St. Thomas student received Principal's Association award

Congratulations to Mia Martino of Palatine. She received a Student Recognition Award from the Illinois Principals Association of the North Cook Region March 16 at the seventh annual Student Recognition Breakfast at the Metropolis in Arlington Heights.

Regional Director Dr. Michael Merritt and guest speaker Ricardo Castro, Teacher of the Year from Elk Grove High School, presented the awards to the recipients.

Martino was one of 25 students chosen from elementary, middle and high school students in the fifth, eighth and 12th grades who exemplified the traits of responsibility, dedication, compassion and leadership. Students were nominated for the honor by their principals.

"Mia is our student council president," said Mary Brinkman, principal of St. Thomas of Villanova School. "In that position, she has shown exceptional leadership qualities."

As president, Martino, an eighth-grade student at St. Thomas, spearheaded a highly successful recycling program at the school. She has helped implement a variety of events, including a student talent show, a Halloween dance and a Valentine's Day dance. Some events have also been fundraisers.

"At the Santa Sale, student council served food, you could visit with Santa and even make crafts," Martino said. "Student council will use the money we made to buy 'Welcome to St. Thomas' mats for the front entrance of the school."

Martino is part of the "buddy program" with the school's kindergarten class. And she has also been part of the school's yearly musical productions. This year she played Scar in "The Lion King Jr."

"She is a good role model for her peers and our students," Brinkman said.

Martino will attend Palatine High School this fall and already knows that she wants to go to college to become a high school history teacher.

"I really like history," said Martino. "I like learning about how we got to where we are today."

"Mia is an excellent student with admirable values," said Brinkman. "She's not afraid to stand up for what is right. She's not a follower; she's a leader."

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