Forty-eight Monroe High School students have successfully reached their first trimester academic goals under the school’s Allies in Monroe (AIM) mentoring program, meaning they each have earned $200 scholarships for their successful efforts.  They were honored at a banquet on December 17.

     AIM – now in its second year – is an academic incentive and mentoring program for all MHS students.  The program is designed to enhance student achievement, increase the number of students furthering their education after high school, and improve student-staff-community relationships.  It also aims to enhance the overall Monroe High School career- and college-ready culture.  MHS’ AIM is the only program of its kind in Monroe County.  

     “We are very proud of these students, many of whom earned similar academic awards last year,” said Monroe High School Teacher David Henry, who coordinates the school’s AIM program.  “These students know that someone believes in them.  They have shown tremendous persistence and have learned through AIM that hard work does pay off.  This is another way that we help our students to succeed.” 

     In the program, students are paired with an adult mentor – called an ally -- to help motivate and encourage them to reach at least a 15-percent increase in their grade-point-average or some other agreed-upon stretch target.  In the program’s first four trimesters, about 150 students have earned the $200 scholarship rewards, meaning the program has awarded about $30,000 to deserving MHS students.

     “We are thankful for the sponsors we have who have stepped up to support this program.  They make it work for our students,” Mr. Henry said.  At Thursday’s recognition banquet, these sponsors, called Angels, were recognized:  Mike and Wendy Gaynier, Bruce and Kim Diven, Ryan and Dory Philbeck – Patriot Group, Elevate Church, Tim and Margie Lake, Monroe High School Alumni Association and GROW Monroe. Monroe Bank & Trust, La-Z-Boy and DTE Energy were thanked.

     Although AIM is a Monroe High School program, no district money can be used to support it so AIM is governed by a board which oversees the securing of funds to support the program.  Potential supporters can contact Mr. Henry at 265-3612.

     Here are the students who earned first trimester recognition through AIM:

Seniors – Aja Alamo, Caitlin Daniels, Adrian Finney, Jaleene Frayer, Kara Graff, Isziah Harris-Madison, Kylee Heringhausen, Jacob LaBeau, Kyle Lange, Tevin Nickols, Jordyn Raymo,Brendan Russeau, Bandon Scheffler, Frederick Shipp, Julie Siech, Lauren VanKlingeren, Cinnamin Warren and Jalen Wilkerson.

Juniors – Austin Amolsch, Angelina Blake, Tyreke Hood, Derek Kennedy, Skylar Sortor, and Mariah Wilkes.

Sophomores – Dekayla Adams, Jina Alley, Kristen Bolster, Lauren Brooks, Precious Dafney-Burciaga, Tatum Dusseau-Johnson, Dante Holliday, Alexandria Leone, Andi Martin, Johnathan McNamee, Catherine Noble, Harlan Pfefferle, Andrew Pruchnic, Elliah Redden, Lauren Steve and Natalie Trout.

Freshmen – Deysha Ambert, Elizabeth Bray, Ashley Harris, Anthony Levesque, Sydnee Martin, Daniel Robertson, Jaccob Short, and Anna Traver.