Photo by Sam Cox Exceptional Eagles On Dec. 14, the following Paonia Elementary School students were recognized for demonstrating S.O.A.R. behavior: Poppy Lightfoot for order; Shyliea Clark, Alex Simpson, Alissa McCollum, Boe McLeland and Trenton Gaston for achievement; Mika Nolan, Natasha Meader and Maria Mojarro for respect. Way to S.O.A.R. students!

Photos submitted Earning honors in national contest On Nov. 1, students from Paonia Elementary’s third through sixth grades competed in the national Noetic Learning Math Contest. Nearly 12,000 students from 254 schools around the country participated this year. Paonia Elementary had 26 students who received National Honorable Mention. Students with medals received the highest grade level “team” score for the school — the three from the third grade (pictured above) tied for high score. Pictured above are the third and fourth grade students receiving National Honorable Mention: third graders Tasha Eckert, Mason Van Vleet, Dawson Morgan, Damon York and Wesley Whittemore; and fourth graders Ashton Brady, Zander Sweezey, Allison Godwin, Hailey Emmons and Christo Mora. Below are the fifth and sixth grade students receiving National Honorable Mention: fifth graders Nicole Jefferis, Joey Nolan, Jalyn Walker, Dagan Schwartz, Robert Holloman, Louie Ungaro, Alexis Beller, Katya Schwieterman and Logan Green; and sixth graders Caleb Scroggs, Sackett Chesnick, Leo Chapman, Jade Ellenberger, Seth Brinton and Harley Ewert.

Photo by Sam Cox Christmas spirit shines at Paonia Elementary On Dec. 13, Paonia Elementary School hosted its annual Holiday Music Program. This year the large audience was entertained by the sixth grade girls’ choir, celebrations around the world reports by the sixth grade class, and a musical adaptation of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas performed by the kindergarten through fifth grade students. The Paonia Parents Organization also hosted a Holiday Basket Auction. The auction raised over $3,600 for the school. A merry and bright time was had by all!

Photos submitted Terrific Kids The following Garnet Mesa students earned a Terrific Kid Award from the Kiwanis Club of Delta for their efforts to be a responsible citizen and student. Above are kindergarten and first grade students Velma Bailey, Lazalea Harris, Satoshi Bautista, Andreas Alvarez, Nathan Brewer, Christian Villalobos, Kylie Huff, Andrew Wiltsie and Roxy Huerta. Below are second and third graders Talina Sepulveda, Elena Hancock, Isabella Vasquez, Job Rosales, Brooklynn Mininger and Luke Gastineau.