News : VSMS 8th graders receive Presidential Awards

These 8 VSMS 8th graders received the President's Award for Educational Achievement.

Eight Vinton-Shellsburg Middle School 8th grade students received the President’s Award for Educational Achievement, an award with one very difficult requirement, according to Principal Shelly Petersen.

“They have to impress their teacher every single day,” said the Principal as she discussed the awards during Wednesday’s President’s Education Awards Program.

The eight honorees are Leah Bohnsack, Kailey Lazenby, Autumn Sauer, Steven Sauer, Taryn Sutton, Chelsee Tharp, Hanna Timmerman and Jillian White.

Another 41 students received the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. This award honors tho who maintained an overall “A” average and achieved at the 85th percentile or above in math or reading on the Iowa Assessments.

The special speaker for the event was 2006 VS graduate Nate Edwards, who encouraged the students to take pride in all they do, from school work to cleaning their room.

Mrs. Petersen ended the event by encouraging the 8th graders to “dream big” as they go through high school and beyond. She told them one of their main goals should be to find a job they love doing.

See more photos HERE.