Mahomet-Seymour 4th Quarter Luke Busch Award Winners

Mahomet-Seymour Junior High School has announced the 4th Quarter Luke Busch Award winners.

Luke Busch was a student at Mahomet-Seymour Junior High when he was diagnosed with a terminal illness. The Busch family established the Luke Busch H.E.A.R.T. Award in his memory.

Students are selected based on:  Helpfulness, Effort, Acceptance, Respect and Tolerance

The award is given quarterly to one student in each grade level at MSJH. Students are nominated by their teachers and staff. Our fourth quarter award winners receive a certificate and $15 cash prize.

6th Grade –  Adella Bird, daughter of Aaron and Pandra Bird  

Nominating teacher:  Mrs. Miranda Crawford, 6th Grade ELA 

I nominated Adella for the Luke Busch Heart Award because she is one of the most caring, selfless, generous and helpful students I know.  She constantly reaches out to her fellow students to help and encourage them.  I have never seen her be unkind to anyone. She is a friend to all and a joy to have as a student.

What are your ambitions or future dreams?

I have several dreams for my future. I would like to be a mother and have a career.  One of my dream careers would be to have a job where I can help people.  I love speaking in front of people so I would enjoy teaching large groups, especially how to be kind to each other.  Another dream would be to own companies that help people. I also love acting on stage so that is another dream career.

Please share a comment(s) about your student or a favorite quote.

Adella has always shown such empathy for those around her. She has a gentle heart, loves helping people, and believes strongly in treating everyone with kindness. This is Adella’s first year in Mahomet and she has already come to love her wonderful 6th grade teachers and develop several friendships.  Adella is truly touched to have been chosen as a recipient of the Luke Busch Heart Award.

7th Grade – Haken Anderson, son of Shad and Bonnie Anderson 

Nominating teacher:  Mrs. Stacey Buzicky, Health and Physical Education  

I nominated Haken for the Luke Busch Heart Award because he shows a willingness to help everyone, displays a kind and generous heart, demonstrates a positive attitude in class and at home, and is dedicated to doing his best each day. Haken leads by example, goes beyond what is expected and demonstrates integrity and high moral character.  It has been a real joy to have Haken in class and I look forward to his smile each day!

What are your ambitions or future dreams?

First of all, oh my goodness! I am happy and honored to be given this award. As of right now, my future ambitions are to go to a prestigious university, and later become a U.S. Senator, or hold some sort of important position. My goal in life is to be important; to “make a difference,” which is so cliché, but I don’t want to live a normal life. But ultimately, I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, so I think I’ll just see where my life goes, and make decisions from there.

Please share a comment(s) about your student or a favorite quote.

Mr. Anderson shares that Haken is the oldest of seven children. We realize how crazy that sounds these days, but honestly, having an oldest child like Haken makes this parenting adventure not just possible, but really enjoyable. He is our third adult. He gathers his little siblings regularly to play games with them (often all of them including the 17 month old twins). He is an example of admitting when he’s wrong to them, often apologizing to them without any direction from us. He’s just a good boy, and my best buddy. I love him. He deserves this recognition. 

Mrs. Anderson writes that this time at home has given me an even greater love and respect for my son Haken. We have grown closer as he has learned a skill that I love myself and we have bonded over broken needles or silly sewing mistakes. As he was making masks to donate to Carle hospital he said “mom, I think it’s really cool that if you can sew right now you are saving the world”.  I love his desire to serve without any expectation for recognition. I know it may sound silly, but as a parent I really look up to him and want to be more like him. He is humble, apologizes quickly, and forgives easily. It’s an understatement to say that we are proud of the young man he is becoming. He is going to do big things. 

8th Grade – Noora Kassem, daughter of Amin and Tricia Kassem

Nominating Teacher:  Mrs. Amy Higgins, 8th Grade ELA

I nominated Noora for the Luke Busch Heart Award because she is an all-around great person.  She does very well in class, putting forth her best effort in everything she does.  Noora always has a smile on her face, and she participates, enthusiastically, with whatever is going on at school, whether it’s just normal classwork, a project, or fun dress up days!  Noora also has a kind heart, helping others when they need something, and she even does extra special things like bringing in treats for her classmates.  She is honest, trustworthy, and a fabulous student to have in any classroom!

What are your ambitions or future dreams?

After high school I am positive I want to attend college. Currently I have two main job ideas in mind (English Language Arts teacher or an animal assisted therapist), and it seems likely my future profession will be one of options. At some point in my life I hope to publish a book. I am excited to move on to high school and look forward to the years to come.

Please share a comment(s) about your student or a favorite quote.

Noora is kind, loving, incredibly creative and her mind is always in motion. She makes an impression on everyone she meets. She is wise beyond her years.  We are so proud of Noora!