The deal is: "first grade 12 to have their name picked out of the Reverse Draw White Bag will be the first Student of the Week for the new school year". This has led to some awkward write-ups in the past for students who I really don't know that well (or have little to write about). But (happily!) this is not the case this year! I have lots of wonderful things to say about Katarina!
Some of the words that I would use to describe Katarina are "focused" and "determined" and "independent". Last year she was in a class that was pretty loud at times and... uh... not always very interested in doing much work (sorry if I am offending anyone). But every time I would look over at Katarina she would be working diligently, always right up-to-date (in fact, more often than not, she was AHEAD of where she was supposed to be). The fact that she showed such discipline while situated in a rather frenetic and UNfocused environment always impressed me. She showed herself to be a very strong math student but what struck me even more was her internal motivation and independence.
Mind you, there was a 2 - 3 week period last year when Katarina came late (once or twice, VERY late) to class almost every day. It was equal parts puzzling and hilarious. To this day, I don't really know what it was all about. I believe I mentioned to her that she had been late quite a bit in the previous classes... and then she never was again. How mysterious!!
One of the things I love about Katarina is her passion. It's not always apparent; for the most part she is quiet and unassuming. But there have been several times when I have been talking to her about something and she displays a VERY definite opinion on the topic. She speaks her mind clearly and confidently. It's pretty darn awesome.
Similarly, when Katarina finds something amusing her whole being kind of transforms. Her eyes sparkle noticeably and she flashes this amazing smile that always makes me think "gotta make this kid laugh more often". It often doesn't last long - just a few seconds and then she is back to her usual stoic self - but those few seconds are kind of magical nonetheless.
You truly are a great student, Katarina. Thanks for all the effort and drive you have displayed in my class. I feel very lucky to get to teach you again this year. I know you will be very successful, both in Calculus 12 and in anything else you put your mind to in the future. Good luck to you!