Meet our April Exceptional Student Award winners! Congratulations, Zyrus Charro, fifth-grader at Fir Grove Elementary School; Emma Rethwill, a junior at Roseburg High School; Tyler Ott, a senior at Roseburg High School; Eston Barney also a senior at Roseburg High School; and Hailey Maxwell, an eighth-grader at Joseph Lane Middle School. Each month, students are chosen by their schools to receive the honor. Students may be recognized for a variety of achievements and successes such as academics, community-mindedness, character, positive influence, and extracurriculars.

Here's what their teachers had to say:

Zyrus is a focused, on-task student who consistently offers thoughtful and relevant feedback to both his peers and teachers. He approaches his education with dedication and takes it seriously, demonstrating a strong commitment to his learning. Always willing to collaborate with others, Zyrus works well with anyone on any task. His exceptional attitude and teamwork skills make him a well-respected member of the class. Whether it's tackling assignments or supporting his peers, Zyrus gives his best effort in everything he does. Fir Grove is proud to recognize him for his hard work and positive contributions to the school community.

Emma is a remarkable student and an inspiring leader in the classroom. She is kind, conscientious, and determined, always supporting her peers and fostering a positive learning environment. Her adaptability in group projects and strong time management skills allow her to produce high-quality work while uplifting those around her. Emma’s perseverance is especially evident in her public speaking journey. Initially struggling, she pushed through with determination and went on to deliver a flawless speech. In writing, she applies the same dedication, constantly striving to improve. Her quiet leadership and encouragement make her truly deserving of this recognition.

Tyler Ott is a remarkably creative and kind-hearted individual whose passion for art shines through in everything he does. Currently enrolled in Fine Arts 3, he is dedicating himself to building an impressive AP Art portfolio centered around unique characters he has developed. His creativity knows no bounds, and his ability to bring ideas to life is truly inspiring. Beyond his artistic talent, Tyler is a genuinely great person — always ready with a kind word and a good sense of humor that brightens the classroom. His positivity and dedication make him a joy to have in class and a valued peer.

Eston exemplifies the ideal student every teacher aspires to teach — diligent, compassionate, and genuinely committed to both his academic pursuits and personal development. He approaches challenges with remarkable resilience and determination, never shying away from difficult tasks, whether in academics or extracurricular activities. His kindness distinguishes him; always willing to assist his peers, he cultivates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Eston also offers insightful contributions that enhance discussions. His leadership skills and open-mindedness truly embody the values of RHS.

Hailey is an incredibly enthusiastic and talented student. She always comes to class with a smile on her face and a “HEY HOW’S IT GOING?” for her teachers. Hailey is detail-oriented and always completes her work by going above and beyond. Teachers appreciate that Hailey is willing to help others around her and be a team player. She also brings enthusiasm and positivity to class and has a deep desire to learn and share her newfound knowledge. She is a positive role-model and friends with everyone in class. Teachers can count on her to provide not just base knowledge, but also insightful thoughts on the subject material.