Students Honored with the SCOTY Award

On Wednesday, the 19th, 8 District 401 students were honored at West40’s Student Citizen of the Year banquet (SCOTY). Two students from each 401 school were chosen by their school staff as recipients of this honor. The students were selected for their positive impact on their schools and fellow students. 

Elmwood Elementary School

At Elmwood, 5th grade students Olivia Ghanma and Ashley Silpapradist were chosen. They said Elmwood Principal Matt Lerner picked them as they demonstrated the three R’s practiced at Elmwood: Responsibility, Respectfulness, and Readiness, and both embody what it means to be a Panther. 

“Oliva is great about making sure the school climate and culture is where we want to be, and is my go-to person when I think about questions for fifth grade,” Principal Matt Lerner said. “I’ve known her since kindergarten, and it’s been fun to watch her grow and mature to where she is now.” 

Olivia and Ashley are both part of Elmwood’s 5th-grade leadership program, where they work with Lerner and the rest of the staff to practice leadership skills and provide student input to the faculty about what is needed at Elmwood. Recognized for her kindness as well, Olivia sees those strengths in her peers as well. 

“I feel like I’m a good kid, but I was surprised because there are so many other good kids in my grade,” Olivia said.

Lerner first met Ashley while coaching her in baseball, where she was a great addition to the team. 

“Her demeanor is just so calm and friendly, and she is always smiling and friendly,” Lerner said. “I’ve watched her come out of her shell over the last couple of years, and she includes everybody which I think is one of her great skills.” 

That affirmation has helped Ashley see the impact she has on Elmwood. 

“It showed me I’m kind, I’m a leader, and I’m very respectful,” said Ashley.  “I didn’t know that my kindness could go this far.” 

John Mills Elementary School

At John Mills, 5th grade students Calvin Flemming and Evelyn Hohenadel received this honor. 

Calvin was very surprised and said it builds confidence that he can be a leader, help others, and have strong social skills.

“Not only is Calvin kind and hardworking, but he also shows empathy in everything he does,” Mills Principal Frank Kuzniewski said. “He is always willing to lend a hand. His positive attitude and strong work ethic inspire others. We are lucky to have such a thoughtful, driven leader in our school.”

Evelyn was also very surprised and said that this recognition means a lot to her because she has been working hard in school. She is a busy student, involved in many clubs. Outside of school, she is involved in volleyball, track, softball, and dance. 

“Evelyn is a hardworking individual and a role model for her peers,” Kuzniewski said. “Evelyn comes to class prepared each day and demonstrates excitement for learning. She has a positive way of sharing her knowledge. Her passion for learning helps to cultivate a positive learning environment for all.”

Elm Middle School

At Elm, 7th grade students Olive Jenkins and Margaux Malalis were chosen.

Olive said she was really excited to go home and tell her parents and is glad that the hard work she has been putting in is paying off. 

“Olive is a ray of sunshine who beams with Cougar Pride,” Elm Principal Ashley Groeneveld said. “Her energy, spirit, and knowledge is outstanding and she is an amazing part of our school community.”

Margaux said she is very surprised that she won and is grateful for the honor, and is glad the time she is putting into all her school work and clubs is being celebrated. Margaux also received the recognition while at John Mills. 

“She is a wonderful member of our school community,” Groeneveld said. “Her care, compassion, and academic ability are all outstanding! We're so proud to have her be a part of Team Elm!” 

Elmwood Park High School

At EPHS, 12th grade twins Olivia and Liliana Vitacco received the SCOTY. They were not expecting the award at all. 

“We’re our best selves when we are together,” Oliva said. “So it means a lot that we got this award together,” Liliana said

Although they are twins and do almost everything together, their individual strengths still stood out to EPHS Principal Dr. Amanda Brode-Rico. For Olivia, it is volunteering as a teaching assistant in Ms. Cley’s class, helping freshmen in small group work and even teaching a lesson.  She also is a senior leader in Ms. Franklin’s classroom, helping with record-keeping and lesson planning. 

“In both of these instances she works to assist the teacher with all their needs,” Brode-Rico said. It should be no surprise that Olivia is thinking about pursuing a career in education.” 

Olivia said the award taught her that she’s grown since freshman year, and finds strength in helping others. 

For Liliana, it was her success as a captain of the Tennis team, and commitment the last two years to the half-day program at the Technology Center of DuPage. There, she is studying cosmetology and discovered she loved working as a hairstylist. 

“Liliana has worked hard over her two years in this program,” Brode-Rico said. 

Brode-Rico says that the cosmetology school is one of the most time-intensive programs for students, including obtaining extra hours outside of school. Along with her academic commitments, Liliana said that the award has proven to her that she’s grown in her leadership skills and relationships with others, and become more outgoing. 

District 401 is proud of these SCOTY students for their achievements so far, and looking forward to seeing what they will do next!