OAKLAND — Messalonskee High School in Oakland recently announced its September Students of the Month. They are Cameron Croft, freshmen; Elizabeth Hotham, sophomore; Rachel Pushard, junior; and Owen Concaugh, senior.

These students were chosen for their academic improvement/excellence and their contribution to the Messalonskee school community. The students were nominated by MHS faculty members and chosen by the school’s Culture Committee and Leadership Team, according to a news release from the school.

Messalonskee High School in Oakland has announced its September Students of the Month. Owen Concaugh is in front. In back, from left, are Cameron Croft, Rachel Pushard and Elizabeth Hotham. Contributed photo

Concaugh has earned a reputation for rising to the challenge during his high school career, but at Messalonskee’s first Student of the Month assembly he stayed firmly planted in his seat when his name was announced as the senior winner.

But then Concaugh had a good excuse. As part of his rehabilitation from a broken leg suffered in a soccer match, he for now is getting around school in a wheelchair. Still, it is a testament to his resilience that he is in school at all, attending classes and trying to stay on pace academically despite his injury.

“He is an amazing student,” Principal Paula Callan said of Concaugh during the assembly, according to the release “who always gives 110 percent, whether it be in the classroom or running a race.”

The other three Students of the Month recipients could also be called amazing for the positive approach and enthusiastic attitude they bring to school on a daily basis. Those students are Croft, Hotham and Pushard.

Croft, a personable leader, is involved in drama and soccer, while Hotham, who is always ready to assist others, helps with the Messalonskee yearbook. Pushard, known for her bright smile, excels in the classroom, always contributing meaningful ideas to class discussions.

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