Zhane Burkhart and President Rick Jackson

Mt. Morris Junior High School student, Zhane Burkhart has been selected as the November Kiwanis Turn-Around Student of the Month. Zhane lives with his Mother (Lisa) and has two foster sisters, Sam and Amber. Zhane has a pet Chinese Shar-pei, Dakota.

Zhane has grown a great deal in the past couple of months. He currently has all A’s and B’s. Specifically his growth in Math has been remarkable. Zhane struggled in this core academic area, so much so that he had to attend some summer school classes this past year to make up for course work not yet earned. At the beginning of this year Zhane was placed in a recovery math section where he received additional support on top of his regularly scheduled math class. Due to his hard work and diligence he began to grasp concepts and ultimately build his confidence. He closed the gaps that were present in his understanding and he is all caught up. He has begun to excel so much so that at the end of this marking period he qualified out of his recovery math section. More importantly he has shown a renewed sense of importance in his academics. His growth in maturity and confidence just in the short time I have known him has been amazing.

Additionally to his academic success, Zhane has not received one major office referral all year. He is becoming more and more of a leader in our school as the year marches on. I am excited to see what the future holds for this young man.

Zhane has developed a love for athletics. This past fall Zhane played wide receiver and safety on our football team. He has begun his wrestling season with a bang with a win in New Lothrop. He may do soccer later.

In his free time Zhane enjoys hang out with friends. His favorite foods are pepperoni pizza. He enjoys spending time with family and friends. It is not possible to be around Zhane and not smile; he brightens the day of those around him.

After high school graduation Zhane plans on becoming on going to college to play football engineering. He is a smart boy and will succeed in whatever he desires.

Zhane is a joy to have in our building. He helps those around him and takes pride in being a Panther. We are fortunate to have this young man in our building and he makes it a better place to learn.

	Brandon Marshall and President Rick Jackson

Mt. Morris High School senior Brandon Marshall has been selected as the November Kiwanis Student of the Month. Brandon has the support of this parents Jim and Sue; he has two sisters one older and one younger.

Brandon is a very hard working student. He currently has a 3.69 grade point average and is ranked 15th in the class of2011.

Brandon has a very rigorous schedule. Currently he is taking Sports Medicine, Advanced Placement English and Calculus. Brandon's favorite teacher is Mr. Pillay. When asked about Brandon, Mr. Pillay commented, "He is just a great student. He is fun to have in class. He is one of those people that really adds to the class. Brandon seems to have a true enjoyment of learning."

Brandon has many interests and involvements. These range from activities within the school to extra-curriculars outside the normal school day.

Brandon is very involved with the Panther band. He has been in the EAJ band all 4years. He plays percussion and for the past three years, he has been the section leader.

Brandon has also been involved with the EAJ soccer team. He has played varsity soccer all four years of high school. He is a versatile player and is skilled at defense and offensive positions.

Brandon was also inducted to the NHS his junior year. With the NHS he has helped with blood drives and other voluntary activities.

In his spare time Brandon likes to spend time with friends and family. He also enjoys playing the drums (would like to form a band), and watching movies. He especially likes horror films. Brandon also has a job that keeps him busy.

After high school graduation Brandon is planning on attending U of M Flint and majoringin chemistry. He would later like to work towards a career in Pharmacology.