If you walk into the classroom early in the morning, one of the very first things you will see is a bright smile and a student who is already prepared for the day.  Nova is a young lady who leads by example – not with loud words, but with steady kindness and a caring heart.  

Nova is the definition of dependable.  Every morning, she arrives with her agenda ready, a warm hug for her EAs, and a quiet determination to do her very best.  She sets high standards for herself and never hands in work unless it truly shows what she can do.  She is remarkably self-directed and takes great pride in the quality of her work.  

 But what makes Nova truly special is what she does after she finishes her work.  She doesn’t just sit back and relax.  Instead, she looks around and asks, “How can I help?” She helps classmates understand tricky assignments and volunteers for classroom jobs.  Nova has proven to be a pillar of reliability within the classroom.  Her teachers and EAs recognize her as a dependable and trustworthy individual.

Nova’s empathy might be her greatest strength.  She listens with her heart.  If a friend is upset, she notices right away.  We have seen her gently walk a crying classmate to a supervisor or offer a helping hand to someone who has fallen.  On the playground, she looks for the student who is standing alone and says the powerful words, “I’ll play with you.” Those simple words can make someone’s whole day brighter.

Nova also shows strong integrity.  She is honest and does what is right – even when no one is watching.  She treats everyone with respect, listens carefully, and waits her turn to speak.  Perhaps one of the most touching things about Nova is her selflessness.  When she earns a treat or a reward, her first thought is often, “Can I have one for my sister, too?” She thinks of others before herself.

Nova, your compassion, your strong work ethic, and your cheerful spirit brighten our entire school.  Your impact goes far beyond following the rules; your kindness truly makes our school a better place for everyone.

Congratulations, Nova!