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Each month, teachers recognize three students in the middle school - one per grade - for their attention and work in school and their cooperation and relations with other students and the school staff.

"I feel good about winning this award," said Schaefer. "I was shocked."

Kalkbrenner said she was honored and surprised to receive the award, and Lieser said she was surprised and grateful.

Schaefer, the son of Dean and Sharon Schaefer, plays basketball at school. At home, he likes to fish, hunt, learn about science, and serve as a batboy for the St. Martin Martins, an amateur baseball team. He thought he won the award because he's "respectful to all of my teachers and I get my homework done on time."

His teachers state that Brian "is a hard-working student who gets his work done and is well behaved. He has a pleasant attitude and gets along well with other students."

Kalkbrenner, the daughter of Dick and Lisa Kalkbrenner, plays softball and volleyball at school and likes to play outside and hang out with friends outside of school. She thinks that she earned the award by getting her homework done on time.

Sixth grader Brian Schaefer, seventh grader Jasmine Kalkbrenner, and eighth grader Kayla Lieser were chosen as the Students of the Month for April at Paynesville Area Middle School.

Her teachers say that Jasmine is a hard worker, responsible, friendly to both classmates and teachers, respected by her peers, considerate, and an active learner.

Lieser, the daughter of Judy Granzow, plays volleyball, basketball, and softball through school and serves on the student council. Away from school, she likes to hang out with family and friends, play sports, watch football, and shop.

She thinks she won the award because she works hard and has a positive attitude.

Her teachers state that Kayla is hardworking, helpful, responsible, friendly, and shows concern for everything in which she is involved. This year, sixth grader Jordan Severance, seventh grader Heather Rondeau, and eighth grader Colby Peterson were chosen as Students of the Month in October; sixth grader Kayla Lieser, seventh grader Jamison Wall, and eighth grader Natalie Leadem in November; sixth grader Riley Kampsen, seventh grader Callie Bennett, and eighth grader Keegan Meagher in December; sixth grader Taylor Haag, seventh grader John Buermann, and eighth grader Curt Nietfeld in January; sixth grader Matthew Everson, seventh grader Jackie Berg, and eighth grader Jacob Mackedanz in February; and sixth grader Kenzie Meagher, seventh grader Brice Hartmenn, and eighth grader Katrina Daby in March.