SIDNEY -- The Cheyenne County School District No. 1 Board of Education recognized the January students of the month Monday.

7th grade: Elinor Kokjer -- Elinor is a strong student who turns in quality work. She chooses to lead by example and is quick to encourage others to be and do their best. Elinor works well with others and is willing to take on her share of responsibilities. She is courteous, kind and respectful. Elinor has a unique, yet contagious strength that inspires others to believe in themselves. Elinor is the daughter of Carter and Beth Kokjer.

8th grade: Auriella Walters -- Auriella consistently displays the qualities that we find desirable of a student representing Sidney Middle School. Auriella sets a positive example each day in her academics and behavior choices. Auriella attacks new challenges with confidence and perseverance as part of her strong work ethic. It is her kindness, willingness to participate, flexibility, humor and constant smile, though, that brighten our day and set her apart from others. In teachers' experience with Auriella, she has been respectful to teachers and other students. Her positive attitude, excellent work ethics, humor, and patience with others make her an excellent choice for student of the month. Auriella is the daughter of Sariah Walters.

9th grade: Kennedy Hobson -- Kennedy was selected because she is an awesome girl who does her work, is kind to everyone and truly cares. She is involved in volleyball, basketball, track, FCCLA, Skills USA, Student Council and Speech. She enjoys reading and running in her free time. Kennedy's future plans are to be a pediatric surgeon. Kennedy is the daughter of Tiffany and Dane Hobson.

10th grade: Carsen Brunick -- Carsen Brunick was nominated as student of the month for the sophomore class because he is very quiet but is a hard worker in class. Carsen enjoys going to the gym and hanging out with friends. His future plans are to attend college. He is the son of Jessica and Brian Crow.

11th grade: Samantha Winscot -- Samantha was chosen because she is doing great in class, is positive, respectful and an overall kind individual She plays volleyball. In Samantha's spare time, she enjoys reading and cooking. Her future plans are to go to college to become a social worker for DCS (Department of Child Services). Gene and Jennifer Winscot are her parents.

12th grade: Audrey Splichal -- Audrey was nominated because she is kind, doing well in class and very respectful. She prides herself in her role in the extra-curricular activities provided by Sidney High. The most notable of school activities she is involved in include SHS cheer team, SHS golf, SHS Concert choir, Sidney State of Mind, National Honor Society, Skills USA, Distributive Education Clubs of America, Future Career and Community Leaders of America, and Girl Scouts. She also attended Girls State and was elected as Major. Outside of school and extra-curricular activities, she enjoys helping the community. Some of the ways Audrey has given back to the community include Helping Hands food packing for Haiti, Extreme Faith youth choir, the Table of Grace and the Sidney Oktoberfest doing various activities through her perish at Saint Patrick's Church. She is currently employed at Walmart as a cashier. She also goes to the funeral home a few days a week to get experience in the forensic side. Audrey enjoys camping and being outside the most. She plans to attend the University of Nebraska Lincoln. She would like to earn her bachelor's degree in forensic psychology. She has always had an interest in this field of crime and has wanted to learn more about the brain since she was young. She is the daughter of Virginia Splichal. 

The monthly performance award acknowledges achievement as well as other criteria.

These criteria are: 1) Superior academic performance, (or) dramatic improvement of classroom work, G.P.A. or attitude toward work; 2) exceptional work effort toward a particular class project; 3) outstanding contribution to the class; 4) leadership exhibited in the class/school; 5) citizenship emphasized and modeled; and 6) service to school.