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.
February 2026 ESPY Winners are;
Ellen Brylski - 5th grade, nominated by Mr. Shafer
It is my distinct honor to nominate Ellen Brylski for the Elementary School ESPY Award. Ellen is truly a joy to have in class and consistently serves as a positive influence within both our classroom and the broader school community. She approaches each day with dedication, working diligently to understand the material and produce her very best work.
Ellen brings a cheerful attitude and a kind, compassionate spirit to school each day. She is a supportive and dependable friend who is always willing to help others. Demonstrating strong personal responsibility, Ellen sets an excellent example for her peers and holds herself to high standards.
A model student in every sense, Ellen comes to school prepared and ready to embrace each new challenge. I am incredibly proud of her hard work and growth—she truly makes 5th grade a brighter and better place.
Russell Bond - 7th grade, nominated by MMS Staff
Russ always enters our classrooms with warmth and positivity. He's typically prepared for class and ready to contribute to the learning environment. Russ is also willing to take on additional responsibilities, such as managing the Chromebooks in the math classroom's Chromebook cabinet.
All of Russ's teachers noticed that he is an excellent role model. We've had many new students this year, and Russ is always welcoming, helpful, and kind.
Russ is excellent at focusing in class. Class discussions are better when he is there to contribute. When it is time to focus on independent work, Russ gets started right away, does not hesitate to ask for help with difficult tasks, and is always willing to assist another student if needed.
Russ is doing well in all his classes and brings a positive attitude to class. Russ is invaluable to the culture that we are trying to create at the middle school- he is kind, responsible, and respectful to everyone. - Carissa Childs
Braeden Putzier - 10th grade, nominated by MHS Staff
Braeden has maintained excellent attendance this year and continues to demonstrate responsibility by maintaining all passing grades. His consistent presence at school and commitment to his coursework reflect a strong work ethic and a positive approach to his education. He has also had no behavior incidents this year, which speaks to his respectful attitude and his ability to make positive choices throughout the school day.
Most notably, Braeden has shown leadership and initiative by stepping forward to help with a mentorship program that is currently being developed for next year. He volunteered to serve as the program’s first mentor and has already begun working alongside Rex and Ally to help lay the groundwork for the program. Through this role, Braeden has started building meaningful relationships with middle school students, offering guidance, encouragement, and a positive example for younger peers.
We truly appreciate Braeden’s willingness to step into this leadership role and support the development of a program that will benefit future students. His enthusiasm, reliability, and positive influence are already making a difference, and we are excited to see how he continues to grow and what he will accomplish next year as the mentorship program expands. -Ally Goertzen
These students are all shining examples of the MSD spirit, and we are thrilled to be able to recognize them for being exceptional students.