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Profiles in Character
Featured student: Casey
Slone, Grade 12, Age 17: Casey Slone says he was the middle school kid that no one thought would become any kind of a leader in his class. “I was the kid that was picked on in middle school, the shy, quiet follower.” But four short years later, Casey is in the midst of his fourth year as class president, he’s captain of the swim team and a team leader for the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI). “No one would have thought I would be that kid,” Casey said. Saratoga Springs Student Advocate Dr. Rich DeMartino nominated Casey for this month’s “responsibility” theme. “Casey is a student leader in every sense of the word. He’s mature and responsible beyond his years,” said DeMartino. Casey credits his parents and school mentors, including DeMartino, for developing his leadership skills and sense of responsibility. He has worked alongside DeMartino as a team leader with the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) at the high school since he was a sophomore. NCBI student trainers have joined with adult NCBI trainers for the past three years to lead workshops about issues such as racism, multi-culturalism, homophobia, classism, age and gender discrimination. The workshops are interactive forums designed to celebrate the similarities and differences among groups. The workshops offer an opportunity for students to learn about the personal impact of discrimination through the sharing of “personal stories.” The program is designed to make the school a place where every student, teacher and staff member is treated with respect and is valued. This year, as class president, Casey has played a big role in developing “Senior Give-Back Day.” Still in the concept stage, it will be a program in which seniors will do community service projects before their annual Spring Fest celebration. “It’ll be one giant program to give back to the community.” Casey also enjoyed being a part of the Community Breakfast and Summit on Youth, held November 3rd at the High School. “It was one of the best things I’ve ever been to,” he said, noting that he really enjoyed that youth and adults were working together to benefit the kids in the community. Casey is planning on studying film and history at college next fall, but there’s no doubt that the once “shy, quiet, follower” has come a long way. “It’s been an awesome four years of high school.” Other nominees this month: From Caroline Street Elementary School
Paul Harrington, Grade 4, Age 9: Paul is an extremely responsible student who truly enjoys his school, his friends and the Saratoga community. He consistently does all of his work and goes above and beyond on all assignments. Paul enjoys helping others inside and outside of school. For example, Paul volunteered to help Caroline Street School prepare for the 50th anniversary celebration by giving up his afternoon to mulch the gardens in front of the school. Paul is an extremely caring and responsible student and a role model to his peers.
From Saratoga Springs High School Jeff Pawlick, Grade 12, Age 17: Jeff is a top student who is enrolled in AP classes, yet he manages to find time to help others. He tutors younger students in Math. He also volunteered to do the stats for the football team this fall when he was sidelined due to an injury. He successfully balances all of his responsibilities.
Duncan Boehle, Grade 12, Age 17: Duncan is one of the top students in his class. He has a very demanding
course load, which includes many AP classes. Duncan recently had one
of the leading roles in the drama club’s production of The
Crucible. He was able to successfully balance school and his
commitment to the play, even though it required him to survive on
very little sleep for a while! Submitted by Project Lift, an after school prevention-based program for students in grades first through fifth operated by the Franklin Community Center, Inc.
Julia Yarinsky, Grade 12, Saratoga Springs High
School:
Julia is extremely respectful, responsible, and a positive role
model for the students who attend Project Lift. She is always on
time and more than willing to help with all aspects of the lesson.
The Lifters flock to Julia because she can always add a little bit
more to each lesson to help engage them. As the Volunteer
Coordinator/Prevention Educator for Project Life, an after school
prevention based program run by the Franklin Community Center, I am
proud of Julia and thankful that she has become such a positive
influence on our students. 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.
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