Senior students Amari Jones and Samantha Basinait were recognized at Monday's Board of Education meeting for receiving the Character and Leadership Awards, respectively.
Below are the comments Principal Ashbery had for each student during the recognition.
Character Award - Amari Jones
"Amari is no stranger to being involved and active in his school community. In her nomination, Mrs. Wolcott, high school teacher aide, notes, 'I have had the pleasure of watching Amari grow from a small child on the AYSAP football field into the young man he is today. He deserves this award because he embodies so many of the traits associated with good character. Amari is respectful. He always has a cheerful "hello" when he passes you in the hall and is very appreciative when something has been done for him. Amari is responsible, reliable and trustworthy. He is entrusted by his coaches to be a leader and an example for his teammates. He is still active in the AYSAP football program and is a great role model for those young boys and girls who look up to him and cheer for him in the stands on Friday nights. Amari is a hard worker. Whether in the classroom (high honor roll), on the court (all-league) or on the field (all-WNY honors), he gives 100 percent to achieve his goals. He is just an all-around good person who brightens your day and is a positive example for others.'
Other staff members join in recognizing Amari's stellar character. Coach Skrip notes that Amari is driven and able to motivate others through his actions and commitment to his team and coaches. Others describe Amari as someone who:
- Demonstrates strong character in his interactions with peers and adults in his multiple roles of team captain over the past several years.
- Is generous with a warm smile and greeting with whomever he crosses paths with
- Always willing to help his peers, both on and off the field and in the classroom, without being prompted or for any type of recognition
- Takes a 'big picture' view of a situation and creates opportunities to make it better for everyone involved
Amari, your future is bright and we are thankful for you being a positive role model for our Albion community. We know that you will continue on with your strength of character and heart to do great things in the world. Congratulations!"
Leadership Award - Samantha Basinait
"Samantha is no stranger to being an active member and leader in the clubs and groups she is involved in. Miss Allen, a teacher in the high school and part of the drama production team, nominated Samantha for this very deserving recognition. In her nomination, Miss Allen notes, 'Sam is an excellent leader to her peers. During set design, she always complimented others on their work and encouraged them to keep up the good work on their projects and motivated them when needed. She did such a wonderful job leading our students that we made her our deck manager for our spring production of The Addams Family. As deck manager, Sam has gone above and beyond. She comes to rehearsals early, stays late and is always willing to come in on weekends in order to have things set and ready for other members of the crew. She is the type of leader that gets down to work with the rest of the crew while directing them, she does not just stand back and watch. Sam perfectly balances kindness with firmness, which makes her a dependable leader that other students can count on to help guide them.'
Samantha serves in several other leadership roles in the high school including: senior class treasurer, varsity soccer captain, varsity basketball captain. She has been involved in FFA for the past seven years and has served in a leadership role for six of those years. She is the current FFA president. Other teachers, advisors and coaches make note of Samantha's natural leadership abilities. Comments include:
- She is devoted and selfless in her endeavors, giving her all for the benefit of others
- Sam is hard working, dedicated and a true leader. She is able to lead by example and earns the respect from both peers and adults for her dedication to her roles in many clubs and activities.
- Sam always puts the group or the team that she is with first. I am most impressed with her remarkable ability to be consistent with her attitude and work ethic regardless of the situation. Many of her peers can be positive when they are getting what they want, but Sam has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to be a great leader and teammate even if others are getting more than her. She not only remains positive, but is genuinely happy and supportive of the success of others.
Samantha, a leader is someone who does what it takes to make the world a better place, not for the glory, but because it is the right thing to do. Thank you for being a model for our entire Albion school community of what true leadership looks like. You've made our school a better place. Congratulations!"
