Sen. Fred Akshar has recognized 5th grader Jewel Belokur from Apalachin Elementary School as one of Akshar’s All-Stars.
You can watch the video here.
Apalachin Elementary student Jewel Belokur was recognized for her emphatic and helpful nature in both social and academic settings, always being one of the first to volunteer to assist both her peers or adults in nearly every situation.
“Jewel is a great kid with a great heart,” said Apalachin Elementary School teacher Mrs. Therese Hans. “She’s a genuine leader in all the little things she does every day that some kids her age overlook. She’s a true advocate for other people. Not every kid has the courage to speak up for other kids, but she does. She always puts other kids before herself and always goes above and beyond in her school work.”
“All of us want this to be over as soon as possible and we all want our kids to be able to return to school,” said Akshar. “But we’re all just trying to make the best decisions we can to keep everyone safe until then. While we may have to do things differently for now, it doesn’t change the fact that our community’s outstanding students deserve to be recognized and celebrated. I’m glad we were able to still make that happen today.”
When asked to offer advice to other students in the community on how to pass the time at home during this pandemic, Akshar’s All-Star Jewel Belokur replied, “If you’re down, just keep smiling, that’s what I do. Just gotta put a smile on your face and it will turn around your mood.”