The Tom Dockweiler Award was presented to three outstanding students selected by the principals in Homewood School District 153.
Jade Taylor-Lando, Michael Williams and Gavynn Hall were selected from a student body of more than 1,700 students who attend Willow, Churchill and James Hart Schools.
The award is named for District 153 school board member Tom Dockweiler who gave 21 years of service to the board before he retired in 2007. Dockweiler set a goal for students to show improvement from year to year. This year’s honorees were recognized at the Nov. 10 school board meeting.
Jade Taylor-Lando, a second grader, was the winner at Willow School. Principal Ryan Jones said Jade is sweet, kind and caring. “Every time I’m in her classroom she’s engaged and doing her best,” Jones said. Academically, Jade’s scores last year increased by over 50 points in reading and math on district testing. Jones said Jade is a leader in the classroom and great at showing the “Willow Way.”
Michael Williams was selected as the Churchill School honoree receiving the Dockweiler Award. Principal Tara Peacock said Michael is a student who works quietly and wants no applause for his efforts. “He knows the right thing to do at all times,” the principal said. His district test scores last year moved him into the 95th percentile in reading and math.
Gavynn Hall, an eighth grader at Hart School, was selected for her academic growth and her ongoing leadership among her peers. Principal Kim Johnson said Gavynn has shown growth not only in academics, but also social/emotional growth. The principal applauded Gavynn for raising fellow students in the building and on her three sports teams, win or lose.
