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

Karson Peterson is the Elementary Student of the Month. Breah Hansen and Maci Knutson both nominated Peterson. They shared that Peterson has exhibited growth in all areas at school this year. As his positive go-getter attitude continues to shine, his academic progress continues to strengthen as well. Peterson displays perseverance daily as he works hard to meet grade level standards and expectations. Peterson is caring, compassionate and considerate of others. He is honest and genuine in his interactions with others, and is a friend to everyone. Empathic is the word that comes to mind when thinking about Peterson. He is able to reflect and internalize situations others are going through. Hansen and Knutson concluded by saying, “Over the years, we have worked with many students; Karson stands out, for sure. Seeing the growth and progress he continues to make in our building makes us extremely proud as educators. He is the ‘why’ behind what we do.” He is the son of Alexandria Peterson and Travis Stewart.

Dreshaun Ross is the Middle School Student of the Month. Josh Porter nominated Ross. Porter said Ross is a great student and a leader in the classroom. Earlier this year Porter witnessed Ross helping multiple members of his wrestling team at a home wrestling meet. He was encouraging kids and being a great teammate during the contest. Then he decided to try something new and joined the basketball team. While he may never play basketball in high school, he once again showed that he wanted to have a positive impact on his peers and was willing to help out his classmates. Porter concluded by saying, “Dreshaun is a well-rounded student athlete that is a great role model for our younger student athletes. He is the example that we want to set for others. When we talk about students in Fort Dodge Schools it is students like Dreshaun that we want to use as an example.” He is the son of Andre and Amy Ross.

Rylie Reed is the Senior High Student of the Month. Kiley O’Leary nominated Reed. O’Leary said Reed exhibits positive, proactive behavior in the classroom. She goes the extra mile when it comes to her academics and understands that excelling academically is a direct reflection on how she will do in life. Reed is the first one to offer help to not only other students, but for teachers as well. She is an excellent role model for her peers and all students. She puts a positive spin on any situation and goes with the flow when changes occur. O’Leary concluded by saying, “Rylie is a prime example of what it looks like to be a Dodger. She is involved in a wide variety of extra curriculars, she excels academically, and exhibits excellent character! Rylie will meet every bar that is set for her and we as a community will be proud of all the things she will accomplish in her life. I look forward to her bright future and watching her fulfill her dreams.” She is the daughter of Tonya Reed and Bryan Reed.

Dylan Anderson is the Employee of the Month. Jeanna Gronbach and Dawn Thrams both nominated Anderson. They shared that Anderson is outstanding at forming relationships with his students. He takes his personal time to play games, interact with, use children’s names and call students out in positive ways, even students who aren’t or weren’t in his class. He often walks around the lunch room connecting with kids at all grade levels on his lunch break. As a coworker, Anderson is always willing to help someone carry something, pick up their duty if absent and overall is just a caring person. He is great about communicating with students, families and staff. Gronbach and Thrams concluded by saying, “Mr. Anderson always has a smile on his face and his calm demeanor comes through naturally. He is a model of good character and someone we truly appreciate having on our team at Cooper.”