Community Builders from Berry Intermediate School
Congratulations to these COMMUNITY BUILDERS! The Lebanon City School District Board of Education members celebrated eight students from Berry Intermediate School during their meeting November 10. The following students were honored: Chase Bierkan, Josie Chadrick, Cheikh Choumad, Taniya Cokes, Ashlyn Fields, Lucie Fields, Emerson Long, and Quinn Tepe.
Pictured from left in the back row: Karen Ervin, Treasurer; Kaitlyn Burger, Student Board Representative; Jennifer Daulton, Board Member; Roy MacCutcheon, Board President; Michael Gliatti, Board Vice President; Mike Lane, Board Member; and Isaac Seevers, Superintendent; and in the front row: Community Builders Quinn Tepe, Lucie Fields, Chase Bierkan, Taniya Cokes, Josie Chadrick, and Emerson Long. Missing: Ashlyn Fields and Cheikh Choumad.
The recognition event, sponsored by Whit's, recognizes students and staff who live out the mission of Lebanon City Schools. A community builder is someone who cares about their community and takes action to make it better. These students have contributed to their classrooms, buildings, and the Lebanon community in ways that nurture kindness, service to others, and mutual respect.
Congratulations to all for this honor!
Here's more information about each Community Builder:
Chase Bierkan - Chase’s kindness and leadership come naturally - he doesn’t wait to be asked. Chase encourages others to do their best, asking thoughtful questions that raise the level of class discussions and celebrating the successes of his peers. He treats teachers, staff, and classmates with kindness and respect, helping to create a classroom environment where everyone feels supported.
Josie Chadrick - Josie is an exceptional student who not only thrives academically but also actively strengthens her classroom community. Whether in large groups or small partner work, she ensures everyone feels heard, included, and valued. Josie’s talent as a writer is matched by her empathy and mentorship. She crafts children’s stories with care and provides constructive, affirming feedback to peers, helping them grow in confidence and skill.
Cheikh Choumad - Cheikh consistently shows kindness and respect to his classmates, both in and out of the classroom. In class, he checks in on others to make sure they’re doing okay and uplifts peers with encouraging words like, 'It is beautiful and you are too.' Cheikh’s thoughtfulness, leadership, and reliability make him a valued member of the classroom community.
Taniya Cokes - As a Community Builder, Taniya is a quiet hero - showing kindness, courage, and strength without seeking attention or recognition. She helps others in small but meaningful ways, always noticing what needs to be done, whether it’s lending a hand to a classmate or taking care of a classroom task. She perseveres through challenges with both grace and determination.
Ashlyn Fields - Ashlyn actively looks for ways to include others, reaching out to classmates who may feel left out and helping them feel connected - whether in the classroom, during Girls on the Run, or across the team. She also models service by noticing needs and helping without being asked - erasing boards, assisting with lost items, supporting absent students, or brightening someone’s day with thoughtful gestures like a 'Boo Basket.' Ashlyn is a student who exemplifies kindness, service, and leadership.
Lucie Fields - Lucie is a dedicated teacher’s assistant and is always eager to help both teachers and classmates. She consistently looks for ways to contribute - whether it’s passing out papers, organizing student mailboxes, or making sure materials are ready for the next lesson. She is kind, humble, and always ready to lend a hand, never seeking recognition for her efforts.
Emerson Long - Emerson demonstrates outstanding leadership, kindness, and respect toward everyone in her class. She consistently shows empathy and patience, encouraging classmates to participate and supporting those who work at a different pace. Through her quiet leadership, Emerson inspires her classmates to model the same respect and inclusiveness that make their classroom community so strong.
Quinn Tepe - Quinn is a natural leader in her math group, patiently explaining each problem and making sure everyone understands before moving on. Quinn starts each day with a smile and energy that inspires her peers to engage in learning. She brings a nurturing presence, encourages others to do their best, and approaches every task with grace, perseverance, and a willingness to accept feedback.
