The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Barbara Kuensting of Bernard Middle School as its Student of the Month. Among those present at the award ceremony to share in the honor and elaborate on Barbara’s accomplishments were her parents, Steve and Laura, and Assistant Principal Paul Westbrook. Barbara is incredibly kind and caring toward other students and faculty, and is always ready to help out her classmates, according to a news release. She also is involved in many school organizations and is a great example of a ‘Bernard Patriot,’ the release stated. Pictured, from left, are: Steve, Laura and Barbara Kuensting, Optimist Student of the Month Chairman John Roland and Westbrook.