SCOTY award recipients honored at banquet

Eight EPCUSD 401 students were honored at the annual West 40 SCOTY banquet. SCOTY stands for School Citizen of the Year. Two students from each building received awards at the ceremony. Below is each winner with comments about each student from their principal or teacher. 

Elmwood Elementary School

• Andre Luna, Fifth Grade

“Andre makes it a point to welcome everyone and supports them in being their best. We should all strive to persevere and show others kindness the way Andre does,” said Fifth Grade Teachers Brooke Anderson, Lauren Campbell and Courtney Caputo. 

• Olivia Riha, Fifth Grade

“Olivia is always there to support her classmates and her teachers with her positivity. She always stands up for what is right and makes sure to include everyone,” said Fifth Grade Teachers Jeorganne Ricchio and Cami Breitzman. 

John Mills Elementary School

• Jaysean Presley, Fifth Grade

“Jaysean is a bright and dedicated student. He always completes assignments and takes pride in every task he completes. He has a cheerful nature and is very open to teacher feedback.  Jaysean is kind to his peers and always works hard,” said Fifth Grade Teachers Roxanne Rickenbrode and Elizabeth Murray.

• Celeste Rodriguez Figuera, Fifth Grade

“Celeste is a positive role model for her peers and is dedicated to always doing her best. She works hard each day to achieve her goals and encourages her classmates to do the same,” said Fifth Grade Teachers Macey Graf and Andrea Gauthier. 

Elm Middle School

• Lilli Rodriguez, Seventh Grade
• Tyson Ruggles, Seventh Grade

“Both students are exemplar models of what it means to show Elm Middle School pride,” said Elm Middle School Principal Ashley Groeneveld. “They excel not only in the classroom but throughout our school community to make our community of learning a wonderful place!”

Elmwood Park High School

• Nicole Taha, Senior
• Roy Zuniga, Senior

“Both of these individuals have played a pivotal role in many of the ongoings here at EPHS. Give it up for these incredible individuals. They are truly Student Citizens of the Year in our eyes!” said Elmwood Park High School Principal Dr. Amanda Brode-Rico. 

Not only does this award mark Nicole Taha’s incredible achievements in and out of the classroom, but it is also the third SCOTY award she has received. Taha has now been a recipient at the elementary, middle and high school levels. 

“It shows that it pays off and that I’ve been recognized by my peers and by my teachers,” said Taha. “Honestly, it means a lot.” 

EPCUSD 401 congratulates all of the SCOTY award winners and thanks them for making the district and community a better place.