Suzayia poses with staff and family

Meet our January Exceptional Student Award winners! Congratulations, Suzayia Bates, fifth-grader at Eastwood Elementary School;
Ava Park, a senior at Roseburg High School; Ava Ash a junior also at Roseburg High School; and Conner Berlier, a seventh-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:

Eastwood’s fifth-grade team chose to nominate Suzayia Bates for student of the month because she is an all-around amazing human being. Suzayia can be depended on whether she needs to do academic work, or positively contribute to making Eastwood a better place. She is a quiet wallflower who observes people around her and isn’t afraid to step in when they need a hand. Along with all of this, Suzayia is someone her peers can look to as a role model and a friend. Teachers know from these character traits that Suzayia has a bright and wonderful future ahead of her. Any middle or high school teacher will be lucky to have her in their class.

Suzayia poses with staff and family

Ava exemplifies excellence in academics, leadership and character. As a junior last year, she thrived in Honors Biology, earning dual credit through Southern Oregon University while demonstrating dedication and intellectual curiosity. Her passion for literature shone in WR 121 and 122, where she impressed with insightful writing and even won her class’s sonnet competition. Ava’s leadership extended beyond academics — she co-founded the Asian American and Pacific Islander Club, fostering cultural awareness and inclusivity. A committed volunteer and National Honor Society member, Ava balances academics with caregiving for her younger siblings and excels in AP/CC courses. Her work as a paid ECE Practicum student highlights her professionalism, reliability and ambition, as she pursues her CDA credential for advanced early childhood education opportunities. Ava’s passion for social justice and advocacy for fairness make her an inspiring presence, and her kindness, initiative and drive ensure she leaves a lasting impact on her school and community.

Ava poses with staff and family

Ava is an exceptional student whose diligence, kindness and perseverance set her apart. Despite facing challenges, Ava always demonstrates responsibility and consistently produces high-quality work, asks insightful questions, and enriches class discussions with her thoughtful contributions. She treats everyone with kindness and respect, making her a valued member of the classroom community. Her sincerity and positivity create an atmosphere of warmth, and her resilience in overcoming obstacles is truly inspiring. Ava also goes above and beyond expectations, often researching topics further and sharing her findings to enhance class learning. Her dedication to academic excellence, combined with her remarkable character, makes Ava a joy to teach and a role model for others.

Ava poses with staff and family

Connor is an outstanding student and an even better individual. He has demonstrated consistent effort and mastery throughout the year, excelling in his studies, participation, and teamwork. Teachers describe Connor as very responsible, kind, and helpful. He often goes above and beyond by helping his classmates understand the material, offering assistance, and even reteaching when necessary. In math, Connor’s tenacious desire and excitement for learning and his continual press for deeper understanding make the classroom a better place. In woodworking, Connor is a very willing learner who is super focused and asks questions to deepen his understanding. Reliable and a great example to other students, Connor manages his time well, makes an effort to do quality work, and takes feedback to improve his pieces. Teachers agree — Connor is a pleasure to have in class and an asset to Jo Lane.

Connor poses with staff and family