Kennedy Settje and Leah Pinkston Named “Students of the Month”
Launch the media gallery 1 playerBy: Gracie Eisenmann, a freshman at Leigh High School
On the last day before students headed off for Spring Break, a new pair of “Student of the Month” were announced.
The two outstanding students who received the award (as voted on by teachers) were Leah Pinkston and Kennedy Settje.
The first recipient of this award is junior Kennedy Settje. Kennedy is the daughter of Krist and Chad Settje. She is also the granddaughter of Judy Blessen, Tom and Sue Kabes, and Mike and Cindy Settje; and the great-granddaughter of Stan and Marilyn Settje and LaVern and Joyce Wendt.
Kennedy is very involved in extracurriculars including volleyball, basketball, track, FCCLA, FBLA, YAC, journalism, and One-Act.
Her favorite class is her college personal health class.
In Kennedy’s free time she enjoys hanging out with friends, shopping, and playing basketball.
After high school, Kennedy is interested in pursuing a career in the medical field, possibly physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, or chiropractor. At this time, she is interested in attending, Wayne, UNL, or Northeast Community College.
This is the second time that Kennedy has won this award.
“Winning this award is pretty cool,” Settje said. “It's nice to see others recognize the good qualities you have and how you use those qualities to help others.”
Here is what Kennedy’s teacher had to say about her:
“Kennedy is an amazing student. She excels in her extracurriculars and in the classroom. She is always working on homework and asks so many good questions. Even if there is three minutes left in class, she will crack open her math or English book and start working on her assignments.”
“Kennedy is an extremely hard worker, stays on task, very outgoing outside the classroom, and polite.”
The second winner is freshman Leah Pinkston. Leah is the daughter of Amy Pinkston and Justin Gleason. Her grandparents are Dave and Janette Pinkston of Leigh.
Leah participates in One-Act, speech, choir, band, and journalism. Her favorite subjects are science and speech.
Leah describes herself as, “a confused student by day, digital artist by night. It’s a superhero persona.”
In the future Leah plans to take a route toward an art career. Specifically, she is looking into tattooing apprenticeships to start once she turns 18.
This is the first time Leah has won this award, and this is what she had to say about receiving this honor: “Winning this award feels like a huge accomplishment. I have struggled in the past years balancing school and other activities, but it feels amazing to know that my hard work trying to do better is recognized.”
Here is what Leah’s teachers had to say about her:
“She has really excelled in the fine arts this year. She did an amazing job in the One-Act play this fall and recently placed at Conference Speech. She is fun to have in class and has shown great growth in being responsible with turning her work. She also has a great personality and isn’t afraid to let that personality shine through and be herself!”
“Leah has joined choir this semester and is willing to try anything. She also went above and beyond to present mini-demonstrations to the elementary classes about what a violin is made out of and how to play one. She took charge and did a great job.”
Congratulations to both Kennedy Settje and Leah Pinkston for being named “Student of the Month!”