You are the Light is a recognition program in the Allentown School District that celebrates staff and students. Each month, the district nominates and selects staff and students in three categories -- trendsetters, quiet heroes/heroines, and community catalysts. The district randomly selects some of the honorees each month to be featured on LehighValleyNews.com. Here are those selected for December:
Jenielyz Martinez-Rodriguez, Sheridan Elementary School
Jenielyz Martinez-Rodriguez is a third-grade student at Sheridan Elementary School who was selected as Trendsetter. She is described by her teachers as courageous, thoughtful, generous, and has a contagious smile. Jenielyz is an amazing student and a huge light at Sheridan. Despite challenges, she is always going above and beyond to help students around her and her teachers. She always waves and says hi to everyone in the school and has such a positive attitude. Trendsetters in the Allentown School District are individuals who utilize opportunities to create new paths for themselves, peers, colleagues, or members of the ASD community.
Kimberly Craig, Lehigh Parkway Elementary School
Kimberly Craig teaches fourth grade at Lehigh Parkway Elementary School and was recognized as a Classroom/Community Catalyst! She has taught in ASD for over 30 years and is a valuable member of the Lehigh Parkway community. Individuals selected as classroom/community catalysts continue to champion change in their classrooms, schools and community. They contribute to student success by closing achievement gaps, measuring progress/using assessments, implementing interventions or student engagement. Kimberly is described by her students and peers as dedicated, energetic and spirited!
John G. Hughes Jr., Dieruff High School (Posthumous Alum)
John Hughes was a 1961 graduate of Dieruff High School who passed away this summer. While a student at Dieruff, he served as president of the student council and Key Club and was a proud winner of the Kiska Award. After attending Lehigh University, he lived and worked in Long Island, New York, owning an independent office machine dealership.
After retirement, Mr. Hughes and his wife Ginny moved back to the Lehigh Valley and began giving back to the Dieruff community. There wasn’t an event that Mr. Hughes did not attend in support of our Huskies. He became the unofficial photographer for Dieruff students, attending sporting events, school plays and musicals, award banquets and community events.
His Husky Pride was felt by all who attended Dieruff, the staff, the students, the coaches and the families. He and Ginny were active members of the Dieruff Alumni Association, always willing to give back to their Husky family. During this month's ceremony, the Allentown School District recognized Mrs. Ginny Hughes.