Jones Student is Named Award Recipient

A Jones Intermediate School fifth grader’s shyness has become a reason to say “why not” instead of “why.”

School officials report Paxton Reece’s ability to push aside her qualms and step up to the plate has earned her the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award.

The $500 scholarship makes her the third student from the Mount Airy School district to receive the award, which also draws national attention to the student and school system. Paxton had to submit recommendation letters, an essay and demonstrate community service to be considered for the award.

Members of the North Carolina Association for the Gifted And Talented who nominated Paxton for the award indicated Paxton turns this willingness to seize opportunities into service to others.

Paxton said her willingness to take a risk stemmed from dancing with Dance Works Studio at age 4. In spite of her withdrawn reputation, she gave a firm yes when asked to do a solo part. Later, roles on stage in “Seussical,” and “Cinderella” at the Andy Griffith Playhouse followed.

She said she discovered her enthusiasm drew people to her and gave them confidence as well. Paxton has sought out leadership roles in the Jones student government, the Bear Den, the Leader In Me program’s lighthouse team and in organizing tutoring programs for fellow students.

“I like to help people,” said Paxton. “When they don’t know how to act I want to help them become a better person.” She explained that shyness has helped her to better understand the obstacles classmates may be facing and how they feel.

Teachers indicated Paxton has always been academically ahead of her grade level and her age, showing a maturity in being a leader for visible organizations and in spending extra hours at school helping teachers and working with small groups of students struggling in reading or math.

She was invited to Freedom School last year at Jones which focuses on helping low achieving children in grades K-4. This involved spending six weeks working as a tutor for five hours each school day. Paxton, an active member of the Mount Airy Girl Scouts, mentors Brownie troop members weekly.

Paxton said many of these scouts are third graders at Jones and have followed her example and are participating in student government and working hard to make good grades. She said she hopes to attend the University of North Carolina and become a pharmacist.

She indicated she has been able to help more at the school since her mother, Sally, was hired as a teacher which allows her to stay longer after school daily. Classmates and teachers also noted her use of humor to make her charges feel comfortable.

She said she hopes to continue on with her community service through her school career and on into university and be a “big sister” to younger children who can use her support and influence. Paxton plans on continuing her participation in programs including the Hungry Bears Backpack program, Adopt an Elderly Person for Christmas and the Hungry Bears Zumba-thon.

“Although leadership gifted-ness is not a tested entrance into the Academically and Intellectually Gifted (A.I.G.) program, Paxton exemplifies the qualities of leadership and service that will enable her to continue to make a contribution to her community,” wrote Curriculum Advancement Program Specialist Kathy Ratcliffe in one nomination letter for Paxton.

Originally posted on The Mount Airy News

 

North Carolina School Boards AssociationJones Student is Named Award Recipient