September 2024 High School Honors

LSHS teachers meet monthly to nominate exemplary students for awards in two categories - Pioneer Superlative and Student of the Month. Pioneer Superlatives are students who "exceed expectations by seeking and utilizing feedback resulting from participation in learning activities and experiences to realize and maximize growth potential in all areas of school and community, including academics, attendance, behavior, and school/community involvement for the benefit and betterment of all." Students of the Month are students who, "through persistence, determination, and motivation, have improved and maintained success in one or more of the following areas: academics, attendance, behavior, and school/community involvement for the benefit and betterment of self."

Congratulations to our September winners! 

PIONEER SUPERLATIVES

Laela Gipe

 Laela is a senior and the daughter of Shawn and Allyson Gipe of Lancaster. At school, she is President of the Scrubs Club, Co-President of the Sisterhood Club, Secretary of Student Council, a Link Crew Leader, a field hockey manager, and a member of National Honor Society, Mini-THON Committee, Interclub Council, High School Heroes, STEM Club. Laela was a West Lampeter Community Fair Queen Candidate and works at  Meadia Heights Golf Club. An honor roll student, she’s previously been recognized as a Rotary Student of the Month. Laela enjoys learning about biology and chemistry, reading, baking, babysitting, and spending time with her friends and family. She plans to attend a four-year university and major in biochemistry with a focus on pre-medicine with the ultimate goal of becoming an interventional radiologist.

“Laela not only succeeds in the classroom but also with her extracurricular activities. She recently worked hard to start a new club at L-S. She is very reliable and a great Link Leader. She is very organized and motivated. Laela has given her time to help other students by serving as a tutor at the high school. She is a dedicated learner who is always willing to pitch in and help others.”

 

Leniel Lozado

Leniel is a senior and the son of Lernie Lozado and Lizette Betancourt of Willow Street. His school activities include Link Crew and the varsity baseball team. Leniel is also active at this church. He enjoys spending time biking, camping, playing baseball, and spending time with friends and family. After graduation, Leniel plans to study computer-aided drafting and design technology at Millersville University.  

“Leniel is a bilingual student who volunteers to help new Spanish-speaking students at the high school. He helps them find their way around school and ensures they understand class assignments and expectations. Leniel is a Link Leader and was the first to arrive at orientation and training each day. He is an amazing student who truly cares about his fellow students. His leadership skills are excellent and his maturity and professionalism are rarely seen in students his age."

 

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

Alice Buffington

Alice is a senior and the daughter of Michelle and Jerry Buffington of Lancaster. She’s received several art awards, including the Burrowes Scholar Award in eighth grade and an Honorable Mention in the 2024 Lancaster County Young Artists Awards. Alice also enjoys creating art and writing stories in her free time, and plans to pursue a career as an artist or animator in game or film design. She reports that one of her biggest goals is to animate and release one of her original stories as a TV series. 

“Alice is a great student who is very dedicated. She has started the year solidly with consistency, hard work, and openness. She has found a new willingness to take herself out of her comfort zone and try new things academically and in life. She is a phenomenal writer.”

 

Devin Aponte

Devin is a senior and the son of Stephanie and Erik Aponte of Lancaster. At LSHS, he’s involved with the Inter-Club Council (ICC) and the varsity baseball team. When not at school, Devin enjoys hunting, fishing, gaming, and baseball. His future plans involve a career in teaching, law enforcement, and/or the military.

“Devin has grown so much over the past two years. He has found direction and determination in his school work and extracurriculars. He is a leader and communicates well with his teammates and coaches. He is eager to help his teachers and other classmates as well.”

 

 

Board Recognition

Pioneer Superlatives and Students of the Month were invited to attend the October 7 meeting of the L-S Board of School Directors, where they were publicly recognized by Dr. Ben Feeney, LSHS principal. The school board president, Mrs. Melissa Herr, presented their certificates.