Ruby Antonelli, fifth grader at Clarkston Elementary School, and Pine Knob Elementary fifth grader Chloe Krawczak were honored as their schools? Outstanding Student Citizens.
Hosted by Clarkston Area Optimist Club, Clarkston’s seven elementary schools choose one student a year for the award.
Antonelli is disciplined, organized, responsible, takes initiative, plans ahead, and sets goals, said her principal, Brian Adams.
“Every day when I walk the halls, I see Ruby inspiring her classmates,” Adams said. “She’s amazing. She always looks to be a good citizen. When conflict arises, she looks for a win-win solution.”
The fifth grader always has a smile on her face, looks for ways to get others involved, and has great ideas to share, the principal added.
“She listens with ears, eyes, and heart,” he said. “She’s sharp as a saw. The staff and I are very proud of you.”
She defines what it means to be an outstanding citizen, said fifth-grade teacher Nate Fuller.
“There is something about that Ruby,” Fuller said. “You are like nothing else.”
The club awarded the honors at their breakfast meeting, Jan. 27. Family was invited, including her parents, Michelle and Michael Antonelli.
“We are just so proud of her,” Michelle said.
“It’s good to hear her recognized outside the family,” Michael said.
“I think it’s amazing,” Ruby said. “When everyone around is happy, that makes me happy.”
Pine Knob Elementary Principal Jodi Yeloushan said Chloe Krawczak is bright, cheerful, and supportive of peers, with an optimistic view of the world.
‘She lights up the room when she walks in,? Yeloushan said. “Chloe adds a positive piece to Pine Knob Elementary.?
Fifth grade teacher Kelly Mortz remembers meeting with fifth-grade team teachers to select the student for the honor.
‘We all said ‘Chloe,?? Mortz said. ‘It was a very easy pick.?
“I like school. I think it’s fun to meet new people, Chloe said. ‘People are so welcoming and nice, so I’m nice back.”
‘I’m extremely proud of her,? said her mother, Michelle Krawczak. “I’m not surprised. She was born to lead.”
Chloe is an optimistic, intelligent, extremely kind person who excels in and outside the classroom, Mortz said.
‘She’s a role model to other students,? the teacher said. ‘She’s the best safety patrol member at school ? she loves to help others.?
“I want to keep people safe,? Chloe said. ‘If people aren’t safe and things go wrong, they could get hurt.?
Chloe earned an Optimist Club scholarship to art camp two years ago, her mother said.
‘We absolutely love the Optimists and their mission. It’s a great organization,? she said.