December's BC/OF students of the month named

The Bridge City Chamber of Commerce announced the Students of the Month for December at their Monthly Networking Coffee on Dec. 9, hosted by Bridge City ISD.

Alexus Harvey was chosen as the Bridge City High School Student of the Month and Jacob Buckles was chosen as the Orangefield High School Student of the Month.

Bridge City High School Student of the Month, Alexus Henry is the daughter of Shelly Smart and Aldrick Henry. Alexus is ranked 5 of 178 with a GPA of 4.64. Alexus’ awards and honors include:

• Presidential Honor Roll – All four years
• AP Courses – English, Math, Science and History
• Dual Credit Courses – LEAP English and College Algebra
• Rotary Youth Leadership Award – Conference Participant 2014
• Scholastic All District Award for Athletics and Academics – 9^th thru 11^th grades
• 2011-2012 – Volleyball Newcomer of the Year; Track Regional Qualifier
• 2012-2013 – Volleyball First Team All-District; Track State Qualifier
• 2013-2014 – Volleyball All-District Outside Hitter; Basketball First Team All-District; Track State Champion; Army Female Athlete of the Year
• 2014-2015 – Volleyball All-District Outside Hitter

Alexus’ clubs and organizations include: National Honor Society two years and cheerleading – 2011-2012 and 2014-2015. Alexus’ community service includes: Relay for Life, Cheer Clinic, Basketball Camp Volunteer, BCHS Freshman Orientation and Concession Stand Worker.

Joseph R. Blanda, Biology/Athletics Department, said “Alexus Henry is one of the finest female students who has ever attended Bridge City High School. She excels at sports and is an outstanding student in the classroom. Always cheerful, this young woman is truly an asset to our school. Therefore, it is with great pleasure to nominate Alexus Henry as Student of the Month.”

Daniel Auchenbach, Science Department, said “When the term “student athlete” is mentioned, the shining example has to be Alexus Henry. Her exemplary performance in the classroom and on the field is second to none. It was my great pleasure to have Alexus as a student and watch her blossom into a wonderful person.”

Alexus’ future plans are to attend the University of Texas at Arlington participating in the track and field program and studying biomedical engineering and then attend medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon.

Orangefield High School Student of the Month, Jacob Buckles, is the son of Julie Dixon and Ottis Pinder. He is ranked 4th out of 136 with a 4.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Jacob’s clubs and organizations include:

• Band 4 years, head drum major 2 years
• Concert Band 4 years
• Treasurer of the National Honor Society
• Vice President of Interact Club
• Member of Meet in the Middle
• Participant in the Stark Reading Contest
• Vice president of the FFA

Jacob’s awards and honors:

• UIL Social Studies, 4^th at district and 7^th at regionals
• Attended the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference
• Attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards retreat last year and was selected to return this year as a counselor
• Attended Boys’ State
• Elected Band Beau this year

In community service, has volunteered at Adaptive Sports for Kids, OHS Music Boosters concession stand, Meals on Wheels and participated in the HOBY Alumni Leadership for Service Challenge and received the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Fred Cascio, Dual Credit English and honors Spanish teacher, says, “Jacob has been in my class either Spanish or English, for three years. He is an excellent student, and I am always more than pleased with the quality of his work. He has an admirable work ethics, and he is always willing to do what he must not only to succeed but to excel.”

Jamie Campbell, social studies teacher, says, “Jacob is a dependable, hardworking student. I’m very happy to have him on the UIL Social Studies team.”

Kevin Credeur, band director, says, “Jacob has been and is one of the hardest working and devoted students I have ever encountered. He is involved in so many organizations and is able to give each attention. Jacob also is a positive example of how a person should treat others. It is an honor to be a part of Jacob’s life.”

In the future Jacob plans to attend either the University of Texas at Austin or Stephen F. Austin State University and pursue a degree in biochemistry to eventually enter the medical field as an ob/gyn.

Both students of the month received gift certificates and gifts from: The Classy Peacock, Walmart, Wellspring Credit Union, Tiger Rock Martial Arts, Central Office Supply, Sabine Federal Credit Union, Geaux Mail, Michele Michelle Day Spa, Little Caesars Bridge City and Complete Staffing.