Butler Students Awarded For Community Involvement

Two students were recognized for devotion to their school during Thursday’s workshop meeting.

Michal Pasierb and Samantha DiLiberto were the two recipients of this year’s Andy Knapp Service Award, which recognizes fourth-graders who are involved in the community and participate in extracurricular activities.

Before presenting the winners to the public, Principal Virginia Scala explained the significance of the award’s namesake.

“Andy Knapp was a longtime member of our board of education, very well-respected and revered,” Scala said. “He was all about the kids and about being a good citizen and good community member. This award reflects him.”

Scala said Pasierb was chosen by his teachers due to his dedication to his classmates.

“He is always kind, a role model to other students and a very hard worker,” Scala said. “He’s really an example of what students should be and a good citizen.”

Scala also described DiLiberto as role model, both in terms of behavior and academics.

DiLiberto was not present when Scala first discussed the award because she had a dilemma over whether to come to the meeting or play in her softball team’s playoff game.

“She eventually said she felt it would be selfish to let her teammates down, so she chose to go to her game,” Scala said. “That really does reflect what this award’s all about.”

However, DiLiberto eventually showed up after her game.

“And they won,” the principal said.

Both had originally received their awards during the fourth grade picnic, where Scala said this recognition is annually presented. The students were then asked to come to the meeting for further recognition.