SeDoMoCha recognizes Student in the Spotlight honorees

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Citizenship was the trait recognized during the month of May for the SeDoMoCha School’s Students in the Spotlight honorees.

During the last Student in the Spotlight assembly on May 23 teachers spoke to the student body and family members about citizenship.

The May honorees are kindergarten: Ben Cannon; grade 1: Cody Spencer; grade 2: Henry Cabot; grade 3: Lillian Arcaro; grade 4: Ava White; elementary unified arts: Drake Parker; grade 5: Eva Monzyk; grade 6: Landon Gormley; grade 7: Nina Espinosa; grade 8: Adalynn Rayfield; and middle school unified arts: Harper Slama.

“There are many ways to be a good citizen in school,” grade 6 math teacher Morgan Whitten said. “This can look like being respectful to those around you, following school rules — even when others are not looking or displaying good character through kindness or consideration. A student who excels in citizenship contributes to the community in whatever way they can, preparing themselves to be a positive addition to the real world.”

“When colleges look at a potential student’s application, they look at more than just their grades,” middle school guidance counselor and teacher Jeannine Reece said. “They want to see that the student will not only go to classes, but they will also get involved and become a part of the campus community. 

“In psychology, there is a term we use gemeinschaftsgefühl. It’s a sense of community connectedness … of belonging. A good citizen follows the rules … that is the minimum. A great citizen leaves their community better because of their contributions.”

Students were also recognized for attendance. Those with perfect attendance for the month of May were Annalise Arno, Marley Bartolomeu, Glenna Brochu, King Carson, Paityn Jay, Ben Mitchell, Gwen Mitchell, Kenneth Peterson and Brayden Weeks.

Theo Heretakis is the perfect attendance winner for 2024-25 with 100 percent attendance. He received six Portland Sea Dog tickets for a July game.

A few staff members were honored for demonstrating empathy in the building. 

The four Staff In The Spotlight nominees are Jen Ryan, middle school special education ed tech; Stephany Dawson, elementary school ed tech; Josh Hunnewell, middle school music teacher; and Matt Cole day treatment ed tech

Cole was chosen as in every interaction – whether with students, colleagues or parents — he leads with understanding, kindness and patience.

Empathy is one of the most powerful tools an educator can possess, and Cole models it daily. He takes the time to truly listen to students (particularly, one young man he works with daily) and he is understanding not just to their academic needs, but also their social-emotional well-being, too. Whether a student is facing personal challenges, struggling with a concept, or simply needs encouragement, Cole responds with grace and care, making each student feel seen and supported.

His ability to connect on a human level has made a profound impact in the learning community. Students feel safe, valued and motivated-knowing they are not just another face in the room, but individuals, whose feelings and experiences matter.

SeDoMoCha is grateful to have such a compassionate educator, someone who not only teaches with skill but also with ongoing empathy.