Maries County R-2 Board of Education on Sept. 30 recognized Students, Athlete of the Month. The September presenter was Board President Kenda Sanders.

Student Athlete of the Month is Weston Doss.

According to his nomination, “Weston consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and outstanding leadership skills — not only among his teammates and coaches, but also with members of opposing teams. His sportsmanship shines through in both victories and defeats, setting a great example for others.

“Every coach would be fortunate to have an athlete like Weston on their team. We’re proud he represents Belle High School with such integrity, dedication and class.”

Included in the nomination was an email from a Dixon parent regarding Weston’s sportsmanship following a September soccer game, where his true colors shone.

“The Belle goalkeeper was gathering the flags. As he made his way from corner to corner, he encountered several of the Dixon players leaving the field with their parents and/or heading to the bus. He politely nodded at each and every one of them and made a congratulatory comment to everyone he encountered. This commentary wasn’t only directed towards the Dixon players. He also gave words of encouragement to the Belle players he passed. This carried over to the parking lot as he told more than one of his teammates to drive safely home,” according to the letter. “In a world where judgment is passed so easily and where we are often so self-absorbed, we don’t always take time to consider others. His behavior was incredibly refreshing. I appreciated his positivity and what seemed to be gentle kindness and felt as though it needed to be recognized.”

Belle Elementary School’s Student of the Month was Teana Mikov, nominated by Sonya Hance.

“Teana Mikov is a joy to have in the classroom and always has a warm smile for everyone,” Hance said. “Her kindness and caring nature are an inspiration to her peers. She is a team player, by the way, she helps her classmates and always has an encouraging word. She is compassionate and is a friend to all. I am very impressed with her hard work, and she is always putting forth her best effort into everything she does. Teana is always courteous towards her teachers and has a positive attitude. We are very blessed to have such a respectful and responsible student in fourth grade.”

Bland Middle School Student of the Month was Stephanie Kenney, nominated by fifth-grade teacher Abigail Benton.

“Stephanie is respectful, has a positive attitude always, uses manners, and holds herself accountable. Stephanie is a great student by remaining on task and turning in all of her work on time. She follows directions the first time given. She has been helpful to other students in her class. This is what makes Stephanie the right choice for Student of the Month.”

Savannah Ford is the Belle High School (BHS) Student Spotlight of the Month for September. BHS Principal Garrett Haslag read Ford’s nomination letter from her teacher Becky Rose.

“Savannah is such an all-around great person! Every day she comes to class with a positive attitude and a smile on her face,” Rose began. “She works through the class period and never loses that smile, which is contagious, no matter how difficult the work is. She looks for opportunities to help others and to spread her positivity. She is always prepared and never complains, and is simply a joy to be around. Savannah brightens a room, and I have no doubt that she will continue to do so as she moves on through her academic career.”