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STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

March 6, 2008 12:15 am

The following students were selected as the Optimist Club and Jaycees Students of the Month for February 2008 at area high schools.

Justin "Travis" Bishop, son of Barry and Brenda Bishop of Spotsylvania County, was selected at Riverbend High School. He is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America. He has received an academic letter the past three years. He is active in sports as a member of the varsity football team and received a varsity letter in his junior and senior years and honorable mention All-Team District. Travis also participates in sports as a member of indoor soccer and travel soccer leagues, as well as his church basketball team. Active in his community, he participates in Young Life of Fredericksburg and volunteers at a nursing home and at his church. Travis will attend the University of Mary Washington in the fall where he has received honors admission.

Emily Burrell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eric Burrell of Woodford, was selected at Fredericksburg Christian High School. She is a member of the school's chapter of the National Honor Society and is listed in Who's Who Among American High School Students. She also is a member of the yearbook staff. Emily is active in sports as a member of the varsity softball team. She has worked with the Vacation Bible School staff and the Youth Group at her church. Emily plans to continue her education at Germanna Community College and major in the nursing program.

Ryan Hard, son of Donald and Tracy Hard of Spotsylvania County, was selected at Chancellor High School. He is a member of the school's chapter of the National Honor Society and serves as president of the National Art Honor Society. He also is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. Ryan is a member of the Forensic Club and serves as president of the German and Science clubs. He has participated in several programs, including the National Youth Leadership Forum, the German-American Partnership and the Northeast Regional Forensic Institute. He has received several honors including being named Best German Student and Best Forensics Student and receiving an academic letter. He has participated in several community projects. Ryan plans to continue his education at Rutgers University and major in biomedical engineering and German.

Emily Hoffman, daughter of Garry and Renee Hoffman of Spotsylvania County, was selected at Spotsylvania High School. She serves as president of the school's chapter of the National Honor Society. She has received several honors, including an academic letter and bar, Jefferson Scholar nominee, Distinguished Honor Roll, named to Who's Who Among American High School Students. She also is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America and Future Educators of America and is a freshman mentor. Emily serves as president of the school's marching band and captain of the dance team. She is active in sports as a member of the winter field hockey team. She is active in her community as a member of Girl Scout Troop 881 and has received the Gold, Silver and Bronze awards. She also is a majorette with the Dixie Royals and was named a Junior Olympic Gold Medalist. Emily plans to continue her education at the college level and major in math and history.

Charles Hoskins Jr., son of Charles Hoskins and Tewana Strong, was selected at Colonial Forge High School. He is a member of the school's chapter of the National Honor Society and has received an academic letter the past three years. He serves as president of the Science Club. Charles is active in sports as a member of the varsity football team. He is very active in his community as a math tutor to middle- school students in his neighborhood and helps with food baskets for needy families. He also works part time. Charles will be attending Coastal Carolina University and will major in marine science.

Jordan Hudson, son of Marty and Lynn Hudson of Stafford County, was selected at Brooke Point High School. He is a member of the school's chapter of the National Honor Society and was a member of the academic team that qualified as district runners-up. He serves as president of the Latin Club and is a member of the French and the Health Occupation Students of America clubs. He also serves as a student athletic director. Jordan has received several honors, including cum laude on the national Latin exam, advancement placement scholar and an award for academic achievement. He is a volunteer at his church. Jordan plans to continue his education at the college level and major in pre-med and biology.

Michael Konieczny, son of Janusz and Krystyna Konieczny of Fredericksburg, was selected at Massaponax High School. He is a member of the school's chapter of the National Latin Honor Society. He is a member of the Latin Club and serves as co-captain of Certamen and the academic team. He has received several honors, including being named a National Merit Scholarship finalist, listed on the National Honor Roll and receiving the Commonwealth Governor's School interdisciplinary award. Michael is an accomplished pianist and placed first at the Old Dominion University music competition in 2006 and 2007. He is active in the community and volunteers weekly at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. Michael plans to continue his education at the college level and major in the classics and music.

Michelle Maddox, daughter of Daryl and Ellen Maddox of Spotsylvania County, was selected at the Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society. She placed second in the state SkillsUSA contest for graphics communication. She serves as captain of the Forensics Team and is a member of the French Club. Michelle serves as drum major of the Lightening Regiment Marching Band that was undefeated this fall and she has received three first-place drum major awards. She also is a member of the winter drum line and the honor band. She is active in the community as a member of the Venture Crew 77, a youth leader of YADAPP and a member of Girl Scout Troop 3152. Michelle will be attending Longwood College in the fall.

Sarah Mueller, daughter of Mark and Dena Mueller of Stafford was selected at Stafford High School. She has been a member of the school's chapter of the National Honor Society throughout high school. She is a member of the Key Club and is a student mentor. She is a very active member in the wind ensemble in the music department. She is first chair in both the All-County Band and the District Concert Band. Sarah plans to continue her education at the college level and pursue a degree in the medical field.

Olumide Olamigoke, son of Olumide and Florence Olamigoke of Stafford County, was selected at Mountain View High School. He is a member of the varsity track and field team. Last year he was selected as a Free Lance-Star All-Area Athlete for both indoor and outdoor track. He was the Commonwealth District Champion in both the long jump and the triple jump and Northwest Region Champion in the triple jump. Olu also was a member of the All-State track team for two seasons. He is an excellent student, maintaining a 3.5 GPA throughout high school. Olu plans to continue his education at Indiana University in the fall.

Timothy O'Leary, son of Dan and Michele O'Leary of Stafford County, was selected at Colonial Forge High School. He is a cadet major and operations officer in the JROTC program. He has received several honors in the program, including receiving personal appearance, personal conduct and athletic merits, as well as a superior cadet award. He serves as a senior leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is active in his church and has participated in several mission trips. He also is active in the community participating in fundraisers for homeless shelters and as a member of an outreach team. Timothy will be attending Virginia Tech and will be enlisted in the Corps of Cadets.

Hadrian Pollard, son of Richard and Latimah Pollard of Stafford County, was selected at North Stafford High School. He is a member of the school's chapter of the National Honor Society and the National Art Honor Society. He also is a member of the Commonwealth Governor's School. He is very active in the school's drama department, participating in several plays and assisting with set building and painting. He also is active in sports as a member of the varsity track and cross country teams. He has received several academic and sport awards. Hadrian plans to continue his education at the college level and hopes to pursue a degree in international studies.

Tierra Smith, daughter of James H. Smith III and Theresa E. Johnson of Fredericksburg, was selected at James Monroe High School. She is a member of the school's chapter of the National Honor Society and serves as secretary of the Student Council Association. She is a member of the Key Club, French Club, DECA and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She has received several honors, including being named a James Farmer Scholar, James Monroe Scholar and National Honor Roll Scholar; named an "Outstanding Student" in several subjects; and was an All-District first place DECA winner in the job interview category. Tierra is a member of the school choir and serves as secretary of the Monroe Singers. She is active in her church as a member of the gospel choir. She also is very active in the community as a member of a dance group and as a volunteer for the Food Bank, Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club, Family Life Center and the Woodmont Nursing Home. She also works part time. Tierra plans to continue her education at the college level and major in child psychology.

Frances Womble, daughter of John and Beth Womble of Spotsylvania County, was selected at Courtland High School. She is a member of the school's chapter of the National Honor Society and has received an academic letter during her high school years. She serves as treasurer of the American Sign Language Club and is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She also serves as editor in chief of the school's yearbook. She is active in her community as a volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club and the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. Frances plans to continue her education at the college level and major in linguistics and plans to get her master's degree in sign language interpreting.

--Information for "Students of the Month" is compiled by Carol Lee,
Email: clee@freelancestar.com.