GOOD NEWS!

SSD HONORS 4 HAZELWOOD WEST STUDENTS WITH THE ROSEMARY ZANDER AWARD

Mina Jackson

Challenges have always been a part of Mina Jackson’s life. Although she was born prematurely, she has overcome many obstacles and experienced major growth.

A senior at Hazelwood West High School, Mina receives services from SSD. According to Katy Billings, SSD speech-language pathologist and Rosemary Zander Award nominator, Mina’s social growth has been phenomenal.

“The once shy and reserved Mina has blossomed into an outgoing and enthusiastic young woman, while still maintaining her kind and caring spirit,” said Billings.

Mina is a part of the Hazelwood West color guard and a member of the Visitor Information Personnel (VIP) program for which students are required to maintain a 3.0 grade-point average. She also attended the Fred Saigh Leadership Program.

“Mina’s positive attitude and determination to encourage others in the classroom and on the job is undoubtedly going to make a difference in the world and with the people she encounters,” said Billings.

Cameron Clark

Cameron Clark was a quiet, reserved student when he arrived at Hazelwood West High School, where he receives services from SSD. A senior now, he has blossomed and made significant progress socially and academically.

As a freshman, physical education (PE) became Cameron’s favorite class and he developed the habit of trying with a good attitude every day.

“Cameron’s success in PE contributed to his growth and success in the classroom,” said Jodi Schutzenhofer, SSD teacher and Cameron’s nominator for the Rosemary Zander Award.

Cameron now speaks in multiword, understandable sentences, contributes to class discussions, attends extracurricular sporting events, participates in the Peer Buddies Club and works in the Community-Based Vocational Instruction program.

Katie Dukeman, PE teacher at Hazelwood West, said, “I love that he is excited no matter what we are doing. He does his best every day. I get excited because of the sparkle and smile in his eyes.”

Maria Broyles

Maria Broyles experienced great loss in her childhood and faces her own medical challenges, but she has persevered and flourished.

Maria is a senior at Hazelwood West High School and receives services from SSD. She lost both her parents to cancer and she has been diagnosed with a genetic condition that has created health challenges.

Bridget Hanna, an SSD teacher who nominated Maria for the Rosemary Zander Award, said she is amazed at how Maria faces these challenges with such courage, grace and positivity.

Maria is a member of the Hazelwood West swim and dive team, manager of the boys’ swim team and a color guard member. She also participated in the 2015 Fred Saigh Leadership Program, is a member of the National Art Honor Society and is a Visitor Information Personnel (VIP) team member that volunteers during different school events and activities.

“Maria’s courage throughout her life has led her to where she is now,” said Hanna. “She has taken the challenges she has faced and has grown into a beautiful young lady with the soul of an angel. She not only inspires her peers, but she inspires her teachers as well.”

Cayla Rodell

Not only has Cayla Rodell made great academic strides at Hazelwood West High School, her participation in extracurricular activities at the high school has been an inspiration to many.

“With perseverance and a genuine desire to succeed, Cayla has managed to improve her grades considerably, and has acquired significant self-advocacy skills,” said SSD teacher Denise Inman, who nominated Cayla for the award.

According to Inman, Cayla, who receives services from SSD, has grown into a take-charge person who is able to develop plans and implement them. She was chosen to attend the Special Education Foundation’s Fred Saigh Leadership Program. She is a section leader for the Marching Wildcats, a member of the girls’ varsity swim and dive team, and a member of the National Honor Society.

“Cayla has been an amazing role model and sets a good example for students in Project Walk, a dropout prevention program at Hazelwood West,” said Inman. “It is with Project Walk that I have seen Cayla shine and where her true professional promise has emerged.”

Inman said that Cayla is one of the kindest, most compassionate and extraordinary young women she has ever met. “Her unwavering devotion to her school and community exemplifies her strong moral fiber and character,” she said.

Congratulations to Mrs. Marie Boesch, Hazelwood West Guidance Counselor, for being named Special School District's 2016 Special Ambassador. .

The Special Ambassador Award is the highest recognition given by SSD. The award is presented to organizations and community members who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the District’s students and staff.

Marie Boesch
Guidance Counselor, Hazelwood School District

Marie Boesch’s willingness to participate in many extra activities and to serve on multiple committees at Hazelwood School District shows her dedication to students and co-workers.

Mrs. Boesch is the counselor for all students with IEPs. She attends IEP meeting for SSD students. She provides student-specific information, she is able to answer questions regarding total credits needed for graduation, as well as information about the A+ Program, technical high schools and transition after graduation to college or jobs..

According to Denise Inman and Jodi Schutzenhofer, Special Ambassador nominators and SSD teachers, our special education staff is thrilled with this arrangement. They added that Boesch demonstrates professionalism, kindness, empathy, and positivity toward every student and staff member.

Information from SSDMO.ORG

WRESTLING HELPS WEST OVERCOME OBSTICLES

By Destiny First

Tristan West is an 19 year old senior at Hazelwood West High School.

He has a true passion for wrestling. Tristan started wrestling when he was in 2nd grade. Tristan got involved because he used to always get picked on, so he asked his dad if he could join a karate class. His dad didn’t mind but he would have rather him do wrestling instead. Ever since Tristan has wrestled in 2nd grade he had continued and is now an Senior in High School.

Q: What is the best thing about wrestling? A: The best thing about wrestling is pinning your opponent and winning metals. It takes mental and physical strength to do wrestling.

Q: How are you doing in school? A: I’m doing very well. I have a 3.5 GPA. Tristan West does like school but school was a struggle for him. Tristan has a learning disability that is called ADHD. Tristan was put in special classes to help him with class work which has helped hi so far.

Q: Does your learning disability effect you? A: It does sometimes effect me and gets In the way of some things. But it never gets I the way of wrestling. “ It will over power my ADHD.” Tristan plans on going to college for 2 years at Saint Louis Community College to study the military life as a police man.

Mrs. Boesch wins SSD Award

Hazelwood West senior Tristan West. West is a varsity wrestler who struggles with ADHD.

SPECIAL AFFECTS