The Whittier Tech English Department is pleased to share the Term 4 Students of the Term for Choice Reading for the 2024-2025 school year! Each student received a certificate for their outstanding dedication to choice reading. The certificates were signed by the student’s English teacher. The goal of the English Department is to encourage and promote literacy, critical thinking, student confidence, and motivation in reading, writing, speaking, and listening through choice reading.
Grade 9 student, Olivia Whittier, from Haverhill, was nominated by English instructor Mrs.Pagliuca.
Olivia has enjoyed reading in choice reading all year. She has read over 10 books this year. Her favorite book this year was In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl's Journey to Freedom by Yeonmi Park. What she enjoys most about reading is that "reading exposes you to different perspectives, which expands your knowledge of the world". Olivia is also writing her own memoir. She has read other memoirs this year as mentor texts to help her craft her own story.
Grade 10 student, Naomy Montero-Alvarez, from Haverhill, was nominated by English instructor Dr. Marino.
Throughout the year, Naomy Montero-Alvarez has demonstrated a genuine passion for independent reading, consistently engaging with her books on a deep and thoughtful level. Naomy eagerly discusses plot and character development, often drawing insightful connections and showing a strong emotional investment in the stories she reads. She is not afraid to provide critical feedback on books and authors, which demonstrates her maturity and willingness to engage in meaningful discussion about books.
Her enthusiasm for literature extends beyond the classroom—she has already inquired about borrowing books over the summer to continue exploring a beloved series. Naomy gravitates toward stories that feature young characters facing meaningful challenges, and she reads with both empathy and curiosity. Her love of reading is not only evident but inspiring.
Grade 11 student, Keira Miskell, from Amesbury, was nominated by English instructor Ms. Desberg.
Keira Miskell has demonstrated a real commitment to independent reading this year, consistently exploring a range of genres and authors with curiosity and excitement. Her genuine enthusiasm for books has not only deepened her own learning but also challenged her to challenge herself; for example, she intends to read all Stephen King books in order of publication. For her dedication, growth, and love of literature, Keira Miskell is truly deserving of the Quarter 4 Choice Reading Award.
Grade 12 student, Hayleigh Pinkham, from Ipswich, was nominated by English instructor Miss Devenney.
Hayleigh Pinkham is an outstanding student with a remarkable love for reading and is supremely deserving of the Term Four Choice Reading Award for Seniors.
Throughout this year, she has demonstrated her engagement with diverse genres and challenging texts. Hayleigh can always be seen with a book (or two) in hand, but they often change because of her voracious passion for reading. She is happy to discuss her latest tome with anyone who asks. I can only hope that one day, she adds her own stories to the world!
*Not pictured: Olivia Whittier and Keira Miskell*