Photo by Samantha Davis Standing left to right, Harper Thooft, Caden Brunsvold, Halle Johnson and Matthew Cauwels stand with their December Tiger Spotlight certificates after being selected as students of the month by school staff. Not pictured are Casey Williams, David Lanoue and Jacob Kyner.

MARSHALL — The selfless and courageous acts of three high school students highlighted the December session of Tiger Spotlight at Monday’s school board meeting.

Tiger Spotlight is a monthly school board event that recognizes a student from each Marshall Public School district site, nominated by teachers and staff.

Each present student stood up as a school board member read their nomination description, submitted by the respective teacher or staff member.

Casey Williams, Caden Brunsvold and David Lanoue were nominated for the high school’s Tiger Spotlight this month by Principal Brian Jones for helping their fellow peers in a time of need.

“On Wednesday, December 3, Casey, Caden, and David were traveling from CTI (Career & Technical Institute) to MHS when they witnessed two classmates lose control of their car on County Road 33 and begin to spin out on the icy road. The car spun into the lane of oncoming traffic, and was struck by an oncoming semi-truck/trailer,” Jones said in his nomination. “Casey, Caden, and David immediately pulled over to assist. They helped to direct traffic and had their classmates go into Casey’s warm truck until emergency help arrived on scene and took over. They also spoke with the parents of one of the students involved in the accident upon their arrival on the scene. Their willingness to remain calm and help in an emergency situation makes them perfect recipients for this month’s Marshal High School Tiger Student Spotlight.”

Ann Richardson selected Matthew Cauwels as the Area Learning Center’s (ALC) spotlight student.

“Matt came to the ALC at the beginning of the ’25-’26 school year. From day one, he has shown respect for his peers and the staff at school. He shares his positive attitude and sense of humor daily with all of us,” Richardson said. “He is committed to graduating on time this spring and is looking forward to training and education in wastewater management. We feel blessed for his addition to the ALC and wish him the best for his future.”

Harper Thooft was the middle school’s student of the month, nominated by Amber Altheide.

“Harper truly deserves recognition for the exceptional qualities she demonstrates every day. She is a hardworking and organized student who approaches her responsibilities with care and dedication,” Altheide said. “Harper shows respect and kindness to her peers, often helping others without being asked, and she maintains a positive attitude that reflects pride in her school. By managing her work effectively and communicating with teachers, she exemplifies responsibility and leadership. Harper’s actions and character make her a model student and an inspiration to her classmates.”

Southview Elementary recognized Jacob Kyner, who was selected by Hallie Greenfield.

“Jacob consistently demonstrates Tiger Pride every day. He is respectful, responsible, and safe, and he always completes his work with care. Jacob is friendly with all his classmates and gets along well with both peers and adults,” Greenfield said. “His smile truly lights up the room. When Jacob is smiling, it’s impossible not to smile with him. He is a bright, thoughtful student with a fantastic sense of humor, and he is a joy to have in class.”

Halle Johnson was nominated by Jamie Brigger for Park Side Elementary’s student of the month.

“Halle is this month’s Star Writer at Park Side School for many reasons. First off, Halle has excellent penmanship. She strives very hard to be neat and clear in her letter formations. Second, Halle loves adding many details to her writing, so her reader really understands what she is writing about,” Brigger said. “Third, Halle loves to use the words she learns from her school day in her writing. She utilizes words from reading books and other word study activities. She is also a terrific speller and uses the spelling rules she has learned in first grade. Finally, Halle loves to spend time making excellent illustrations that match the writing she has created. Halle is truly one amazing first grade writer.”

The Tiger Spotlight session will continue monthly throughout the school year at a school board meeting.