Sunday, February 1, 2015 1F
2015 SPOTLIGHT ON STUDENTS Staff photo/Joe Shearer
a special supplement of The Daily Nonpareil
Lozano demonstrates character, persistence Mike Brownlee mbrownlee@nonpareilonline.com
Above, teachers at Kanesville Alternative Learning Center said students Tristan Wheeldon, left, and Anna Lozano, right, have had a positive impact in the school.
Wheeldon always there to help, listen Mike Brownlee
mbrownlee@nonpareilonline.com
Tristan Wheeldon helps when needed. The 18-year-old Kanesville Alternative Learning Center student is known around the school to help when called upon, whether it’s taking out the recycling, helping teachers carry in cases of water or more. “He does not have to be asked a second time,” teacher Kay Durfey said. “He jumps to help and does a great job.” Wheeldon said he appreciates the work the teachers and staff at Kanesville do. “I feel they shouldn’t have to do everything,” the senior said. “Teachers do so much to help students, we should return the favor.” Wheeldon spent part of his junior year at Kanesville and has been at the school full-time this year. He said he enjoys the “hex” class schedule – three six-week classes at a time, meaning each trimester features two hexes. “There’s more time in the classroom for help from teachers if you need it,” he said. His favorite subject is P.E. with Dick Wettengel, which is held off campus at the Council Bluffs YMCA. Outside school, in his free time Wheeldon likes to
play video games on his X-Box. His current favorites are Grand Theft Auto Five and Destiny. Wheeldon works in the dietary department at Bethany Lutheran Home, serving food to the residents. Along with serving the meal of the day and cleanup, he engages with the residents, playing cards and enjoying conversation. “I know everyone by name,” Wheeldon said. “I get to hear stories about when they were younger,” he continued, a smile on his face. “I just listen. Listening brings a smile to their face. Some don’t have family, so we (the staff) are someone to talk to.” That listening extends back to school. Durfey commended Wheeldon as a, “very positive young man with a caring attitude for others.” “Whether Tristan is talking with other students, faculty or the general public, he genuinely listens and takes an intereste in what others have to say,” she said. “And he is always willing to offer an encouraging word.”
Anna Lozano stays busy. The Kanesville Alternative Learning Center senior works hard, earning good grades while staying engaged in classroom activities. She’s a part of the Tuesday’s Together program, with students working with youngsters at Franklin Elementary on craft and other projects. Lozano just started working as a bagger at Hy-Vee and is also deeply invested in helping with her family. “I stay organized to make sure everything I need to do gets done,” the 17-year-old said. “And I always have the support of my family.” Tuesday’s Together often includes doing crafts with fourth- and fifth-graders at Franklin. “It’s something fun with the kids. I enjoy spending time with them,” Lozano said. “When I was in elementary I was never part of anything like that.” The program is sponsored by teacher Kay Durfey, with Lozano helping organize the activities for the after school service project. “Her patience and organization is amazing,” teacher Jolene Edmonds said. Lozano said she loves seeing what the elementary students create. “It’s cool to see what the kids come up with,” Lozano said. “We go in with a plan of what we’ll do, but sometimes it veers off. It’s interesting to see what they come up with.” At Kanesville, where Lozano is in her second year, the student said she enjoys her economics class with teacher Linda Huber. The course has helped the student learn about saving and a number of strategies for being smart with money. Overall, in school and outside school, Lozano “has demonstrated character, ambition and persistence,” Edmonds said. “In the classroom, Anna consistently earns high marks, contributes thoughtfully and engages in productive activity.” After high school, Lozano plans to attend Iowa Western Community College – she’s already been accepted – and pursue a career in network administration in the information technology field. In her free time Lozano is a voracious reader.