2010 NAGC-NICHOLAS GREEN OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD.
The Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted (OATAG) is pleased to recognize Matthew Zola as the recipient of the 2010 NAGC-Nicholas Green Outstanding Student Award. Matthew, an academically Talented and Gifted (TAG) student from Findley Elementary School in Beaverton, Oregon, received this award due largely to his attitude of selfless, compassionate service to his peers, teachers, family, and community.
This award is named after Nicholas Green, who was killed at the age of seven by highway robbers while vacationing with his parents in Italy. Rather than grieving, his parents chose to turn this tragedy into triumph, and Nicholas Green has been a worldwide example for the importance of organ donation, called “The Nicholas Effect.” In addition, a fund was established in his name to honor the achievements of outstanding students. Matthew Zola is one of those students.
Matthew has gone out of his way to make his school a better place. He is a member of the “Dragon Riders,” which, according to advisor Susan Hargrave, are “school leaders which take on extra responsibilities during their recess, before, and after school.” Matthew has assumed a number of jobs during his personal time that show his dedication and willingness to give of his time and talents to benefit others. Matthew’s duties include acting as technical advisor to various teachers and groups at his school, running the audio-visual system for numerous events and assemblies.
According to Mrs. Hargrave, in addition to his prowess in the A/V department, Matthew was “instrumental in the success of [the] Coins for Haitian Relief fund drive, during which he gave up his recess for two weeks to count and record all of the coins collected.” This sentiment was reflected by his Music Teacher, Tamara Enghusen, who said, “if there is a way… He WILL. …I so appreciate all the leadership, responsibility and pride that Matthew has taken in helping our school.”
RoSanna Braccioforte, director of Common Ground, an extended care program in Matthew’s school, wrote of Matthew, he is “my ‘go to’ guy whenever I need help…. [He] tutors younger classmates during homework time, and tackles every challenge with the same level of determination and desire to be helpful.” She also noted his “natural instinct and ability” and that he serves “as an excellent role model; respectful, responsible, and intelligent beyond his years.”
Matthew’s generosity of spirit combines with an aptitude for academics as well as leadership. He has participated in Caesar’s English, Battle of the Books, Newbery Club, and the Geography and Spelling Bee, among others, says Glenda Aviana, TAG Coordinator from Findley Elementary. “He often leads literature circle discussions” and set-up a class computer lab as well as a website and then introduced the website to the class and how to use it.
The Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted salutes Matthew Zola for his outstanding achievements in his school by demonstrating those values most needed in today’s leaders: service and self-sacrifice. Matthew’s work on behalf of his school and his attitude of excellence have naturally recommended him for this recognition. As such, OATAG is pleased to award the 2010 NAGC-Nicholas Green Outstanding Student Award to Matthew Zola.