Student receives honor

Sarah Cummins

2/14/2002 12:00:00 AM

Sometimes it's the students who swim against the stream who are splashed with recognition.

Saginaw Chippewa Tribal member Vanessa Sprague was recently awarded the "Little Louie Award" at Bullock Creek Middle School. Each marking period, the school's non-core teachers select a boy and girl student from each grade.

"It's a difficult time for kids to be kind, independent, free thinkers, because they're under such constraints to conform in middle school," explained Art Teacher Jim Matherne, who created "Louie," the cartoon fish featured on the award.

Vanessa, a sixth grader, received an "Adding Color to the Creek" T-shirt. She will also participate in an end-of-the-year trip to a Tigers baseball game. While on the trip, students will go to a museum as well. This is the award program's fourth year.

"I feel happy; it's a nice honor," stated Vanessa about the award.

During her free time, Vanessa said she enjoys playing basketball and fast pitch softball on intramural teams-because she is too young to play on the school's teams. She is the starting pitcher on the Midland Lady Explorers 14 and under team. Along with sports, Vanessa said she likes to make strawberry baskets.

"She gets along with others and works hard at everything she does," stated Gym Teacher Michael Bragg. "She's a good citizen."

Students are selected for the award based on their attitudes not on their academic standing.

"We honor students who march to the tune of their own drummer, are strong in their emotions, are genuinely kind and, we look at how they react to staff and teachers," said Matherne.

Although this is not an academic award, Vanessa's parents, Tim and Kelly Sprague, said their daughter excels in that area as well.

"I was really happy she received the award," explained her mother. "I knew she was doing great at school anyway. She works hard and has a good attitude in class. I'm really proud."

The major factor that keeps the middle school student on the right track is her family, she said. She has two little sisters to be a good example for.