Marcola School District Board Members want to recognize our students monthly for exceptional performance at school.
ESPY: Exceptional Student Performance this Year – award is given to students doing well academically and having an exceptionally positive attitude about school. They demonstrate respect and responsibility towards staff and their peers. They show courage by not conforming to Peer pressure and refusing to accept anyone who bullies.
The MSD School Board and the District want to recognize these students by celebrating their success at the beginning of each monthly Board Meeting. Students receive a certificate, meet each of our Board members, and their names are announced on the district website.
January 2026 ESPY Winners are;
Holden Smith - Kindergarten nominated by Mrs. K
Holden joined Marcola Elementary this year for kindergarten. He quickly adapted to the classroom rules and expectations, even without prior school experience. Holden works hard and tries his best during every learning activity. He respectfully listens to teachers and follows instructions with a happy attitude. As a result, Holden has made large academic strides during the first half of kindergarten and is currently above grade level in both math and reading.
In addition to working diligently on academics, Holden strives to be a kind, helpful friend and student. I often catch Holden pushing in chairs and cleaning up messes that aren't his. He takes the initiative to help without being asked or instructed. Holden uses kind words and actions with his peers and exceptional manners with his teachers.
Holden is a wonderful example of what it means to be a Mustang, and we are proud to have him as part of our student body. Keep up the good work Holden!
Tinslie Croce - 8th grade, nominated by MMS Staff
It is my honor to nominate Tinslie Croce for the Middle School EPSY award. Tinslie is an absolute pleasure to have in class and serves as a "calm force" within our school community. She is a remarkably hard worker who puts full effort into every assignment, showing a level of thoroughness and academic responsibility that sets a high bar for her peers. Her teachers consistently echo this sentiment: Mrs. Childs notes that Tinslie is focused, respectful, and works diligently in Math, while Ms. Rowell highlights the bright and positive attitude she brings to the classroom, noting that Tinslie is a wonderful class member with a great sense of humor who isn't afraid to ask insightful questions.
Beyond her academic success and regular participation in school activities, Tinslie demonstrates the quiet courage and integrity this award was designed to recognize. In the often-turbulent social environment of middle school, she resists the pull of peer pressure by remaining grounded and focused on her goals. Her calm demeanor acts as a buffer against negativity, and she leads by example through her respectful treatment of every staff member and peer she encounters.
By consistently choosing kindness and diligence over conformity, Tinslie makes Mohawk Middle School a more welcoming and productive place for everyone. She is an exemplary student and a true leader by example, and I am proud to nominate her for this recognition.
Wesly Mars - 9th grade, nominated by MHS Staff
It is my honor to nominate Wesley Mars for the EPSY award, a student I have had the privilege of teaching since he was in the 7th grade.
Over the years, I have watched Wesley transform into a pillar of our school community who exemplifies what it means to be an exceptional student through both his academic drive and his character. Wesley doesn’t just meet expectations; he seeks out challenges "by choice," tackling the school’s most complex engineering problems—from mastering the vinyl poster maker and the welding shop's CNC machine to his current leadership role in building a Solar Race Car for the Solar Car Challenge in Texas. During our recent conference and workshop on January 17th and 18th, Wesley displayed the kind of meticulous attention to detail and mature leadership that defines this award.
Beyond his technical talents, Wesley possesses a rare level of integrity and courage. In an environment where peer pressure can often dictate social circles, Wesley leads with kindness and inclusivity. He never scoffs or shows resentment when working with any student, and he consistently makes an effort to include those who are usually left out. By refusing to conform to negative social norms and instead choosing to treat every peer with respect and dignity, he sets a powerful example for the entire student body.
Wesley Mars is a solution-seeker, a mentor, and a stellar representative of what Mohawk High School strives to show the world, and I am thrilled to nominate him for this recognition. - Billy Dahmen
These students are all shining examples of the MSD spirit, and we are thrilled to be able to recognize them for being exceptional students.