Students of the Month

October 2021

Leila Clausen

Leila Clausen (Grade 12)

Parent: Kori Clausen

Leila’s activities include tennis and track. In her free time, she enjoys walks, hanging out with friends, and working at Sip Coffee. The person who has most influenced her life is her mother who has always encouraged her to try new things outside of her comfort zone.

Leila’s favorite class is English because she enjoys writing. In the future, Leila plans to go to college and also backpack around Europe.

“Leila is a positive force in class and outside of it. She happily works with any of her peers and regularly makes people feel at ease. When others are absent she fills them in on what they missed, helps them to develop their writing through giving feedback, and takes feedback to strengthen her own narrative writing.” – Sara Eisenbaum, faculty nominator

Olga Isailović

Olga Isailović (Grade 10)

Parents: Dragan & Slavica Isailović

Olga’s activities include Quiz Bowl, Student Council, Volunteer Focus, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and French Club. In her free time, she enjoys writing, reading, studying foreign languages, listening to music, fashion design, drawing, and watching old movies. Olga’s favorite classes are French and Spanish because she appreciates the language and communication skills she has adopted.

In the future, Olga would like to attend a small university where she can pursue her goals of learning six languages and preparing for a career as a writer. Olga’s best experience so far at Ottawa Hills High School was after a tough loss for the varsity volleyball team, the team came together and encouraged one another.

People would be surprised to know that Olga has a strong love for Pellegrino and white Tic Tacs.

“Olga is constantly engaged in class and actively participating. Public speaking can be daunting for many students, but if it is for her, she never shows that. Her confidence and enthusiasm are infectious and she continually goes above and beyond in the quality of her work.” – Sara Eisenbaum, faculty nominator

Blaise Malczewski

Blaise Malczewski (Grade 12)

Parents: Jason and Beth Malczewski

Blaise’s activities include Model UN and Mesasa. He also is on the OH News with his own segments, Bears in the Box Office and A Day in History. In his free time, he enjoys working at Blaze Pizza, researching historical events, biking, and skateboarding.

Blaise credits teachers Jessica Kozy and James Kinkaid as having the most impact on him. Ms. Kozy’s enthusiastic support has cultivated his love for history. Mr. Kinkaid has encouraged Blaise to reach his potential both in the classroom and in his own personal journey through high school.

Outside of the classroom, Blaise’s best experience so far at Ottawa Hills was the exciting first day of senior year. In the future, Blaise would like to go to college and study history and political science.

“Blaise has shown since day one an enthusiasm for reading and discussion that has been wonderful to see. He engages at a very deep level and what he shares is highly intellectual. He is a positive peer and is able to maintain focus on the task at hand. He leads by example!” – Sara Eisenbaum, faculty nominator

Caitlin McCarthy

Caitlin McCarthy (Grade 8)

Parents: Joe & Barb McCarthy

Caitlin’s activities include cross country, track, swim, GSA, Science Olympiad, and Bear Pause. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing the piano, art, and downhill skiing. Caitlin has greatly enjoyed Ottawa Hills since moving here, including the teachers, the football games, and new friends.

Her favorite class in junior high is science. In the future, she plans to go to college and study medicine.

“In a year that has begun with so many distractions and challenges, Caitlin remains positive and focused. Regardless of what is going on around her, she takes advantage of what each day brings with enthusiasm, curiosity, and hard work.” –Paul Genzman, faculty nominator

For many years, Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School has celebrated the hard work and achievements of students by selecting an elite few monthly to be honored as "Students of the Month." From October through May, at least three students (one each from the 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12 grade clusters) are selected as determined by the following criteria:

Citizenship: A student who exhibited or continues to exhibit dedication, unselfishness, and commitment to a class, the institution itself, and/or the people within our school.
Community Service: A student who unselfishly accomplished or performed an act or series of acts which, as a result, greatly benefited another person or Ottawa Hills Local Schools as a whole.
Extracurricular: A student who through a superior effort or outstanding ability, has performed or continues to perform in an extracurricular activity in such a way as to bring positive attention to themselves and the Junior/Senior High School.
Leadership: A student who exhibited or continues to display the ability to motivate others towards the betterment of themselves and of the Junior/Senior High School.
Scholarship: A student who has performed consistently at a level of academic achievement that is exemplary either in an individual class or at the Junior/Senior High School as a whole.

The nominations are made by faculty and staff at the building. The "Students of the Month" are selected by a committee of faculty and administration. The honorees are recognized by the Board of Education at one of its meetings and receive a special certificate from the Board president. Additionally, students are featured on the Junior/Senior High School's digital sign; in a special showcase in the building's main hallway; in the district's weekly e-newsletter; and in the Village Life & Home monthly publication.