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

Ruthie Vinson is the Elementary Student of the Month. Jason Drew nominated Vinson. He said Vinson is a natural leader. She follows expectations every day and her example is what many other students follow. She has a willingness to learn and help others in her class that is unmatched. She shows empathy and kindness to all her classmates and is respectful of all adults in the room. She puts others before herself and is the type of person who goes out of her way to help others be successful.

“Ruthie is a great scholar, but an even better friend to everyone around her,” Drew said. “As a para who works in all four third-grade classrooms, she shines. The person she is really stands out and she is a great role model to those around her.”

She is the daughter of Nick and Jennifer Vinson.

Dakota Pommer is the Middle School Student of the Month. The 8 Blue staff team nominated Pommer. They said Pommer is always on task, completes her work fully and on time, and is respectful to other students and staff. She has a positive attitude that others notice. She is kind and helps students who need assistance in class.

“Dakota shows positive character,” they wrote. “She is willing to help others and strives to improve herself and those around her.”

She is the daughter of Cody and Stephanie Pommer.

Kane Butrick is the Senior High Student of the Month. Todd Constable nominated Butrick. He shared that Butrick shows an amazing commitment to his learning. He is positively engaged in class, participating, asking questions and sharing his ideas. Along with his academic success, he has shown tremendous leadership skills. Constable has seen him talking with new students and standing up for students when needed. He is polite to all students and models the 7 Habits we strive for in our schools every day.

“Kane’s academic strengths are complimented by his demonstrated leadership skills and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this young man,” he said. “He will do great things!” He is the son of Brandon and Megan Butrick.

Lauren Winter is the Employee of the Month. Amy Hinders nominated Winter. Hinders said Winter goes above and beyond every day for her students and coworkers. She said Winter participates on almost every leadership committee, answers questions for staff nearly every day and covers classes during her prep.

She is organized, positive and able to build rapport with her students. Hinders shared that on top of planning her first assembly as the Dodger Senate advisor, Winter helped her out during Homecoming week when she was unexpectedly sick. She said Winter took on helping her, when in all honesty, she needed any extra minutes she had for herself.

“Lauren is simply phenomenal, an amazing teacher,” Hinders said. “She serves as a role model for students and staff alike.”