Illinois Valley Times

Several "students of character" were recognized at the Nov. 15 Ottawa Elementary School District 141 Board of Education meeting.

Dr. Candice Tennell, principal of Shepherd Middle School, read biographies for the students who were chosen as November champions. Two students, Annalee Purcell and Landon Gustavson, were recognized for their recent art projects. 

Annnalee had several 3D squares drawn in an overlapping-colors sequence, and she talked about the difficulties of blending colors and shading them.

"It's really hard," she told the board. "If you mix colors, you have to put on a lighter shade, and then put on a darker shade, too."

Landon explained that his project was about making it look like there was a water drop on a piece of paper, which he did through shadows and adding light with three different colors.

"We wanted to make it look like there was a drop of water on the paper," he said.

Tennell recognized Nick Posey for his hardworking attitude, noting that he is very encouraging to his classmates. Quinn Wendy was also recognized for being a responsible leader in the classroom and "always responsible, very polite and respectful."

Bobby Speaks was chosen as a November champion of charter because of his respectful behavior toward his teachers and classmates. He is known for making thoughtful comments in class and "makes good use of his time in class."

Alina Schultz was recognized by her teachers for exhibiting successful time management skills despite her many extracurricular activities like band, choir, basketball and student council.

Alina pursues activities such as sports because they "push her harder in school to keep her grades up," Tennell told the board.