2007 Kuykendall Awards
Four Port Jervis students honored for community service and good citizenship

The Kuykendall Award ceremony was held April 19 to honor four students who have distinguished themselves by demonstrating a strong commitment to their community through volunteerism and good citizenship.

Lucas Behnke, Mona Mostofi, Kimberly Bright, and David Cutler received the school district’s most prestigious award - the Theodore Kuykendall Community Service Award - in a ceremony attended by family, friends, and fellow students at Hamilton Bicentennial Elementary School. During the ceremony, the recipients were recognized individually by their building principal and presented a $100 U.S. savings bond and an engraved plaque.

Established in 1987 by the late Theodore Kuykendall, the award is presented annually to one sixth grade student from each of the two elementary schools, as well as one eighth grade middle school student and one high school senior. Kuykendall, who served as a Port Jervis councilman and school board member, created the award to honor students who excel in academics and participate in community service, volunteerism and extra-curricular activities.

Senior Lucas Behnke is the recipient of the Port Jervis High School award.

Academically, Lucas ranks number one out of a class of 221 students. He has achieved this honor by maintaining a grade point average of 97.57 in a highly-demanding curriculum. A well-rounded student, Lucas is also actively involved in his school, community, and church. Athletics and extra-curricular activities have always played an important role in his high school life. For the past four years, Lucas has been a dedicated member of the Port Jervis High School football, basketball, and baseball teams. As a result of his demonstrated leadership abilities and impeccable sportsmanship, Lucas was selected by his teammates to serve as co-captain of the Raider varsity football team this past season. 

Additionally, Lucas is a member of the National Honor Society, Students Council, BOCES Enrichment, Youth in Government, Peer Leadership, and the Varsity Club. He is also an active and contributing member of the High School Concert Band in which he plays the French horn.

Outside of school, Lucas works part time at the Riverside Creamery and devotes much of his free time to community service. In addition to working at the local food pantry at Grace Episcopal Church, he is an active member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church.   

This fall, Lucas will attend Syracuse University.

Eighth grader Mona Mostofi received the Port Jervis Middle School Award.

This award is one of several Mona has received for community service and good citizenship. At the Middle School, Mona is a two-time recipient of the Citizenship Award and three-time winner of the Student of the Month award. Additionally, Mona was one of 47 Port Jervis students selected to receive the SUNY Orange County 2007 Sojourner Truth Award.

A model student, Mona serves as the president of the French Club, an editor of the Yearbook, and an organizer of the National Foreign Language Week activities. She also participates in the modified soccer.

Additionally, Mona is actively involved in the community. Along with helping the teachers at St. Mary's Little Lambs Learning Center, Mona participates in church activities as a member of her church youth group. These activities include the Super Bowl of Caring and "Souper" Suppers.

Sixth grader Kimberly Bright was awarded the Anna S. Kuhl Elementary School award based on her varied service activities and community involvement. While she has many hobbies and interests that keep her busy, Kimberly always makes time to help others.

Kimberly's list of community service is long and varied. As an active member of her church youth group, Girl Scouts, the Humane Society, and the Broom Street Band, Kimberly has done much for the community. She volunteers her time by visiting senior citizens, working at holiday fairs, and babysitting. Additionally, Kimberly participates in an annual bowl-a-thon to raise money for the St. Jude's Foundation and assists the local food pantry by collecting food and packing the food baskets.  

Sixth grader David Cutler is the winner of the Hamilton Bicentennial Elementary School award. David was selected for this honor by the HBE faculty and staff, based the essay he wrote describing his service to the community.

A High Honor Roll student, David is a good-hearted boy who always looks for ways to help others. Last year, following the death of fellow student Mariah Merando, he held a bake sale to benefit the Merando's family. He also takes time every winter to plow the driveway of a wheelchair bound neighbor. Each summer, he spends part of his vacation in Florida, assisting his disabled grandmother.

Most recently, he participated in community baseball field clean-ups.    

Click here to view Ch. 6 coverage of award ceremony.