Independence Middle School eighth graders Penny McGurr and Adriana Randjelovic were recognized among Northeast Ohio's top student leaders at the 7th Annual Breakfast of Champions hosted by the Ohio Middle Level Association (OMLA).
The event was held March 6 at the Independence Civic Center, where around 40 students joined by family, teachers and administrators were celebrated for their exemplary character and academic achievements. Kerry Rutigliano, a teacher at Mayfield Middle School, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the importance of fostering relationships and community.
IMS WEB coordinator and technology teacher Rachel Pietrzak nominated McGurr and Randjelovic, praising their initiative, diligence and creativity in the classroom. "Penny is a true leader...she models leadership by taking charge of her own learning and helping those struggling," said Pietrzak. Of Randjelovic, she shared, "Adriana exceeds expectations, pays close attention to detail, and takes tremendous pride in her work."
The accomplished IMS students received certificates, starfish keychains, and framed photos during the celebratory breakfast sponsored by The Legend Group and Interstate Photography. The OMLA honors represented well-deserved recognition for their outstanding academic leadership.