VMMS was proud to honor our May and June Mustangs of the month. Every month, the VMMS staff is able to nominate staff and students from VMMS who exemplify the true character of a Mustang. Below are the individuals who have been chosen and what others have written about them. MAY/JUNE MUSTANGS OF THE MONTH:
MAY Grade 6: Milana Rizzo
Milana started the school year as a shy and uncertain student, often hesitant to share her thoughts. However, she has grown tremendously, becoming a confident and engaged member of the class. She excels academically, actively participates in discussions, and has found her voice! Well-liked by her peers, Milana has built strong friendships and earned the respect of her classmates. Moreover, Milana has mastered the balance of her school responsibilities with her intensive all-star cheer schedule. We are SO PROUD of her progress both socially and academically!
JUNE Grade 6: Lacey Piasecki
Lacey is kind, responsible and respectful. She works hard and is always willing to lend a helping hand to a student or teacher in need.
MAY Grade 7: Bane Musolf
Bane has been a peer buddy for the Autism class for 2 marking periods and is also an Excel student. Bane is a wonderful peer buddy and helped one of the students participate in the pep rally activities. He is kind, responsible, respectful, smart and accepting of all students. I believe he should be recognized for his efforts.
JUNE Grade 7: Gianna DiMatteo
Gianna has been a peer buddy for the Autism class for ALL 4 marking periods. Gianna is a wonderful peer buddy and helped one of the students participate in the pep rally activities. She is kind, responsible, respectful, and accepting of all students. I believe she should be recognized for her efforts.
MAY Grade 8: Harrison Turner
Harry has been excellent in Digital Citizenship so far this 4th Marking Period. At a time when 8th graders face many distractions due to the festivities of the end of Middle School, I have noticed Harry dedicates himself to the coursework and school more so than ever. I was lucky enough to have Harry in 7th grade Social Studies, and glad to see him working hard to finish his time here at VMMS. I was also very impressed to see he earned straight A’s for the first time during the 3rd Marking period!
JUNE Grade 8: Olivia Bell
As we prepared our laptop cart for testing, Olivia has been a massive help! She’s been a leader in organizing the cart, in making sure that the plugs are in and working, and helping coordinate the collection of laptops. She has kept her peers on track during laptop collection, freeing me up to make sure everyone is following directions.
MAY Support Staff: Raechel Mercado
Ms. Raechel has been an excellent addition to VMMS. She has made great connections with our students and helped them in many ways. Her friendly smile and approachable demeanour play a key role in creating important relationships in the building. She has been an asset to staff and a great resource. We appreciate all the extra time and attention she spends on helping to ensure our students’ success in and out of school.
JUNE Support Staff: Sheritta Dupree
I would like to nominate Ms. Dupree for Support Staff of the Month. She consistently goes above and beyond in supporting our students and team. Ms. Dupree is incredibly hardworking and dedicated. What truly sets her apart is her genuine care and compassion. She is a true team player—always willing to collaborate, share ideas, and work closely with colleagues to find thoughtful and effective solutions to student challenges. We are lucky to have Ms. Dupree as part of our team!
May Teacher: Justin Morello
Congratulations to Mr. Justin Morello, 6th grade POR Math and Science teacher, our Mustang of the Month for May. Mr. Morello demonstrated exceptional composure and leadership earlier this month when he responded to a medical emergency involving an adult visitor to our building. His swift, appropriate actions and calm demeanor helped ensure the individual received timely assistance and support. Beyond this incident, Mr. Morello consistently shows a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of all students and adults on campus. His professionalism and dedication make him a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. We are proud to celebrate him as a standout member of our Mustang team!
JUNE Teacher: Nichole Rivera
Nichole has been through the wringer, but she always has a positive attitude, is dedicated to her students, and always gives her best, professionally and personally. Nichole is a team player and is truly a pleasure to work with. She is a staunch advocate for her students and co-workers and is willing to stand up for what she thinks is right. Nichole is “small but mighty”! I am nominating Nichole for the Mustang of the Month because she embodies all that it means to “Ride as One”.
She is amazing! With all of the personal things going on at home – you would NEVER know. She comes with a smile, positive attitude, and a love and genuine concern for all around her.
Nichole has jumped right back into the swing of VMMS this year. Nichole always does what’s right by the students. As a fellow staff member, I am proud to say she is a colleague.
Nicole consistently goes above and beyond to support her students, creating an engaging and inclusive classroom where everyone feels valued. Her dedication, creativity, and positive attitude make a lasting impact on both her students and colleagues.
Nichole is a consummate professional, always there to support her colleagues and do whatever it takes for her students.