Isabella Lomeli cried when her mom and dad told her at a special family dinner that she'd been picked as an Academic All-Star.
"I felt happy because I got chosen," said Isabella, a tiny girl (3 feet 8 inches tall, 46 pounds) who has a big heart and strong work ethic. Those qualities shine, even in the face of adversity.
In January, Isabella underwent surgery for a ruptured appendix and missed several weeks of school. Recuperating at home, she whizzed through two weeks of homework in two days because -- as she said -- "I didn't want to fall back and be behind."
Striving forward seems to be Isabella's personal credo.
She is progressing steadily as an English language learner, and this year moved up one proficiency level -- earning her a classroom award from her teacher, Amy Rosander. Isabella already is reading at a midfourth-grade level. Her effort has not gone unnoticed at Greenberg Elementary.
This school year, she's been recognized for outstanding achievement in reading. "It's my favorite subject in school, and I always read chapter books," Isabella said.
She's also proud of a citizenship award. Why did she get it? " 'Cause I'm a good student, and I'm respectful to other students and teachers." Isabella said her parents taught her to be kind.
Her teacher said Isabella stands out among students. "She always gives 110%," Rosander said. "She's very reliable, and she never gives up. If something is difficult, she just keeps going."
Isabella wants to be a doctor. Her reason? "I want to take care of people."
-- Doug Hoagland
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Academic All-Stars 2007
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