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Week of Thursday, November 27, 2003West Middle School student headed to national conference Based on West Middle School student Michelle Kuipers’ academic achievement and leadership potential, she has been nominated to attend the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in February 2004 held Washington, D.C Michelle, 12, was nominated by her science teacher, Tim Podlewski, who recognized her as one of a group of students with the scholastic merit, maturity and responsibility to represent West Middle School in this unique leadership program for exceptional 6th and 7th graders. All of the students on Michelle’s team contributed comments about her academic performance on the nomination form. Michelle’s mom, Jeannie Kain, said Michelle has exhibited leadership qualities in the past. "She has always been a leader rather than a follower. There isn’t really specific examples of times where she led a group, but more of an example to her classmates and others," said Kain. Michelle, said her mother, is very intelligent and has a good head on her shoulders. "She has a sense of appropriate behavior and is well-rounded in terms of a good sense of humor and knows when to use it and she knows when it is appropriate. When somebody might be wrong and she (tries to) steer them in the right direction," said Kain. Michelle’s father is Kern Kuipers of Clinton. Earlier this fall, at parent - teacher conferences, Podlewski indicated that earning an A+ in his science class was extremely difficult, and some years go by without any students earning an A+. But Michelle earned an A+ in the first marking period. Michelle earned the Principal’s Award at Chapelle Elementary School in the spring of her fifth- grade year out of a class of about 75 students. Michelle was recognized as the most outstanding all-around female student. She was recognized for her achievements academically as well as in leadership and service. Last year, Michelle earned all A’s, all year, which earned her a spot on the Principal’s List. In addition to meeting the significant academic requirements that are the first consideration in choosing participants, the JrNYLC Board of Advisors nomination that was completed indicated that Michelle has the strength of character and leadership ability that will allow her to get the most out of this unparalleled opportunity. Michelle said she is looking forward to joining other students across the nation at the JrNYLC. On Michelle’s official acceptance into the JrNYLC, the area’s United States representatives and senators will be notified. Michelle will have the opportunity to meet and learn from some of today’s leaders on Capitol Hill. Past speakers and presenters to this group include Supreme Court justices, the attorney general, directors, administrators, and secretaries of governmental agencies and departments, chairmen and CEOs of major corporations and ambassadors to the United Nations. She will also have the opportunity to spend the night in a museum, and visit historical areas such as Williamsburg and Gettysburg. Like all worthwhile things, however, there are costs associated with the conference and airfare to Washington. Michelle is in the process of applying for a scholarship, and trying to raise money from business, civic organizations and individuals to sponsor her trip. Conference costs are $1,700, and airfare is estimated to be about $300. With money for meals and other incidentals, Michelle estimates her costs will be between $2,500 and $3,000. Her family doesn’t want her to miss this opportunity, but costs are prohibitive to the family’s budget. The fees are due by Dec. 1. Kain said when Michelle came home she was very excited about the opportunity. "She is very determined to be able to go. She kept saying to me, ‘I’m going, I’m going.’" If you would like to talk with Michelle about this opportunity, her phone number is 480-9169. Kain can be reached at 763-4768. |
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