The Middle Country Central School District recently named three Stagecoach Elementary School students as students of the month for October. Ava Papalia, Grace Papalia, and Oliva Papalia were recognized at a recent Board of Education Meeting, acknowledging the siblings’ dedication to academic excellence and community involvement.
“I am incredibly thrilled to announce the three Papalia sisters as Stagecoach Elementary School students of the month. This is the first year we are recognizing students of the month at the elementary level and these students are excellent candidates to start the new tradition,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “I know that these students will make a great impact wherever they go, and I am eager to see what they will do next to continue their vision to make a difference.”
Ava, Oliva, and Grace are students who take action when they want to see positive change happen. Last year, the three sisters decided to put together an anti-bullying campaign throughout the school. The girls wanted to bring awareness to why it is not okay to bully and address the importance for all students to be kind, helpful, and respectful to each other. Grace hung up anti-bullying posters around the school. Awa would walk around the cafeteria and give a cookie to any student she felt looked upset as well as sit with them to help cheer them up, and Oliva took an active role in helping organize school events such as ice-pop day and the book fair.
“These three students are so passionate whenever anyone speaks to them about anti-bullying. They have so many great ideas for this school year,” said Shaun Rothberg, Principal of Stagecoach Elementary School. “Ava, Grace, and Oliva are such kind-hearted students. All their teachers speak highly of them, they receive excellent grades and are role models for their classmates.”