At the early age of 10, fourth-grader Jordan Cerone refuses to limit herself to just one talent. The precocious student at St. Monica, 1720 W. Ritner St., applies herself to excelling in every field: Academically, artistically and athletically.
“She is a star in the classroom,” her former third-grade teacher Alexis Ferraiolo said. “Jordan takes her time to produce high quality, neat and creative work for every assignment.”
Jordan particularly excels in math, thanks to a desire for learning new ideas and a willingness to experiment. The qualities she demonstrates reach beyond her favorite subject, as exemplified by a string of awards, including Student of the Month, the Four-Star Club for excellence in effort and behavior and receiving second place in an art contest.
The resident of the 2700 block of South Smedley Street also enjoys her time outdoors, and finds an outlet for her energetic nature in gymnastics classes. She also volunteers at her Uncle Louie’s pizzeria, Uncle Oogie’s, 2119 W. Oregon Ave., where she helps get the store ready before it opens and participates in cleanup whenever needed.
Yet, first and foremost in Jordan’s life is her desire to succeed.
“Jordan takes learning very seriously and puts a lot of effort into succeeding in the classroom,” Ferraiolo said. “It is evident that she prepares for school at home ,as well as through her studying skills.”
Still, Jordan sees room for improvement; she hopes to one day to be able to develop all the qualities that her role model, mother Christine Cerone, possesses.
Eventually, Jordan wishes to apply her varied learning experiences toward a career in art. After attending college, where she wants to not only improve her skills, but experiment with different supplies, Jordan plans to use her career for a simple but noble purpose - to make people smile.
“Jordan is very creative and artistically inclined,” Ferraiolo said. “She has big dreams for herself and has the potential for all of them to become realities.” SPR
Jordan Cerone will receive a $150 savings bond. If you are a teacher or full-time educator and would like to nominate a student (first through 12th grades), call 215-336-2500 ext. 117 or e-mail editor@southphillyreview.com.
To see more outstanding youngsters, visit the Youth Appreciation Award photo gallery.
At a school where praise and distinction typically goes to those that excel in music, Noelle McManus also is being recognized for her academic achievements.
At Sacred Heart of Jesus School, 1329 E. Moyamensing Ave., eighth-grader Anthony Nguyen is a model of leadership both in and outside of the classroom. An extremely hard worker, Anthony is the school’s Student Council president and dedicates himself to the Sacred Heart Youth Ministry after school.
Both in and out of the classroom, 13-year-old Marcquise Kennedy-Best treats others with kindness and courtesy, and it has earned him the respect of his peers. The eighth grader at Norris S. Barratt School, 1599 Wharton St., has a discipline and humility that will surely lead to future successes.
Friendly, helpful, hard working, caring and loving are just a handful of adjectives that have been used to describe 10-year-old Jaclyn Fantom. The student at Epiphany of Our Lord School, 1248 Jackson St., is noted as a student who spreads joy and happiness in the classroom.
It’s not often that one uses the word “masterpiece” when referring to the artistic productions of a 10-year-old child. Yet St. Monica teacher Alexis Ferraiolo’s former student Emmi Huynh proves herself worthy of this epithet.
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1. Anonymous said... on Feb 12, 2011 at 11:56AM
“I am so proud of my little cousin<3”