The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Andrew Buchholz, an eighth-grade student at Margaret Buerkle Middle School, as its Student of the Month. Among those present at the award ceremony to share in the honor and elaborate on Andrew’s accomplishments were his parents, Jane and Eric Hanewinkel, Principal Jim Kern and counselor Kelli Merritt. He is an outstanding young man who does what is required in academics, athletics and personal growth without any hesitation, according to a news release. Andrew is pictured with Optimist Student of the Month Chairman John Roland.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Anna McKinnis, an eighth-grade student at St. Francis of Assisi School, as its Student of the Month. Among those present at the award ceremony to share in the honor and elaborate on Anna’s accomplishments were her parents, Tim and Theresa; homeroom teacher Mary Huelsing; and Principal Greg Sturgill. She is the first to jump in and volunteer to help anyone on any worthwhile program, a news release stated. Besides Anna’s excellent scholastic achievements, she is very active in many school activities, including being the morning spokesperson who delivers current information and the ‘Joke of the Day’ to all classrooms. Anna is pictured with Optimist Student of the Month Chairman John Roland.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Emma Hopfer as its Student of the Month. Emma is an eighth-grade student at Green Park Lutheran School. Attending the ceremony were Emma’s parents, Alan and Sara, and her homeroom teacher, Wayne Hesse. Emma is an Honor Roll student, active in the Junior Select Band and a member of the state championship seventh- and eighth-grade volleyball team. A Faith Family leader, she also is actively involved in the Academic and Math teams. Emma is pictured with Optimist Student of the Month Chairman John Roland.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Norvell Streeter as its Student of the Month. Norvell is a sophomore in the Mehlville School District’s South County Opportunity for the Purpose of Education, or SCOPE, program. SCOPE Principal Pollie Richardson and Norvell’s father were present at the breakfast celebration. Richardson explained that Norvell is courteous and polite to all he encounters, and works hard to be the best he can be at his school and his athletic endeavors. Norvell is pictured with Student of the Month Chairman John Roland.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Jan Steinbrueck of Lutheran High School South as its Student of the Month. Principal Brian Ryherd and Jan’s parents, Ken and Kathy, were present at the breakfast meeting to share in the honor. Jan is a student ambassador and a member of the National Honor Society and the German National Honor Society. She also is goalie for the field hockey team. Jan is shown with Student of the Month Chairman John Roland.

Mehlville High School senior Emma Torno was honored today — Wednesday — as the Mehlville Optimist Club’s Student of the Month. Torno is a member of the Student Council, the Senior Executive Board, the National Honor Society and has been selected for the Mehlville High School Homecoming Court. She is praised as an excellent student, an excellent leader and a great friend. Torno plans to focus on a nursing career when she heads to college next year. She is shown with Optimist Student of the Month Chairman John Roland.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently recognized Mikey Bellinger of Oakville Senior High as its Student of the Month. He is an all-around good person and an excellent student. Besides his studies, Mikey is involved in various sports and is active with the Special Olympics. His parents, Mike and Diane, Principal Jan Kellerman and Assistant Principal Janet Anthony were among those present at the ceremony. Mikey is shown with Optimist Student of the Month Chairman John Roland.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Emily Maise of Abiding Savior School as its Outstanding Student of the Month. Emily is a shining star among students. Not only is she an excellent academic student who does her best on every assignment, Emily always can be counted on to stand up and do the right thing. Emily’s parents, John and Lois, and her brother Auston were present at the ceremony, along with Principal Laura Montgomery and Scott Akerson, Emily’s homeroom teacher. Emily is shown with Optimist Student of the Month Chairman John Roland.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Destanie Garrett of Bernard Middle School as its Student of the Month. Besides her above-average scholastic achievements, she has an inner warmth, which is evident by her beautiful smile, according to a news release. She always is ready to help her teachers and fellow students. Pictured, from left, are: Assistant Principal Paul Westbrook; Destanie’s mother, Dawn White; Destanie; and Optimist Student of the Month Chairman John Roland.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Dominic Meyer as its Student of the Month. Dominic is an eighth-grade student at Washington Middle School. Dominic’s mother, Lisa, was present to share in the presentation, along with Assistant Principal Patrick Keenoy. Besides Dominic’s distinguished social and academic performance, he is on the Student Council, the Honor Society and the National Leadership Council. Dominic also participates in sports programs. Pictured with Dominic is Optimist Student of the Month Chairman John Roland.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Shelby Schutz as its Student of the Month. Shelby is a student in the Mehlville School District’s South County Opportunity for the Purpose of Education, or SCOPE, program. Her parents, Carl and Michelle, brother Jacob and SCOPE Principal Pollie Richardson were present to share in the celebration. Richardson related how Shelby was unanimously chosen by her teachers as being a model for continuing success through her dedication and commitment to succeed. Pictured with Shelby is Optimist Student of the Month Chairman John Roland.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Lutheran High School South student Petra Orescanin as its Student of the Month. Besides her consistent top grades, Petra’s continued involvement in academic and social functions describes her character. She is a mentor to new students, active in the Christian Fellowship program and a member of the cross country and track teams. Among those present for the award presentation were Petra’s parents, Pero and Sladjana; friends Jerry and Joyce Berk; Lutheran South Principal Brian Ryherd; and Chris Wilson of Lutheran South. Petra is pictured with Optimist Student of the Month Chairman John Roland.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Mehlville High School senior Tyler Mazdra as its Student of the Month. He was selected by Mehlville teachers and administrators as being a strong, non-aggressive leader. Mazdra is a senior class officer, editor of the yearbook and an excellent student, according to school officials. Also present at the ceremony were his parents, David and Vicki; Principal Denise Swanger; and Assistant Principal Angelo Colona. Pictured with Mazdra is Optimist Student of the Month Chairman John Roland.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Casey Kenny, an eighth-grade Student from Queen of All Saints School, as its Student of the Month. Casey was selected by her teachers as being an outstanding example of what a Christian student should be. She goes about her work with a friendly smile and positive attitude. Also present at the ceremony were her parents, Joe and Cathy, and her brother Matt. Casey is pictured with Optimist Student of the Month Chairman John Roland.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Jacob Renfrow of Hancock High School as its Student of the Month. Principal Cathy Lorenz and Assistant Principal Shelly Rost elaborated on the numerous reasons why Jacob was selected for the award. His mother, Sarah, and sister Nylah also were present at the ceremony. Jacob maintains a 4.1 grade-point average, is a member of the National Honor Society, runs cross country and is a pitcher on the varsity baseball team. He also served as senior class president and volunteered more than 100 hours with Special Olympics. Jacob is pictured with Optimist Student of the Month Chairman John Roland.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Eric Simon of Oakville Senior High School as its Student of the Month. Attending the presentation were Eric’s parents, Todd and Kathy. Principal Jan Kellerman and Assistant Principal Br-an Brennan spoke on Eric’s qualities, noting he’s the kind of person everyone wants on their team. Eric embodies the spirit that all educators look for, always helping others and being actively involved, a news release stated. Eric is pictured with Optimist Student of the Month Chairman John Roland.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Abigail Monteith of Bernard Middle School as its Student of the Month. Bernard Principal Phil Milligan elaborated on why Abigail was unanimously selected by teachers for this award. Her parents, James and Christine, along with other family members, were present as she accepted her award. Abigail is pictured with Optimist Student of the Month Chairman John Roland.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Jennifer Messmer of Abiding Savior Lutheran School as its Student of the Month. Jennifer is a truly caring and passionate person who shows genuine respect for her fellow students and faculty. Besides being an A+ student, she is a cheerleader and active in school sports. Attending the presentation were her parents, John and Jean Messmer, and younger brothers Christopher and Tony. Jennifer is pictured with Optimist Student of the Month Chairman John Roland.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Tara Vogler of St. Francis of Assisi School as its Student of the Month. Among those present at the award ceremony were her parents, Patrice and Kevin; Principal Greg Sturgill; and teacher Susan Bokamper. Tara is an A-plus student and recently was selected to the school’s Ambassador Club. As an active Student Council member, Tara oversaw ‘Operation Sunscreen,’ in which care packages were collected for U.S. troops stationed overseas. Pictured are: Optimist Student of the Month Chairman John Roland and Tara.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Brooke Harmon of Green Park Lutheran School as its Student of the Month. Brooke was honored for her academic and athletic achievements, strong moral and civic character and leadership skills. She is the daughter of Steve and Jan Harmon of south county. Brooke is pictured with Optimist Student of the Month Chairman John Roland.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Rachel Reinsmith of the Lindbergh Academy as its Student of the Month. Among those present at the award ceremony to share in the award and elaborate on Rachel’s achievement were her mother, Terry, and Lindbergh Academy Director Scott Goodrich. Rachel is self-motivated in goal setting and goal completion. She is very respectful in and out of school and has become a role model for many of her fellow students. Pictured, from left, are: Optimist Club Youth Chairman John Roland and Rachel.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Stephen Beers of St. Francis of Assisi School as its Student of the Month. Stephen’s parents, Mike and Teresa, sister Mary and Principal Greg Sturgill were present to share in the award and elaborate on his achievement. Stephen embodies the true spirit of volunteerism as he never misses an opportunity to volunteer for school and friends. Pictured, from left, are: Optimist Club Youth Chairman John Roland, Stephen and Optimist Club Vice President John Meder.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Stephen Beers of St. Francis of Assisi School as its Student of the Month. Stephen’s parents, Mike and Teresa, sister Mary and Principal Greg Sturgill were present to share in the award and elaborate on his achievement. Stephen embodies the true spirit of volunteerism as he never misses an opportunity to volunteer for school and friends. Pictured, from left, are: Optimist Club Youth Chairman John Roland, Stephen and Optimist Club Vice President John Meder.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Chris Hanak, an eighth-grade student at Margaret Buerkle Middle School, as its Student of the Month. His parents, Martin and Cindy; sister Melissa; aunt Pat Erdmann; and Principal John Weber were present to share in the award and elaborate on his achievement. An honor-roll student since fifth grade, Chris is very active in school activities and always eager to help others. Pictured, from left, are: Optimist Club Youth Chairman John Roland and Chris.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Nichole Kossmeyer of Mehlville’s SCOPE as its Student of the Month. Nichole’s mother, Kim, and SCOPE Principal Pollie Richardson were present to elaborate on Nichole’s accomplishments and how she was chosen for this honor. Pictured, from left, are: Student of the Month Chairman John Roland and Nichole.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Danielle Scherrer of Washington Middle School its Student of the Month. Her parents, Cindy and Dave, along with teacher John Garrett were present to share in the award and elaborate on her achievement. They noted her continued dedication and hard work is evident in all she does.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Erin Torgerson of Lutheran High School South as its Student of the Month. She is this year’s Student Council president. In addition, she is involved in the Student Ambassador Program, Leadership Cabinet, the National Honor Society, the National French Honor Society and a variety of other academic and sports programs. Her parents, Ted and Terry, along with Dean of Students Dan Harms were present at the breakfast meeting to share in the award and elaborate on her achievements. Pictured, from left, are: Student of the Month Chairman John Roland and Erin.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently named Kelly Duggan of Queen of All Saints School as its Student of the Month. Besides all of her academic and social achievements, Kelly’s enthusiastic attitude toward all she does wins everyone over. Her parents, Tim and Cori, along with Principal Cathy Johns and teacher Cliff Downey were present at the breakfast meeting to share in the award and elaborate on her achievements. Pictured, from left, are: Student of the Month Chairman John Roland and Kelly.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Hancock High School senior Brandon Grounds as its Student of the Month. Brandon was chosen by teachers and faculty for his outstanding overall qualities. Besides his excellent academic qualities, he always has a warm, friendly smile and is among the first to volunteer when help is needed in school projects and community fundraising programs. Brandon also was elected prom king. In addition, he is active in soccer, basketball and baseball. Brandon’s mother, Charlene, his aunt Charlotte Kanzler, Principal Cathy Lorenz and Assistant Principal Michele Rost were present to share in the award and elaborate on his achievements. Pictured, from left, are: Student of the Month Chairman John Roland and Brandon.

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Lindbergh High School senior Michelle Dunn as its Student of the Month. Michelle, who attended the Lindbergh Academy, achieved a 3.9 grade-point average and displayed superior ethical and moral character during her time at Lindbergh. Michelle’s mother, Jae Dunn, and Lindbergh Academy Director Scott Goodrich were present at the ceremony to share in the award and elaborate on Michelle’s achievements. Michelle plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University this fall to pursue a career in teaching. Pictured, from left, are: Student of the Month Chairman John Roland, Michelle and Goodrich.