Profiles in Character
February 2008

Featured student: 

Dan Matrazzo, 8^th grade, Maple Avenue Middle School: When 14-year-old Dan Matrazzo heard that a devastating fire left a family friend with nothing but the clothes on his back he knew he had to do something. So he asked his eighth grade Home and Careers Teacher Danielle Curran for help organizing a fundraiser for Tim Matrazzo (no relation), whose mother died in the blaze.

“It was just the right thing to do,” said Dan. “I thought it would help start him off.”

“Dan came to me on his own to see if there was something he and his classmates could do to help out,” said Curran.

Together they decided to sponsor a competition among all seven Home and Careers class sections to see which class could raise the most money. In addition to the satisfaction earned from their generosity, the winning class was also rewarded with a brownie party at school.

But Dan doesn’t think it was the competition or the brownies that encouraged kids to step up. “I think most kids just wanted to help when they heard about it,” said Dan.

Dan and his classmates raised $166.74. “Dan really showed his true colors and stepped up to the plate when someone else was in great need,” said Curran. “He has proven to be hard working and compassionate.”

Hard work is a family trait for the Matrazzos. “My parents and grandparents have always taught us to be respectful and to work hard,” said Dan, the son of Daniel and Susan Matrazzo of Ballston Spa.

In fact, Dan was on his way out the door with his younger brother to shovel out the neighbor’s driveway as soon as this interview was over.

Other nominations:

From Geyser Road Elementary School

Devin McArthur, Grade 1, Age 6: Devin is a very hard –working student. He is always focused and ready to learn. Devin enjoys sharing his ideas in class and always strives to do his best.

Bailey Kerr, Grade 1, Age 6: Bailey is a very hard working first grader. She always gives her best effort in class. She is a focused learner and a model student.

Jacob Kerr, Grade 4: Jacob is a student who always tries his best. Jacob takes his learning very seriously and enjoys being challenged. Jacob is an active participant in the young scholars program and on the classroom council.

Maple Avenue Middle School

Gabby Hoyt, Grade 8, Age 14: Gabby volunteered to take home a computerized baby for her Home and Careers class. The baby often wakes up through the night needing to be cared for. This is a wonderful learning experience for all ages. Gabby planned on taking the baby for a one night experience (on a school night), but it turned into a four night experience  because of a snowday. Gabby was a real trooper and tended for the “baby” as best she could. Gabby not only worked hard this weekend but showed real dedication and commitment to life’s lesson. Although Gabby was exhausted walking into school Monday morning, her results were the best I’ve seen!

From The Franklin Community Center, Inc.:

Submitted by Project Lift, an after school prevention-based program for students in grades first through fifth operated by the Franklin Community Center, Inc.

Sarah Lokey, 12^th grade, Saratoga Springs High School: Sarah is very hard working, respectful, responsible and a positive role model for the students who attend Project Lift. As a volunteer since October 2007, she has far exceeded her community service hours for her Participation in Government class. Sarah has consistently arrived on time at program and is more than willing to help with all aspects of the day at Project Lift. She can also be counted on to come in on days that she isn’t scheduled to volunteer if extra help is needed. The Lifters flock to Sarah because she can always add a little bit more to each lesson and they know she truly cares about them. She has become a positive influence on our students.

From Saratoga Springs High School

Greg Lewis, 11^th grade, Age 16: Greg Lewis epitomizes hard work in the mathematics classroom. He does not simply complete his Math assignments; he does each homework assignment with an acute attention to detail and an overwhelming desire to learn from his mistakes. Greg demonstrates the scholastic resilience that any educator would admire. He asks clarifying questions in class, seeks help from other students, studies his notes and textbook and then attends extra help for further clarification. Greg Lewis is an exemplary student of mathematics.

  
Congratulations to all of February's nominees!

If you know a young person in the Saratoga Springs City School District who deserves recognition in the “Profiles in Character” feature please send in a nomination form. The forms are available here. Complete the short form and forward it to the Saratoga Partnership for Prevention, 36 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. You can also fax the form to 581-1240, or email to partnership@preventioncouncil.org.

All nominations will receive mention in this monthly feature. A limited number of more extensive individual profiles will also be featured. A display from each of the district’s elementary schools is on display through November at the Visitor’s Center.