Student of the Month: Solon middle schooler a hard worker

SOLON — Ashley Stinocher, a seventh grader at Solon Middle School who excels in the classroom, runs cross country, participates in show choir and manages to also find time to volunteer is the Gazette and KCRG's Student of the Month.

'Ashley is somebody who will outwork the hardest work to reach her goals that she sets for herself,' said her older sister Brittany, a junior at the University of Iowa, who nominated Ashley for the honor. 'I just wanted her to be recognized for all the work she's putting in at her seventh grade year at Solon Middle School.'

Brittany said while the two have an eight year age difference, they're close and she enjoys watching her little sister grow.

'She's someone who puts her best work forward whether she's in the classroom or on the playing field or involved in all her extra curricular activities,' she said. 'I couldn't be more proud to be her sister.'

At school, Ashley's favorite subjects are science and math, and she's a member of the Solon Youth Octagon Club, an organization dedicated to helping kids in need.

'I just want to help as much as I can for my community,' Ashley said.

She also plays basketball and volunteers with the American Legion. As a five-year-old, she began hanging flags as part of the city's Memorial Day Service, something she still does every year.

'it was just an honor to be a finalist for November, and when I found out I won, I was just so happy,' Ashley said.

Julie Smith, an instructional coach at Solon Middle School and Ashley's sixth grade teacher, called Ashley the 'teacher's dream.' 'She comes in with a bright attitude,' Smith said. 'She loves coming to school. She's that kid that walks in with a smile on her face and you know she's going to give you 110 percent no matter what challenge you put in front of her.'

One attribute of Ashley's that stands out is her work ethic, Smith said.

'For everyone, learning is a process, and for Ashley, she absolutely doesn't let anything stand in her way,' Smith said. 'Whether it is an easy task or difficult one.'