Catasauqua High School recently named the latest honorees for the Student of the Semester program. There were 27 students recognized.

According to Ashley Schmidt, career facilitator, students were recognized April 9 with a video presentation that included a picture of the student and a voice-over from the nominating teacher about why the student was chosen. Students and faculty watched the presentation during the school’s Rough Rider period.

The Students of the Semester program recognizes students for positive employability skills, such as problem solving/critical thinking, communication, collaboration, leadership, professionalism/work ethic, global awareness, career management and information technology. Students are nominated by their teachers.

The first Student of the Semester event was held Jan. 23, 2020, and featured an in-person celebration with a featured speaker. A few months later, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, so each subsequent event has been celebrated in a virtual format.

This year’s virtual celebration had five sets of students divided by community partner commercials, according to Schmidt.

CHS TV Production and Media Club students Haylie Toth, Chloe Moyer and Julianna Grate created short commercials for the local businesses that sponsor the Student of the Semester program. These community partners include Catasauqua businesses Pie’s On Pizzeria, Biery’s Port Auto Works and The Gas House Dance Hall, as well as Palermo’s Italian Grill, Northampton; Texas Roadhouse, Trexlertown; and GR Electric LLC, Whitehall.

The students nominated for the honor received a certificate of recognition detailing what skill they were nominated for, a prize and a shirt, courtesy of the community partners. Students can include the skill on their resume when they are applying to jobs in the future.

Schmidt detailed the students who were nominated, what skill they were honored for and feedback from the nominating teacher.

Emily Abbott was recognized for collaboration for consistently contributing to the team.

Anthony Berrios was recognized for collaboration for not only contributing his thoughts to whatever topic was being discussed in class, but for also looking deeper into the views of others.

Ethan Boardman was honored for his professionalism and work ethic.

“Ethan works very hard independently and with a partner,” his nominating teacher noted. “He advocates for himself and is always professional when he interacts with adults in the classroom.”

Lea Bou Saleh was nominated for two skills - problem solving/critical thinking and collaboration. Her nominating teachers recognized her “amazing work ethic and drive to achieve the highest form of success possible” and for actively taking part in class conversations with out-of-the-box thinking.

“She finds ways to use her reasoning skills to determine the best way forward whenever given a challenge, and she does a wonderful job of creatively taking the information that she has learned in class and applying it to situations to help her achieve,” one of her teachers reported.

Raegan Brobst was honored for her professionalism and work ethic for her level of class participation and high-level thinking discussions in class.

Cole Brown was also recognized for professionalism and work ethic. He attended classes virtually and “was always present for attendance and check-ins, was an active participant in class and his assignments were always on time and of high quality.”

Tobias Burgher was nominated for his professionalism and work ethic, as well as for collaboration.

“Tobias is a responsible student who exhibits qualities of a lifelong learner,” one teacher said, noting his work ethic and time management.

“He always put forth his best effort in the virtual learning environment, pursuing knowledge without hesitation through collaboration with his teacher and his classmates,” another teacher commented.

Luis Del Rosario was nominated twice for the same skill - collaboration. One teacher commented on the personal growth Luis exhibited, while the other complimented his self-advocacy skills.

“Luis cares about his work and performance and is diligent to ensure he is on the correct path,” a teacher said.

Julia Dolon was honored for collaboration due to her listening skills and high-quality contributions to the class.

“She immediately stood out as a great role model and leader in her class,” a teacher commented.

DeJa Gardner was recognized for professionalism and work ethic.

“I think realistic professionalism is a perfect way to describe her,” a teacher noted. “She stands up for others and defends what she sees as right and was always inclusive and cooperative.”

Dominic Gorr was honored for professionalism and work ethic for his commitment to excellence and dedication to completing any task put before him.

Angelina Grate was also nominated for professionalism and work ethic for her constant punctuality, putting forth her best effort, asking for clarification and for turning in assignments on time and to “near perfection,” according to her teacher.

Megyn Herman was recognized for professionalism and work ethic.

“Megyn always did her work immediately and perfectly,” her teacher said. “She had over a perfect 100 percent in English class.”

Tristan Hodson was honored for professionalism and work ethic. His teacher mentioned his exemplary class participation, social skills and attitude about school and his responsibilities.

Dorian Hogaland was nominated for problem solving and critical thinking.

“When given a problem or a task, he knows how to look at the situation and then address the issue,” his nominating teacher said. “He is open to learning and is not afraid to challenge or question things he may not agree with or if he believes there is a better or more efficient way to solve the problem or task.”

Jailynn Irizarry was recognized for problem solving and critical thinking. Her teacher noted she often went above and beyond on assignments and never gave up if she didn’t understand a concept.

Reese Johnson was nominated for cultural awareness and professionalism for actively participating in class discussions, helping her peers and advocating for herself. Her nominating teacher reflected on how Reese amazed them with her thoroughness during a recent project about El Salvador.

Cassandra Kaeppel was honored for collaboration for her leadership skills and helping her peers work together.

“Cassie has always been a team player,” her teacher noted.

Tanner Laudenslager was recognized for problem solving and critical thinking.

“He regularly exhibited the ability to gather information, analyze it and form opinions or make decisions based on his analysis,” his teacher said. “He listened to classmates and considered their ideas and opinions, sometimes changing his own. He showed tremendous growth and a broadening global outlook.”

Vinny Limandri was recognized for professionalism and work ethic.

“Vinny only has to be taught something once and takes it and runs with it,” his teacher noted.

Marcus Marmolejos was honored for problem solving and critical thinking. His teacher noted he will try to work through any problems to find his own solutions.

Jessyel Martinez-Benitez was nominated for his professionalism and work ethic for overcoming challenges and making positive steps toward his future despite adversity.

Joseph Paulino-Lopez was honored for collaboration for his initiative.

“He regularly participated during class virtually, which was very helpful,” his teacher stated. “When he realized he could do better, he made a conscious effort to improve. It was really great to see his growth during the semester.”

Jose Peralta Nunez was recognized for professionalism and work ethic. His teacher called him one of the most responsible students they have ever encountered.

“Being new to both the district and the country, Jose made the most of his educational experience,” his teacher said.

Conor Sandt was nominated for collaboration and communication for his active participation and well-developed written work.

Dylan Sandt was recognized for professionalism and work ethic for his focus and completing tasks without prompting. His teacher also noted his “commendable manners” and respect for his peers.

Wyatt Younes was recognized for his professionalism and work ethic. His teacher noted he was hard working and took great pride in his work.

“He always did his work and asked questions along the way,” his teacher noted. “It was evident he wanted to achieve more and do the best he possibly could. He made use of his class time and hardly ever missed class.”

Congratulations to all the Students of the Semester for their hard work!