Five honored for social studies excellence
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Thursday, June 19, 2008 9:06 AM CDT
For the Herald
The Chippewa Falls Senior High School social studies department is pleased to announce its Social Studies Students of the Month for May.
Freshman Kaitlyn Gruber, the daughter of Katina and Mike Gruber, was selected by her world history teacher, Tom Pomietlo.
“Kaitlyn’s class performance throughout the year has been outstanding,” Pomietlo said. “Her 105 percent average ranks near the top among my five world history classes. Kaitlyn’s work ethic is something to be admired, her daily assignments are flawless and always completed on time.
“Kaitlyn excels at short answer and essay questions on chapter tests. To answer these questions, a student must have an understanding of the terms and concepts presented in the readings and the notes. Kaitlyn has the ability to formulate correct and concise answers utilizing these concepts. In addition to her excellent academic skills, Kaitlyn has a great sense of humor. She is a pleasure to have in class.”
When asked what time period she enjoyed most, Kaitlyn stated, “The Elizabethan Era because a women was in control of a large area of the world — she was very powerful.”
After graduating from Chi-Hi, Kaitlyn plans on attending a four-year university to pursue a degree in the medical field.
Senior Ashley Parkhurst, the daughter of Scott and Jennifer Brun and Timothy and Denise Parkhurst, was selected by her American government teacher, Roger Thompson.
“Ashley is currently the most outstanding student in all of my American government classes,” Thompson said. “Her vibrant personality, wonderful sense of humor and innate desire to learn make her one of the most memorable students whom I have encountered in my entire career.
“Her attendance is perfect, her attentiveness is superb and her intellect reflects a maturity and curiosity unusual for a person of her age. I can always be certain that Ashley will bring three special attributes to my class on a daily basis: A thirst for knowledge, a respect for her peers and an outstanding disposition embellished by a wonderful smile.
“As much as I enjoyed having Ashley as a student, I will enjoy even more observing the continuing successes that await her in life. Congratulations and thank you, Ashley!”
After graduating from Chi-Hi, Ashley plans on attending UW-Stout for two years and then transferring to UW-Whitewater to complete her degree in social work.
Freshman Samantha Balts, the daughter of Kevin and Shannon Balts, was selected by her world history teacher, Jason Bobb.
Samantha said her favorite topic in World history is the Middle Ages because “I love to learn about kings, queens, nobles, knights, and the lowly peasants. Their way of life is so different than ours today. The way wars were fought, the dress, and their social styles and status are all very interesting to me.”
“I am proud to honor Sam Balts as my student of the month,” Bobb said. “Throughout the course of the school year Sam has proven to be an incredible student in our World history class. Her unmatched work ethic and background knowledge of historical events and concepts has allowed her to earn high A’s for each grading period.
“Sam is also one of the most personable and genuine students I have ever had in class. Her intellectual capabilities and her positive attitude will allow Sam to be successful in whatever career she chooses.”
After graduating from Chi-Hi, Samantha’s goals include getting into a good college and entering into either museum curating or maybe into the pharmaceutical field.
Junior Ben Fuller, the son of Ruth and Charles Fuller, was selected by his economics teacher, Dave Martineau.
“Ben has been a steady contributor in my classroom,” Martineau said. “What is most striking about Ben is his incredible interest level in topics affecting the country today? Economics is a subject that is impossible to separate from politics and current events.
“What is amazing to me is how easily he can discuss all the topics in the social studies discipline, separately or when they impact one another. I feel that Ben is a great example of how being well-read and curious results in a higher level of comprehension and application of the materials used in any class.
“Besides being an excellent student, Ben is an incredible young man. He approaches everything with a sense of responsibility and pride. He is always the first to help others with compassion and understanding. I feel that wherever he goes, he will leave a very positive footprint and people will feel that he is a gifted but humble individual.
“He would like to pursue a career in biochemical engineering. My feeling is that Ben will someday be a person that creates or invents something that will benefit everyone.”
After graduating from Chi-Hi, Ben will attend either UW-Madison or the University of Minnesota.
Sophomore Adam Kinning, the son of Patricia Kinning and Mark and Evone Kinning, was selected by his United States history teacher, Vic Cable.
“Adam is a very enjoyable individual to have in class,” Cable said. “He takes great pride in his academic achievements, which is reflected in the ‘A’ average he has maintained throughout the semester. Adam has earned 100 percent on three of the four tests.
“His knowledge in class goes beyond the textbook and reflects his innate intellectual curiosity. During class discussions, he is always a willing participant and is up-to-date on the world that surrounds him.”
Sophomore Matt Leis, the son of Tim and Carrie Leis, was selected by his United States history teacher, Amanda Hill.
When asked about his favorite unit in U.S. history, Matt said that it was the unit on the Vietnam War because many things were happening during this time including the Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union as well as the conflict in Southeast Asia.
“Matt is an all-around great young man,” Hill said. “He is academically responsible, a classroom contributor, and has a personality that radiates enthusiasm. Matt consistently sets the bar with his knowledge of history and serves as a role model for many of his peers, both inside and outside the classroom.
“Matt exhibits the necessary skills to be successful in life and I cannot wait to see what his future holds.”
After graduating from Chi-Hi, Matt is looking at attending either DePaul University, UW-Madison, or UW-Eau Claire to pursue a degree in business or accounting.
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