attitude, and genuine compassion help create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued. Beyond the classroom, Kamryn serves on Crew Council, participates in chorus and band, and embraces challenges through Math Olympiad and Ridge Runners. She also excels in lacrosse, basketball, and flag football, bringing the same determination and teamwork to every activity she pursues.

Zoe , State Road Elementary School’s honoree, is admired by both classmates and teachers for her kindness, humility, and unwavering willingness to help others. Her peers describe her as someone who speaks up for those who need support, cooperates with everyone, and never hesitates to lend a helping hand. Whether assisting with schoolwork, including someone who feels left out, or simply offering encouragement, Zoe's quiet acts of kindness make a lasting impact. She is also an active member of the orchestra, Safety Patrol, Girls on the Run, and the Battle of the Books championship team. Her courage to step outside her comfort zone and her genuine care for others make her an outstanding representative of citizenship.

Student recipients are selected through a collaborative process involving fifth grade teachers, fellow students, and WREA liaisons. Webster Central School District extends its gratitude to all of its fifth grade educators and to this year's WREA liaisons: Al Heary (DeWitt), Heidi Zastowny (Klem North), Dina Dugan (Klem South), Ann Merkey (Plank North), Barbara Kammer (Plank South), Jill Mancini (Schlegel), and Stephanie Jones (State) for their continued support of this meaningful recognition program.