Gwinnett school district honors three students with its first Caring Awards
One of them picks up trash at a park near her school. Another has volunteered the last two summers as a translator at a hospital. The third is involved in anti-bullying efforts.
Gwinnett County school officials announced Wednesday three students have been honored with the district’s first Promise of Gwinnett Caring Awards. The students are:
- Jessica Elizabeth Stanhouse, a fifth-grader at Arcado Elementary School.
- Ashley Paige Richardson, an eighth-grader at Couch Middle School.
- Michelle Derewitz, a senior at Lanier High School.
Stanhouse is involved in her school’s No Place for Hate Student Coalition and helps a World War II veteran.
Richardson was honored for efforts such as removing trash on her own from a park near her school. She also helps classmates with their homework.
Derewitz posts notes of encouragement around the school. She’s also volunteered as a translator at a hospital in South Korea the last two years.
The idea for the awards came from a Gwinnett school counselor who remembered receiving a similar award when he was a student and wanted to celebrate students who help others.
About the Author
Eric Stirgus joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2001. He currently writes about higher education and has assisted in the newsroom’s COVID-19 vaccine coverage. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Eric is active in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Education Writers Association and enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists.
