Watertown Rotary Honors Outstanding Middle School Students
- Steve Jurrens
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - This past Thursday, the Watertown Rotary Club hosted its annual Student of the Month luncheon, celebrating an elite group of eighth-grade students from Watertown Middle School for their exceptional scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and character.
The event highlighted the long-standing partnership between the Rotary Club and local schools, a tradition shaped in large part by former Watertown Middle School Principal Dan Albertson, who dedicated 40 years to the school and 50 years to educational administration.
With approximately 587 students currently enrolled at Watertown Middle School, organizers noted that the eight students selected represent the top two percent of their peer group. To qualify for the top academic honors, students were required to maintain a grade point average of 3.75 or higher, along with stellar evaluations from their teachers. https://www.facebook.com/RotaryWatertownSd/reels/
Watertown Middle School officials praised the students for defying negative stereotypes often associated with teenagers. Speaking at the event, school administrators emphasized that the majority of local youth are dedicated to doing the right thing every day, with these eight individuals serving as prime examples of excellence.
The awards were split into two primary categories across the school’s “Coyote” and “Jackrabbit” teams: Greatest Improvement and Students of the Year.
Greatest Improvement Awards
These awards recognize students who have shown exceptional growth in their scholastic achievements, attitude toward learning, and citizenship.
· Jackrabbit Team: Jacob Morris & Bailey Paulson
· Coyote Team: Phoenix Barse & Joshua Darling
Students of the Year Awards
These awards recognize eighth graders who have maintained elite academic standards (3.75+ GPA) while demonstrating exemplary leadership and personal character.
· Coyote Team: Lauren Tesch & Johann Mendez-Rebolledo
· Jackrabbit Team: Elaina Brown & Thomas Boyens
Mr. Johnson, a student leader and mentor at Watertown Middle School who spearheads the selection process, thanked the Rotary Club for their continued sponsorship of the program, noting that this year’s honorees join an elite legacy of past winners who have gone on to do great things in the community.
