Student hard work, effort appreciated at North Putnam

BAINBRIDGE -- The North Putnam school corporation recognized the diligence of six students during its monthly board meeting.

Principals Rodney Simpson, Scott Spencer and Scott Miller presented awards to the students before the regular session. Students Kathryn Kinsel, Creek Caldwell, Grace Frye, Raegan Bowling, Mary Timm and Jessica Hays all received plaques commemorating their efforts throughout the year.

Simpson, who presented his award to Kinsel, said the youngster has made him feel at home since his hiring.

"Kathryn is a student of Bainbridge in the third grade this year," Simpson said. "She is a happy, positive and willing-to-learn person and has been for a long time.

"Every single day she gives me a hug and has done that since my first day of school when I walked in last year."

The next to receive an award was Caldwell, presented by Spencer.

"I wanted to recognize (Caldwell) because he is super involved in the Junior Rodeo Association," Spencer said. "He competed a couple of weeks ago, winning calf-riding, the goat-tie, dummy-roping and because of those things, he's probably going to be named All-Around Cowboy for his age group. We want to encourage him to keep up the good work."

Miller presented an award to Frye, an avid State Fair enthusiast.

"Grace has a sheep at the State Fair for the show," Miller said. "A big part of why she's up here is because Grace is a straight-A student, she's yet to have a "B" in middle school and is already taking accelerated classes."

Miller went on to add that Frye is already taking high school level classes as an eighth-grader.

Principal Jason Chew was unavailable to present his awards as he took part in Dancing with the Stars practice in Russellville. Instead, Assistant Principal Levi Yowell announced the final three awards of Bowling, Timm and Hays, going youngest to oldest.

"Mary (Timm) is being honored due to her work with her FFA program and her success at the FFA state-level," Yowell said, adding that Timm received first and second place prizes at the convention. "We're very proud of Mary and want to celebrate her success.

"Jessica Hays isn't here tonight, but we have a plaque and will present it to her dad John," Yowell said, referring to board president John Hays. Hays was recognized for efforts mirroring that of Timm, with additional agricultural and supreme showmanship awards.

Yowell went on to introduce Bowling and allowed her father, board member Jim Bowling, to present her award.

"Raegan (Bowling) is a hard-working, conscientious student who is in the top 10 percent of her class," Yowell said. "This past summer, Raegan attended a Future Medical Leaders conference. While she was there she was named to the society's Torch and world-honors program."

All six students were happy to receive the honors, which were followed by the school board's regular session.