Lions Pride Awards Presented to Middle School Students
Submitted by Dan Hagan
Orinda Intermediate School winners with teachers, parents and principal, back row, from left: Eli Persin's grandmother, Judi, his father, Ben, teacher Cecilia Kilmartin, Moraga Lions president Dan Hagan, teacher Carolyn Druger, Jaiden Aengus' father, Guy, and OIS principal Michael Randall. Front row: students Eli Persin, Jaiden Aengus and Jaiden's mother, Wendi. Photos Sherilyn Hagan
Prior to the end of the school year, the Moraga Lions Club awarded eight Lamorinda middle school students with the Lions Pride Award, which celebrates each student's academic tenacity and spirit. The students were selected by the faculty at Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School, Orinda Intermediate School, Stanley Middle School and St. Perpetua School.
JM sixth grader Serena Stickle and eighth grader Breydon Rizzo were described as "hard-working students who are not afraid to ask questions." Serena is a team player and is always willing to help fellow classmates and Breydon is "friendly and an amazing artist." At OIS, eighth grader Jaiden Aengus was described by one of his teachers as "diligent, resilient, and determined," while seventh grader Eli Persin was said to have developed into "a classroom leader ... and his efforts have been both exceptional and admirable." Outgoing eighth grade Stanley student Alec Simas is described as a golfer, artist and clothing designer who earned all A's and B's after undergoing chemotherapy, while fellow eighth grader Noelle Cowen was recognized for her passion about writing, singing, drawing and playing piano. And St. Perpetua eighth grade students Jonathan Oncena and Jack Belfiore, both athletes, were recognized for going above and beyond with effort and dedication.
Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School winners with parents, teachers and Moraga Lions president, back row, from left: JM principal Joan Danilson, teacher Karol Robinson, teacher Mary Usailka, parents Keith and Donna Stickle, student Serena Stickle, student Breydon Rizzo, mother Peggy Rizzo, teacher Ben Wayne, and teacher Pawan Datta; front row: teachers Lisa Gruen, Alyssa Lee, and Kerry Warmboe.
St. Perpetua School winners, from left: Moraga Lions president Dan Hagan, students Jonathan Oncena and Jack Belfiore.
Stanley Middle School winners with parents, teacher and Moraga Lions president, from left: mother Susanne Simas, student Alec Simas, student Noelle Cowen, father Jim Cowen, teacher Brian Cooper and Moraga Lions president Dan Hagan.
JM sixth grader Serena Stickle and eighth grader Breydon Rizzo were described as "hard-working students who are not afraid to ask questions." Serena is a team player and is always willing to help fellow classmates and Breydon is "friendly and an amazing artist." At OIS, eighth grader Jaiden Aengus was described by one of his teachers as "diligent, resilient, and determined," while seventh grader Eli Persin was said to have developed into "a classroom leader ... and his efforts have been both exceptional and admirable." Outgoing eighth grade Stanley student Alec Simas is described as a golfer, artist and clothing designer who earned all A's and B's after undergoing chemotherapy, while fellow eighth grader Noelle Cowen was recognized for her passion about writing, singing, drawing and playing piano. And St. Perpetua eighth grade students Jonathan Oncena and Jack Belfiore, both athletes, were recognized for going above and beyond with effort and dedication.
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA