JENNIFER KOHLHEPP Roosevelt Public School recently chose sixth-grader Sage Duchai, 12, as its Dr. Norman J. Field Student Achiever of the Year. The award is given to students in grades 5-12 through the Monmouth County School Boards Association. ROOSEVELT- Sixth-grader Sage Duchai, 12, is an unsung hero who distinguishes herself in unique ways.
Roosevelt Public School recently named Sage its Dr. Norman J. Field Student Achiever of the Year. The award is given through the Monmouth County School Boards Association to students who achieve academically, model good citizenship, overcome challenges and exhibit a spirit and strength that inspire others.
The program is named in memory of Dr. Norman J. Field, who served as a board member in the Monmouth Regional school district for more than 30 years. Field was appointed to the board when the concept of a regional high school was just being developed. He served as president of the board for many years and was recognized as a leader among his peers.
Roosevelt Public School Principal Shari Payson said each school district in Monmouth County chooses two recipients for the award, one in grades 5-8 and one in grades 9-12.
“There is a variety of criteria used as a framework for selection,” Payson said, adding that she and RPS teachers collectively chose Sage for the award.
“Sage exemplifies leadership, and we feel she is a role model for her peers as well as for younger children,” Payson said.
A member of the school’s safety patrol and Student Council, Sage also participates in the school’s gymnastics club and studio art program.
“Sage is also a wonderful artist,” Payson said. “Her artwork has been published in the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association’s literary magazine, and she was chosen to display art at theMiddletownArt Center for Youth Art Month.”
Sage’s work will be on display at the center through March 28. Her work for the literary magazine, a drawing depicting two people walking on a woodland trail near her home, made the cover.
Payson said, “To top it all off, we all agree that she is kind and always respectful.”
She continued, “I am very proud of Sage. I think she is an excellent choice for the award. She is a lovely young lady and an outstanding student to represent Roosevelt Public School.”
Sage’s sixth-grade teacher, Scot Gershman, said Sage participates in everything the school has to offer and mentors a firstgrader.
“The sixth-graders have firstgrade buddies that they mentor one period every week,” Gershman said. “She’s doing a wonderful job with her buddy.”
Gershman said Sage always does her work, never misses a homework assignment and is always willing to help another student, especially in math.
“I enjoy having her in class,” he said.
Sage said she was surprised to learn from Payson on March 10 that she won the award.
“It was a shock,” she said. “I didn’t know about the award. I was surprised because there’s a lot of other people who are smarter than me.”
When asked why she thought she got the award, Sage said, “I’m in a lot of stuff and I try my best.”
Sage said she enjoys art, math and reading. She likes participating in lots of extracurricular activities because “all of my friends do it and it’s fun.”
In her spare time, Sage likes to have fun doing artistic projects with her friends such as making crafts and movies.
She has aspirations of becoming a fashion designer.
“It looks like fun working with a lot of different styles of clothing,” she said.
Hermother, Valerie Skillman, described Sage as very studious and creative.
“She’s got a good temperament,” she said. “She’s social and knows a lot of kids. She’s very intense about everything she does and focused.”
Skillman said her family is excited for and very proud of Sage for winning the award.
To those who nominated her for the award, Sage said, “Thank you. It’s a good award.”
She also thanked Gershman for continuously supporting her.
“He’s taught me a lot and he’s nice to me,” she said. “He’s a good teacher.”
The Monmouth County School Boards Association will host the 28th annual Dr. Norman J. Field StudentAchievers Recognition Program on April 3 at Marlboro High School. Sage and approximately 90 other winners will be introduced to the school boards of Monmouth County and presented with their awards.