And the winner of the 2009 Zachary Tucker H.E.R.O. Award is.....Mya Boyle!!!  Dirk and I were very touched once again to be able to be a part of the Lithia Springs Elementary Fifth Grade Celebration to present the HERO Award.  There were nine very deserving nominees and this year we selected a runner up as well as a winner because two of the students were hard to choose from.  Below is the speech that Dirk and I gave at the presentation:

Sherry and I would like to congratulate every one of you on the completion of elementary school!  We would also like to thank the Lithia Springs administration and staff for allowing us to present the 3rd Zachary Tucker HERO award and be part of your celebration today.  Finally, we would like to thank all of the nominating teachers and the selection committee for their time and effort in helping to select the HERO award winner. 

 

The Zachary Tucker H.E.R.O. Award is given to one fifth grade student who displays characteristics in line with those displayed by, our son, Zach Tucker.  As many of you may know, Zach was a Lithia Springs student who courageously battled a cancerous brain tumor for 10 months during his 3rd grade year in the 2005-2006 school year.  He was healed in Heaven three years ago on May 9, 2006.

 

The word HERO is defined as "endowed with great courage and strength."  These are great qualities, but to be a hero like Zach taught us to be, you must have these characteristics as well:

 

                   H - Happy attitude

                   E - Excellent student

                   R - Respected friend

                   O - Outstanding athlete

 

Your teachers and the staff of Lithia Springs have been watching all of you throughout the year.  They have nominated nine students who reflect the characteristics of the HERO award.  These students have received only A’s and B’s, displayed outstanding conduct, are respected by their friends and teachers, participated in sports to the best of their abilities with good sportsmanship and faced challenges with courage and perseverance.  We would like to recognize each nominee before the HERO award winner is announced. 

 

 

Before we get to the nominees, we would like to introduce a special guest joining us for the presentation of the HERO award, last years winner Jake Vanderluit.  Not only was Jake selected to receive the HERO award, he was also one of Zach’s very best friends.  He was nice enough to take a break from his middle school final exams to help us pass out the awards to this year’s nominees.  Jake continues to set a great example for all future students of what being selected for the HERO award requires.  He works very hard to maintain good grades, is a very competitive athlete, thinks of others before himself and is respected by adults and students.  Thanks for joining us here today Jake.

 

On to the nominees!  As I call your name, please join me on the stage.  I will be sharing some of the comments made on your nomination forms as you walk up. 

 

Halima Anderson – Halima participates in drama, girl scouts, dance and safety patrol.  She always has a smile, a very sweet girl and a respectful student.  Halima is always willing to help others and kind to everyone.

 

Mya Boyle – Mya participates in safety patrol, drama, competitive soccer and her church youth program.  She is a wonderful person who goes above and beyond all she sets her mind to do.  Mya works hard at school and accepts challenges with grace and perseverance.  She is a role model to her peers and is well respected.

 

Drew Kulas – Drew is passionate about soccer! Although Drew is new to Lithia this year, his impact has been felt by many.  He is always doing the right thing, is very well behaved and well prepared each day for class.  He is respectful toward others, kind and helpful to everyone. 

 

Jessica Murawski – Jessica is also a soccer player and is very active at BAYSL soccer club.  She is extremely polite, a responsible student who is always willing to help her teachers and fellow classmates.  She is the kind of student, friend and athlete who inspires those around her by her positive attitude and actions.

 

Kara O’Donnell – Kara participates in drama, safety patrol, volleyball and received first place in fifth grade bowling.  She is a bright and polite young lady who is always on task in class and displays wonderful leadership abilities.  She is an outstanding student and person.

 

Madi Oppolo – Madi participates in drama, safety patrol and dance.  She always has a positive attitude that she brings to all activities and her peers.  Madi displays a maturity that exceeds most fifth graders.  She is well organized, self motivated and treats everyone – not just her close friends – with courtesy and respect.

 

Lauren Reneau – Lauren is a cheerleader and a soccer player.  She is a very positive person with a cheerful attitude and big smile.  She is always kind to others and is a great friend.  Lauren strives to be her best physically and academically.

 

Taylor Shaw – Taylor participates in drama, safety patrol and softball.  She is a smart girl with a positive attitude.  She is a good friend to many and an excellent softball player. 

 

Kaley Weber – Kaley is a hard worker and is always kind to others.  She goes above and beyond in everything she does.  She always displays a positive attitude and is a well rounded student.

 

Every one of these students is very deserving of the HERO award, but the committee had to select only one to receive the award.  This year we found we had two nominees that rose to the top of our list.  Because it was such a close decision, we decided we would name a runner up as well as a winner.  Both of these students received two nominations.  Drew Kulas and Mya Boyle please step forward.  Thank you both for displaying all the HERO characteristics in all you do.  The runner up will receive this medallion and the HERO award winner will receive this trophy, a $25 gift card to the mall and their name on our HERO plaque.  The runner up is Drew Kulas which means the 2009 Zach Tucker HERO award goes to Mya Boyle.  Mya, we are very proud of you and all your hard work!  Thank you for being a HERO! And thank all of you once again for allowing us to be a part of this wonderful celebration.

Update on our Great Summer Adventure...Harvi the RV has received some tattoos and we are going to be loading her up tomorrow.  If everything goes as planned, we will be heading out Saturday morning.  Go to www.sherrytucker.net tomorrow (I will be working on the entry tonight sometime!) to see pictures of Harvi and her tattoos :)

Love to all,
Sherry