On Friday, February 16, forty-six middle school students were surprised to learn they were being treated to a special pizza lunch and a “Pit Party” after being selected by teachers for demonstrating one of the following character traits: Love, Leadership, Forgiveness and Love of Learning. The best part of the celebration? They each got to bring along a friend.

While the students at BCMS represent many positive characteristics, three times a year, as part of the school’s Character Education Program, students are honored for specific observed character traits outlined in the BCMS Pillars of Character. Each team nominates students who have demonstrated one of the highlighted character traits on a consistent basis.

Special thanks to Rotary Club of Delmar for their support of our Character Program at BCMS. Congratulations to our students! 

Hudson House

Grade 6

• Olivia Skuza – Olivia shows great leadership both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities.
• Maeve Conway – Maeve always goes above and beyond. She shows great leadership skills in the classroom and in the Helping Hands Club.
• Maci Fischler – Maci shows strong leadership skills in the classroom by helping her peers. She is also a leader in the Helping Hands Club.
• Caitlyn Teplitzky – Caitlyn works hard on class materials and concepts. She checks in with teachers to make sure she truly understands what she is learning.
• Nicholas Shankey – Nick is very laid back and easy-going. He never lets the little things get him down and readily forgives people.

Grade 7

• Caleb Gambelunghe – Caleb is very curious about how things work and the world around him.  He is very open to new ideas and experiences. He has all the making of a life-long learner.
• Clara Hollands – Clara exudes warmth and compassion. She draws others in with her positive energy.
• Lexiana Teague – Lexi demonstrates great patience and is willing to work with anyone. She accepts others mistakes and never seems to hold a grudge.
• Jason Groat – Jason exhibits the characteristics of a leader.  With more prudence, Jason is capable of accomplishing great things.

Grade 8

• Vijayasree Kakarala – Sree is always eager to learn more material and understand it.
• Allison Coolidge – Allison is always learning as well as helping her peers make connections.
• Melanie Couillard – Melanie is always enthusiastic about participating in class.
• Alexander Thomas – Alex went out of his way to support a peer and acted responsibly.
• Rael McRee – Rael is well liked by everyone and Rael likes everyone.

Mohawk House

Grade 6

• Dakota Weyant – Dakota does her best and really puts forth her best effort when it comes to school work.
• Dhara Patel – Dhara has a love of learning that takes her knowledge to another level.
• George Abdo – George acts as a leader by setting good examples in class and putting forth his best efforts in all subject areas.
• Caroline Davis – Caroline is a true leader both in and out of the classroom.  She sets great examples for other students to look up to.
• Jack Leonard – Jack’s love for learning is shown in the classroom by his inquisitive questions.

Grade 7

• Ronan (Amato) Tiu – Amato always strives to do his best.  He masters new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge with ease.  He asks great questions in class and is naturally curious.
• Sarah Bernasconi – Sarah is an excellent student. She asks great questions in classes because she is curious, and she is not afraid to put herself out there in front of her classmates.  She is a great contributor to class discussions.
• Abigail Brousseau – The team has recognized Abby for both Love of Learning and Leadership. Abby enjoys mastering new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge. She is genuinely curious about the topics she learns about in her classes. She is a quiet leader who leads by example. She is a wonderful role model for her classmates.  
• Margaret Walters – Maggie is an excellent student.  She adds a great deal to class discussions and likes to continue her learning by applying what she has learned in class to new situations.  She is naturally curious.  Maggie is also a very kind person who helps other classmates.
• Lindsey Hotaling – Lindsey shows her love by how she treats her friends and others around her. She is supportive, respectful, and kind to all. She is especially loyal to her close friends. She is a person with whom you would like to be friends.

Grade 8

• Brendan Pajak – Brendan displays leadership among his peers at BCMS and is a great role model.
• Margaret Bailey – It is recognized by her peers and teachers that Maggie is a natural leader.
• Orion Dennin – Orion loves to learn and his passion shows in all classes.  
• Joanne Somide – Joanne loves to learn and shows passion in all of her classes.
• Abraham Kauffman – Abe loves to learn and it shows in all of his classes.  
• Irely Knox – Irely shows a tremendous amount of love and tolerance for not only her friends, but also all members of the BCMS community.
• Maya Earleywine – Maya displays love and hope to her classmates at BCMS.
• Isaac Pokat – Isaac is a great kid that never holds a grudge and has the ability to forgive.
• Emiliano Torlasco – Emi is a young man that has the ability to forgive and move on in a positive manner.

Patroon House

Grade 6

• Cole Martin – Cole works hard and asks questions.  He is always prepared for class.
• Addison Daggett – Addison is understanding and accepting of others’ differences.  She is forgiving of others when they may not be at their best.
• Zachary Dounane – Zachary excels at working with others in class, as he will initiate and follow through with the tasks.  Also, Zachary inspired his classmates to fill three plus boxes during the Holiday Food Drive.

Grade 7

• Anderson Ridgway – Andy showed real leadership when he helped organize a going away lunch for his friend who was moving to Connecticut.  He has also volunteered to help in the new middle school help desk.
• Benjamin Fabe – Ben shows genuine curiosity about things he is learning in school, often staying after class to talk to teachers to learn more.
• Niccola Alas – Niccola is a very hardworking student who seems to enjoy going to her classes and learning about new topics from her teachers.
• Isabella Chirkis – Bella is always a friendly face in class and always has a positive influence on those around her.
• Robert VanDyke – Robbie has a very positive and understanding attitude towards all of his classmates.

Grade 8

• Lauren Kinn – Lauren is a role model in health class.  She comes with a positive attitude and is always prepared.  She helps to lead class discussions and is willing to go out of her way to help her peers.  She has helped out with SADD club, even though she was not a part of the club.
• Serena Okoniewski – Serena is willing to work with all students and is so inclusive in any situation.  Serena has a beautiful heart.
• Nathaniel Koplik – Nathaniel works very hard in all of his classes.  He contributes to group work, discussions, and turns in work that is exceptional.
• John Molinsek – John is incredibly tolerant of his peers.  He understands all students’ unique abilities and appreciates a variety of perspectives.
• Isabella Richards – Bella strives to do excellent work every day and in each class.  We are so proud of her.