The Fort Dodge Community School District has named its students and employee of the month for May. This program recognizes one elementary, one middle school and one high school student, as well as one staff member monthly for exceeding expectations.

Crew Gale is the elementary student of the month. Juli Springer nominated Gale. She said that although she is not his teacher she is in his classroom often and always finds Gale involved and on task.

He likes to complete the work he is doing before leaving to see the nurse. He often talks about the things he is learning or what has gone on in class. He works well and gets along with all his classmates. He truly cares about other students. He is kind and respectful to students and staff. He appreciates anything and everything that is done for him and never leaves the office without saying thank you. He is responsible and can be trusted to follow through with what he is taught and what is recommended regarding his health.

“Crew is responsible and kind which makes him a great kid for other students to watch and learn from,” Springer said. “He makes me feel lucky to be his school nurse and I enjoy him every single day.” Gale is the son of Jon and Laura Gale.

Anthony Turcios is the middle school student of the month. Bailey Baker nominated Turcios. She said Turcios has improved exponentially this year. He now follows along in class, has no late assignments, and his grades have improved. He is a good friend to all of the students in his class. He helps translate material for his friends who speak Spanish. He is always cracking jokes to keep things lighthearted. She shared that Turcios had a rough start to the year. He has completely turned around in the past few months, and both his attitude and grades reflect this.

“I am proud of Anthony’s efforts and growth this year,” Baker said. “He’s worked hard and it shows.” Turcios is the son of Carlos Turcios and Glenda Mata.

Sawyer Springer is the Senior High student of the month. Nick Vinson nominated Springer. Vinson said Springer is always striving to better himself both in the classroom and outside of it. He is making sure grades are high and taking the time to read outside books that he feels will better prepare him for the rest of his life. He does his best and asks questions to make sure he knows what to do and how to do it. Springer always makes time to talk to people.

He is kind to all students and works to make everyone feel as though they belong. He is involved in just about anything you can imagine, works hard in classes, talks to and cares about people and has an inquisitive young mind.

“I know without a doubt that Sawyer will be successful in whatever he chooses to do because he is driven, persistent and positive,” Vinson said. “He embodies everything we say we want out of students and does it with a smile on his face. He is one of, if not the best person I know right now.” Springer is the son of Juli Springer.

Racquel Benegas is the employee of the month. Lisa Reisner and Jason Drew nominated Benegas. They said she has encouraged and supported students in the Fort Dodge district for more than 25 years. She builds rapport with students and families to help build success that students can use in the classroom and beyond. She looks at a student’s strengths and builds a plan to help support any learning needs and has the students’ strengths at the heart of all she does. They said Benegas is patient, warm, and welcoming, always smiling and having fun with the students. She is a great role model for students and staff alike. They said, “Racquel has a natural enthusiasm that students and adults are drawn to. She is a ray of sunshine that adds to each classroom and continues after she leaves. She is extremely dedicated to the students and is a joy to work with.”