(Left to Right) Teacher Amanda Gregg, Student of the Year Brooke Gibson, Principal Frank Flores, Student of the Year Cooper Bryski, President of Exchange John Blythe
Photo and story by Catherine Stachowiak
The Kern Valley Exchange Club awarded two Students of the Year from Wallace Middle School, Thursday May 23, at a luncheon at Paradise Cove Lodge.
The two students the club awarded were Cooper Bryski and Brooke Gibson. Principal Frank Flores from Wallace Middle School told those attending the awards luncheon that both teens are good students and good athletes.
Flores said, “It is definitely our pleasure at the middle school to be here at the exchange luncheon and to honor both. Brooke and Cooper definitely set a really high bar. They set a really great example of what students at the middle school should be.”
Wallace Middle School, grade 8 teacher, Amanda Gregg said that the two students were chosen from all the students of the month, from the entire school year. Their leadership qualities, attendance, and participation in various tournaments were all under consideration for the decision of the top boy and girl middle-schoolers of the year. “Both students went above and beyond what all of their peers have done,” said Gregg.
Gregg said Brooke Gibson perfectly embodies the Outstanding Middle Schooler of the Year. She keeps her grades high, going above and beyond, even doing extra credit to keep her scores high. She’s very persistent, very scholarly, and helpful to her fellow students progressing. She was MVP of her basketball team at school. Gibson was part of ASB and first to volunteer to help whenever needed. Ms. Gregg said, “Take pride in this Outstanding Middle Schooler award that you have earned that is representative of all your incredible hard work that you put in to be excellent in every aspect. I look forward to hearing of all your successes throughout these next four years and the rest of your life.”
Principal Flores said regarding Bryski, “Cooper is, in my humble opinion, a natural born leader. He has a strong and clear voice. He’s admired and respected by his peers. It was no surprise to me when he was elected to be our ASB president this year. I have heard that Cooper wants to become a fire fighter. I think this is an admirable profession.” Flores said he believed Cooper would do well in all he put his mind and efforts towards.
Aside from the leadership qualities, Cooper plays basketball and baseball showing much courage determination on the court. He is already participating in the Kern Valley High School Future Farmers of America (FFA.) He won the Merriam Hume award for academic excellence and service to school and community. He is thoughtful and always ready to help others. He is top of his class.
President of the Kern Valley Exchange Club, John Blythe presented each student with a certificate of recognition, for demonstrating outstanding qualities of leadership in their middle school and a monetary contribution towards their education.
