Lori Graham
Contributing Writer
Special recognitions for Montgomery County Public Schools’ seniors of the month and MCPS Board members were presented during the Board’s regular meeting on Dec. 5, 2023.
Seniors of the Month from the four strands of Montgomery County Schools were presented for both November and December, considering the coming holidays.
Auburn High School student Stacy Lewis is the November Senior of the Month for Auburn High School, who is exceptionally gifted in arts, leadership, and athletics. Lewis has been named to the First Team All-State Volleyball Team, with AHS volleyball team winning state championships every year of Lewis’ high school career. She has also been a member of the Indoor and Outdoor Track teams, earning additional state championships and breaking school records.
RaeAnna Weeks was named the December Senior of the Month, a student at Auburn High School. Weeks is a positive role model with strong leadership skills and is a member of both the marching and concert bands. Weeks has also played on the AHS Tennis team for the previous three years in which they earned a state championship. Weeks has also earned a position with All District Band and Choir and All-State Choir, and a member of the National Beta Club.
Both AHS students plan to pursue a college education following the completion of high school.
Christiansburg High School student Brody Blount was named November Senior of the Month, excelling in academics, athletics, and leadership roles. Blount has been accepted to both University of Virginia and Virginia Tech University but plans to join VT next year as a student.
CHS student Ruby Bolling was recognized as December Senior of the Month and is described by one of her teachers as “kind, dedicated, respectful, and a hardworking student,” Principal Shane Guynn said.
Bolling has completed an associate degree from NRCC and will attend Roanoke College in the fall of 2024 to pursue a major in exercise science, with the goal of becoming a physical therapist.
Blacksburg High School’s Nesreen Kadiri was named November Senior of the Month. She is currently in AP Level 5 French, and has also shown exemplary leadership in roles as President and Vice President of the BHS Muslim Student Association, National Honor Society Secretary, an officer of the Random Acts of Kindness Club, Co-captain of the BHS Varsity Girls Soccer Team, and a member of the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad.
BHS student Felix Hooper was named December Senior of the Month as a student who has shown care and support to fellow students as well as a passion and gift for Fine Arts while performing in the theater program. His acting skills were extended to the Constitutional Convention where he performed a rendition of Ben Franklin.
November Senior of the Month for Eastern Montgomery High School is Caiden Roupe. Roupe has been successful in academics, sports, and involved in many school clubs.
One of Caiden’s teachers, Lisa Bissey, said, “She is friendly, funny, and so very genuine. She is just a great all-around person and I love being able to be her teacher.”
Zay Guthrie, EMHS student, was named December Senior of the Month. Guthrie is described as displaying a positive attitude that is supportive to others he interacts with each day. He has also solely maintained the EMHS recycling program for the past two years. Guthrie will attend Virginia Tech’s transition program in the fall of 2024 and hopes to work with younger children or help others in some way in health care.
Jenny Brown, teacher at EMHS said, “He always displays grace and kindness. Zay is creative and works hard in and out of class.”
Superintendent Dr. Bernard Bragen presented three Montgomery County School Board members with recognition awards during the meeting as well, naming their years of service and positions they have held during that time.
Board member Sue Kass has served on the MCPS Board since 2020 and served as Board Chair for 2022.
Board chair Mark Cherbaka has served on the MCPS Board since 2016 and as Board Chair in 2023.
Marti Graham has served MCPS as a Board member since 2015, twice as Vice Chair in 2020 and 2023, and Board Chair in 2021.
