The Marcola School District and Board of Directors are proud to recognize students each month who demonstrate exceptional performance, positive character, and a commitment to making our schools a better place.
The ESPY Award, which stands for Exceptional Student Performance This Year, celebrates students who demonstrate academic success, maintain a positive attitude toward school, and consistently show respect and responsibility toward staff and their peers. These students lead by example, demonstrate courage by standing up to peer pressure, and help create a welcoming school environment by refusing to tolerate bullying.
We are proud to celebrate these outstanding students at the beginning of each monthly Board meeting. Each recipient will receive a certificate of recognition, have the opportunity to meet our Board members and exchange a celebratory fist bump, and have their name proudly displayed on the District website and the reader board at the fire station.
Congratulations to our ESPY Award recipients! Thank you for being outstanding examples of what it means to be a Mustang!
October 2026 ESPY Winners are;
Zoey Floeck - 5th grade, nominated by Alan Shafer
Zoey comes to school each day with enthusiasm and a genuine eagerness to learn. She consistently shows strong determination in mastering new concepts and approaches challenges with persistence and confidence. Zoey actively participates in both small-group and whole-class activities, bringing positive energy and encouragement to those around her. As a Model Mustang, she sets an excellent example for her peers and serves as a role model for younger students. Her cheerful attitude and kind spirit help create a welcoming, inclusive, and positive classroom community.
Fynlee Croce - 7th grade, nominated by MMS Staff
Fynlee has been an outstanding student this year, consistently demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and a positive attitude. His teachers appreciate that he arrives prepared, focused, and ready to learn each day. He leads by example, setting a positive tone for his classmates through his strong work ethic, respectful attitude, and willingness to go above and beyond.
Academically, Fynlee excels across all subjects. He demonstrates exceptional problem-solving skills in math, contributes thoughtful insights to Language Arts discussions, and consistently produces high-quality work in science. His dedication to learning and ability to engage his classmates make him a valued contributor in every classroom.
Beyond academics, Fynlee is a dedicated student-athlete who has demonstrated strong leadership both in the classroom and on the football field. He is polite, responsible, and respected by his peers. His outstanding character, positive influence, and commitment to excellence make him a shining example of what it means to be a Mustang.
Kora Marquardt - 9th grade, nominated by MHS Staff
The high school nominates Kora Marquardt as the October High School ESPY winner. It has been a pleasure to work with Kora this year, and she has blown teachers away with her interest in and enthusiasm for learning. Teaching is always fulfilling, but when teachers have students like Kora in the room who take an active interest in their learning, it inspires them to put more energy and enthusiasm into the work because I know it matters to someone.
In addition to her academic success this year, Kora has been helpful, caring, and kind to her teachers and peers, and a strong advocate for herself and her classmates. Kora is an awesome member of our school and community, and we are excited to see her continue to grow and progress throughout high school.
These students are shining examples of the Mustang spirit, and we are thrilled to recognize them for being exceptional students.