A new year is cause for celebration, just as are respectful, organized, safe, and responsible actions. On that note, Harlem Elementary School is pleased to announce their ROARing Students of the Week as well as their Employees of the Month.

For the first week of 2021, Hybrid A students were chosen on Tuesday, January 5, and the winners were Oz Baker (K-2nd), Kingston Folk (3rd-4th), and Marlee Brown (5th-6th). On Thursday, the ROARing students were chosen from Hybrid B group. Zayla LaMere was the kindergarten through second grade winner, LaShaia Snow earned top honors from the third and fourth grades, and Alexis Doney was selected from the fifth and sixth graders.

Finally, Harlem Elementary's 100% remote students were selected on Friday, January 8. These remarkable students included second grader, Haileigh Walls; fourth grader, Renessa Doney; and from the sixth grade, Aubrey Flying.

According to school officials, all of the ROARing students earned their title and prizes for exhibiting ROAR behavior at all times, whether they were attending in-school classes, distance learning, virtual learning, or a combination of all three learning methods.

For their work ethic and sense of humor, Harlem Elementary has selected two of their "Lunch Ladies" as the ROARing Employees for the month of December. A school spokesperson reported that Head Cook, Angie Horswill, and Assistant Cook, Liz Walker, "have been keeping their students' tummies full and happy with their delicious meals all year long. Not only do they prepare and serve breakfast and lunch for the in-school students, but they also prepare and pack up meals for delivery to the at-home Hybrid groups and for the remote students.

"These ladies have even been called upon to use their super human strength and efforts to prepare meals for the entire district, including all junior/senior high school staff and students. All of this amid ordering, receiving food deliveries, washing and disinfecting all dishes and surfaces, sweeping, mopping, and keeping everything in accordance with health codes."

ROARing Employees for the month of December are Head Cook, Angie Horswill and Assistant Cook, Liz Walker.

Horswill and Walker were also complimented for their knowledge about nutritional values to ensure every meal meets necessary health guidelines. "The strength factor isn't exaggerated, either," Janice Gilham explained. "Lifting and carrying huge pots of food requires a lot of muscle! Through all of their extremely busy and sometimes chaotic days, Angie and Liz have kept their sense of humor as they continue to provide delicious meals for students and staff. So, it is no surprise that everyone is in total agreement; our 'Lunch Ladies' are the best and more than deserve the honor of ROARing Employees of the Month."

For their diligence and dedication, Horswill and Walker also received a Domino's gift card so that they can "relax, enjoy, and for once, let someone else cook for them."