Student ambassadors show what giving 100%, 100% of the time means

This school year, the Auburn Enlarged City School District has been stressing the phrase, "Maroons Give 100%, 100% of the Time." It captures the belief that we, as a district, strive to give our best effort in everything we do for our students, ourselves, and the community.

This important motto is something we also hope to see in our students. Each principal in all seven Auburn school buildings was asked to select one student who epitomizes what it means to give 100% of the time, 100% of the time. These student ambassadors were recognized at the district’s opening ceremony before the start of the school year.

“They shine as role models of kindness, curiosity, and leadership,” said Dr. Misty Slavic, Auburn Superintendent of Schools. “They are students who consistently go above and beyond to help others, embrace learning with excitement, and show the promise of becoming future leaders in our schools and community.”

Each of the student ambassadors explains what giving 100%, 100% of the time, means to them, and their principal explains why they were selected.

Genesis Scott – Casey Park Elementary
“Even if I'm upset, or if I'm not having the greatest day, I still try my best. Even if I think I can't, I try my best.”
“Just her showing what it means to be a Bulldog, always being a role model, being there for her peers, and working hard in class. All of her teachers have positive things to say about her because she works so hard, even when she might not be feeling 100% that day, she is giving 100%.”
– Casey Park Principal Brianne Batis 

Camille Herndon – Genesee Elementary
“You just have to try your hardest and best, every part of the day. When something's hard, you don't give up; you just keep pushing through it. You can give 100% by doing your best at something.” 
“Camille shows up every single day with a smile on her face, ready to get right to work. She is a great friend, she is an excellent student, always goes above and beyond, never complains, always puts her head down and does what she needs to do to be successful.”
– Genesee Principal Mary Claire Pineau

Nova Bauso-Sedlak – Owasco Elementary
“I usually help out my friends and my teacher whenever he asks, or even if he doesn't ask. I give kindness, I'm respectful to everyone, and I listen. I do my work and I always get my homework done, even if it's not due the next day, I just do it immediately, the first time I get home.”
“One of Nova's best traits is speaking up. She's not afraid to use her voice; she defends others, she defends herself. She is very confident in her words, and she's a leader in our school; she's a leader in her class. For me, it was a no-brainer when I picked a student ambassador; I thought she would do very well in that role.” 
– Owasco Principal Lizzie Molloy

Lucas Baker – Seward Elementary
“When I'm giving 100%, 100% of the time, I am always trying to do my best and not quit. I'm always trying to follow everything, not breaking rules, not doing anything bad. In some sports I participate in, I give 115%, because I always try to do my best.”
“Lucas was selected based on what teachers saw in his fifth-grade year. He was doing a great job. He was conscientious, has a great work ethic, he's a good student, and a good role model.”
– Seward Principal Ron Gorney

Cade Barbuti Peterson – Herman Avenue Elementary
“(I give 100%) By being kind to my friends and helping people if they get hurt or if they drop their stuff in the hallway, I'll help them pick it up. I like getting my homework done on time and doing my work.”
“He's a quiet leader. He doesn't need the attention or the spotlight to do the right thing and be a contributing member of this school community. He does it without any fanfare. He's very humble; his first thought was that other people deserve it (being named an ambassador) over him, and that's exactly why I think he embodies that.”  
– Herman Avenue Principal Jared Tabone

Patrick Gutelius – Auburn Junior High School
“In all my classes, I do as much work as I can. I do my homework and I try to be respectful to my teachers and other classmates. I have been doing my best to be a good student in school.”
 
"He's a top 10 student. He's got excellent attendance. He's on the soccer team. He's part of National Junior Honor Society. He's done volunteer work for our school and the school district. He's all about doing the right things and not looking for the recognition." 
-- AJHS Principal David Oliver

Matthew Smith – Auburn High School
“For me, it's doing the right thing when nobody's watching and making sure that I'm always working hard and doing the little stuff. It's really important to me (to be chosen as a student ambassador); it's something I take a lot of pride in. When I found out the news, I was really proud.”
“Matthew Smith embraces being in a leadership role. Through athletics and other student-based activities, others look to him for guidance and encouragement, and he is willing to provide support to others whenever needed.”
– Auburn High School Principal Brian Morgan

As the school year continues, together as a district, we will continue to give 100%, 100% of the time to help our students do their best and succeed both inside and outside of the classroom.

Christopher Sciria / AECSD Public Information Specialist