Students at Catasauqua High School have reason to celebrate. On Jan. 18, teachers, administrators and friends celebrated the first semester accomplishments of some very special students.

Twice a year, at the end of each semester, teachers get to nominate one student they think showed exceptional motivation, work ethic, improvement and all-out effort to be Student of the Semester.

This is not limited to academic improvement; it also includes their contributions to classes above the norm. The school also has a list of employability skills they look for in the students.

Each student received a certificate, a photo with their nominating teacher and a choice of assorted gift cards or school swag.

Teachers were also given the opportunity to nominate one student as an honorable mention. There were 17 students who received honorable mention.

Students were not aware they had been nominated before the assembly. As their peers looked on, the nominee‘s names were called by a member of the Debate Team, who read the reasons why they were nominated. Students appeared both genuinely surprised and pleased to have been nominated.

Mr. Snyder chose junior Sophia Becker as his Student of the Semester.

“Sophia’s attention to detail and work ethic are impressive. She is an advocate for her own education - goes the extra mile,” he said.

Freshman Olivia Chunko was nominated by teacher Mr. Bilby, who said, “Olivia has an excellent work ethic. She also demonstrates leadership characteristics.”

Senior Emily Eisenhard was nominated because she “displays a genuine excitement about her education and soaks up all the school has to offer,” said Mrs. Ross.

Yamarys Ortiz, a sophomore, “has taken an active stake in her learning and her grades. She has shown great personal and academic growth,” according to Miss Walker.

Students will have another chance in May, when the second semester is finished, for teachers to once again nominate their Students of the Semester.