November Student of the Month: Sam Kidder
November 29, 2017
Senior Sam Kidder was named November Student of the Month during assembly on Wednesday, Nov. 29. As she presented the award, math teacher Dawn Deibler shared the following remarks:
We are often asked what makes a Student of the Month. The truth is there is no algorithm or formula. We look for students who embody what it means to be a Panther. November’s student of the month is an ideal candidate. He may not always complete his assignments, but he never tells you that the dog ate his homework! He is honest and caring. He brings a smile to the face of everyone he encounters.
Every month we ask for feedback from teachers. There is no shortage of responses this month. Many just want to express their excitement about Sam Kidder. Mr. Whitaker says he is “a really positive person. A real leader. Encourages people to be their best. A real positive role model for younger members of our community. Dependable, trustworthy, positive and kind. . .character traits we could all aspire to have. I respect Sam very much.”
Becky Sarazin shares, “Something I admire about Sam is that he is genuine and kind to each and every student and member of the faculty and staff. He goes out of his way to say hello every day, whether it is in the hallway or across the quad for all to hear. He is kind to everyone, always positive and smiling. He tries hard, doesn’t give up and is so deserving of this honor. Awesome job, Sammy!”
Jesse Dewey states, “Sam is a very kind soul who strives to see the best in everyone. He is always whistling around the halls; and with his presence, TA is a better place. Sam is always willing to help other students to understand tasks and offers help without being asked.”
Madame Heinzmann writes, “Sam Kidder is a panther in the truest sense of the word, one of our students who lives our five fundamental principles. He is caring, and goes out of his way to be kind to all. He shows his respect for diversity through his openness and easy acceptance of others. And he is truly one of our most cooperative panthers, that rare student who really does work well with everyone, and can get along with his teachers to boot. In Applied Mathematics, he constantly strives for excellence, taking advantage of opportunities to correct his work and never settling for anything less than his best effort. Finally, he is committed to the principle of community and to making our school a better place, whether he’s supporting his friends or speaking up when he sees something that is not fair. Personally, he puts a smile on my face every single time he walks into my classroom. In a thousand different small ways, and with no expectation of reward, Sam makes Thetford Academy a little better, every single day, simply because it’s the right thing to do. Sam, thank you for all you do to make our school the best it can be.”
The next time you see Sam and offer congratulations, try to say hello first! I bet he beats you to it every single time. Sam Kidder, congratulations on being the November 2017 Student of the Month; and thank you for being you!