By Tim Leeds
Several Sunnyside Elementary School fifth-graders were honored at an awards assembly last week for receiving national recognition.
The students received the President's Education Award for Outstanding Educational Achievement. Alan Hejl, Lucas Minnick and Annie Zorko from Karla Geda's class received gold awards, Tana Tchida from Geda's class received a silver award, Amanda Haas, Avery Hanson, Chelsea Harper, Signe Hillson and Stephanie Stremcha from Pam Stenerson's class received gold awards, and Meredith Hanson, Ben Kolis and Dan Pizzini from Stenerson's class received silver awards.
Students from Sunnyside had to receive 85 percent or better on either the math or reading section of the standardized achievement test administered this year and have all A's or B's to receive the silver award, and have 85 percent or better on both math and reading and all A's or B's to receive the gold award.
"It's definitely earned," Stenerson said. "They can't just be a bright student; they have to work hard in class to get the award."
Stenerson and Geda presented their students with a pin and a letter and certificate from President George W. Bush at the assembly, held at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
The U.S. Department of Education has administered the President's Award program since 1983.
The program is intended as an incentive for U.S. students to strive for academic excellence.
