Student of the Month for May: Coco Cesarz takes the lead

Coco Cesarz, a straight-A student, says her favorite subjects are mathematics and choir, and she hopes to be an educator one day.

By Cindy Lance

Although only in sixth grade, Coco Cesarz is taking the lead in a project that would make her school a better place, protect the environment and improve the health of her classmates.

Cesarz is trying to bring a refillable water bottle station to Heritage Elementary.

Her work on the project was recognized by Principal Sarah Bentley, who nominated Cesarz as SCN Student of the Month.

On April 19, Cesarz made a presentation to the Stockbridge Wellness Coalition, and applied to the Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation as sources of funding.

Cesarz’s been working on the plan with her mentor and teacher, Mrs. Lori Zemke, who she says “inspires me to work hard and to keep in mind the goal.”

Matt Pegouskie, of the Stockbridge Wellness Coalition, expressed enthusiasm at the water bottle station idea, saying, “This is a great time to come to the coalition with intervention ideas.”

Pegouskie added, “This might be the first time we’ve had a student come forward to the coalition with a health and wellness idea. I hope it starts a trend.”

In addition to her efforts to have a positive impact on the community and environment, Cesarz just wrapped up her first season of Red Cedar volleyball. She’s also been asked to join the YES program in SRSLY.

On April 19, Coco Cesarz made a presentation to the Stockbridge Wellness Coalition for support in providing a refillable water bottle station to Heritage Elementary. Cesarz has also applied for funding from the Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation.

The straight-A student’s favorite subjects are mathematics and choir, and she hopes to be an educator one day.

She has attended Stockbridge Community Schools since kindergarten and lives with her parents, Joseph and Erica, and her younger brother, Ignatius.

“My mom helps me to strive to be my best self,” she said.

This bright and determined young lady said her friends would describe her as “kind, funny, smart, sarcastic, and ambitious.”

But in the middle of studying, making presentations and planning her projects, Cesarz keeps in mind her favorite saying: “Stay calm and be awesome.”

Each month Stockbridge Community School teachers and administrators nominate one outstanding student within the district for recognition as “Student of the Month.” Stockbridge Community News wishes to express appreciation to SRSLY for sponsoring this column.

Emily Stewart and Harvey Morrell look on as Coco Cesarz presents her concept to the Stockbridge Wellness Coalition. In the middle of studying, making presentations and planning her projects, Cesarz keeps in mind her favorite saying: “Stay calm and be awesome.”