Photo by Samantha Davis: Southview Elementary student Binaali Alahakoon holds up her certificate for being nominated as this month's Tiger Spotlight for the school at Monday's school board meeting. Other students not pictured are Sophia Padilla Benavides, Khalid Moktar, Jaxson Rumney and Jason Kirschbaum.

MARSHALL — The Marshall Public School District held its March session of the Tiger Spotlight at Monday night’s school board meeting, which is a monthly tradition that honors a Student of the Month from each school site.

Students are nominated by teacher and staff, who submit a bio about the student’s success and good acts that is read by the board.

Sophia Padilla Benavides was selected as Park Side Elementary’s student of the month, nominated by Emily Hoppe.

“Sophia is a student who always has a sweet smile on her face. She comes to school ready to work hard each day. She is excited to learn new things. Sophia has grown so much this year in her reading and writing skills,” Hoppe said. “She has shown that working hard in her phonemic awareness skills, phonics skills, and writing skills each day has given her great success … Sophia loves to show others what she is working on. She loves to illustrate her writing and read books to others. Sophia is a great example of a first-grade student who works hard every day, does their best, and is excited about their own learning.”

Xia Moua nominated Binaali Alahakoon as Southview Elementary’s Tiger Spotlight.

“Binaali’s first year in the Marshall School District has been a positive experience. She entered my classroom at the beginning of the year with a smile on her face and a strong eagerness to learn. She is a diligent student who consistently puts forth her best effort in all of her work,” Moua said. “She is determined to do her best and demonstrate initiative by asking questions when she needs further clarification or understanding. She has developed many positive friendships within the classroom and works well with all of her peers. Binaali serves as a positive role model for her classmates and consistently demonstrates the Tiger Pride Traits.”

The sixth-grade team collectively nominated Khalid Moktar for the recognition.

“Khalid consistently works hard and approaches learning with a positive, can-do attitude. He shows his work, participates thoughtfully in class discussions, and takes responsibility for completing assignments even after an absence,” the sixth-grade team said. “He is kind and collaborative, and his classmates enjoy being around him because he carries a warm, joyous aura that brightens the room. When working in groups, Khalid demonstrates patience and clear explanations. This encouragement makes a real difference in his classmates’ confidence and work.”

Jaxson Rumney was selected for the high school by teachers Brianne Marlyn and Alexandra Boddy.

“We share a classroom and need it rearranged between blocks to fit our classes. Jaxson Rumney has class during both of these blocks, and he goes out of his way every morning to help both of us rearrange the classroom as we need it for our classes,” Marlyn and Boddy said. “This initiative and genuine kindness is appreciated so much. It’s little things like that that can just make your day.”

For the Marshall Area Learning Center, Rachel Dove nominated Jason Kirschbaum.

“Since starting at the Marshall ALC Jason has been a joy to have in class. Jason displays many characteristics of a successful student. Jason demonstrates a hard work ethic, self-advocacy, time management, and respect,” Dove said. “Jason’s grades are exceptional in all classes, and he continually stays on track with all assignments. Jason self-advocates through asking questions during class and is respectful to all.”

The school board will continue to recognize Tiger Spotlight students each month through the remainder of the school year.