SOUTH CHINA — Erskine Academy students and staff recently attended a Renaissance Assembly to honor their peers with Renaissance Awards. Recognition Awards were presented to the following students:

Meg Boynton was recognized for bringing a positive energy to all that she does and for being a leader among her classmates; Chelsie McKenney, a positive female role model who consistently challenges herself to strive for excellence; Michelle James, an agreeable, pleasant, and trustworthy individual whose strong work ethic has been appreciated by many; Galen Brackett, numerous contributions to the Drama Club and his patient, responsible, and self-directed nature which has served as a major influence for many students; Jaime Constanzer, a “great all around individual,” is a high honor roll student who is also involved in EA Leadership, AFS, TLC, and the Business Club; Stephanie Smith, strong work ethic and devotion to her activities which includes teaching and mentoring skating students; James Glendenning, responsible nature, maturity, and consistent “never give up” attitude; Tabatha Plourde, cheerful demeanor, excellent work ethic, and her positive contributions to junior varsity field hockey, basketball, and the school chorus; Ashley Oliver, exceptional academic achievements, extracurricular successes, and immensely helpful personality; Sandy Brown, assistance with the preparations for the homecoming celebration in the fall; Caleb Fletcher, highly dedicated and involved member of the EA community whose consistent ability to make others laugh; Jenna Marcellino, All-Conference soccer achievements; and Tyson Churchill, cooperative and engaged student whose strong work ethic makes him a wonderful example to his peers.

Student of the Trimester Awards also were presented to the following seniors: Matt Howard is best known for being helpful to others, creative in his school work, and a problem solver. While maintaining high honor roll status, he also is involved in baseball, golf, Chess Club, Math Team, EA Leadership and a variety of volunteer projects.

Elizabeth Glidden, “Most Reliable” class member, is one of the most active members of the senior class. She makes it a point to get involved, regardless of the nature of the activity. She is involved with Student Council and most recently, she helped with several senior activities.

Sam Helm received recognition for his strong work ethic, dedication, and an academic record that is both consistent and exemplary. He is highly respected for the significant ways he has contributed to his school and community, and also is appreciated for his thoughtful demeanor and his highly personable manner.

Kylee Roberge is a consistent honor roll student and a contributing member of the EA community who has participated in a variety of activities including TLC, the Business Club, the Health Careers Group, and NHS. Outside of school, she is involved with dance. After many years of lessons, she now helps teach dance to younger students at Stage Presence for Dancers and she assists with the fundraising and planning for the annual dance production.

Two members of the Erskine Academy staff also were presented with Faculty of the Trimester Awards: Susan Beckwith, school-based counselor, has always worked behind the scenes, utilizing her resources and professional contacts to provide students with a way to better manage the hardships life has thrown their way. In this context, she readily gives up her free time to provide support, she helps at other schools when tragedies strike, and she never stops working to do the right thing by reaching out to lend a hand. Jim Johnson, music education teacher, expanded the programs he teaches, has set standards that are demanding but that students readily aspire to meet, and he has been able to blend rigor with creativity. The students in his classes and Erskine in general have received rave reviews for the various vocal, instrumental, and percussion groups he works with and he is appreciated for way he easily transfers his passion for music to his students.