Midd-West High School would like to recognize the following students for being selected as Student of the Month. These are students who represent Midd-West High School well through their academics, attendance, involvement in activities, and good citizenship (responsible, hard-working, and dependable).
The 8th grade Student of the Month for May is Saryssa Hoover. She is the daughter of Dylan and Nicole Hoover of Middleburg. Saryssa was chosen as the Student of the Month because she has a strong work ethic, manages her time in class wisely, and is always kind and polite to others. Saryssa is a member of the Cross Country Team and Student Council. In her free time, she enjoys hunting, throwing football, and playing soccer.
Dayton Knouse is the 9th grade Student of the Month for May. He is the son of Dan and Kathi Knouse of Beavertown. In school, Dayton is actively involved in FFA, Football, and Wrestling. He volunteers at FFA community events. Outside of school, he is an avid hunter and volunteers at his church, Harvest Community Church, in the children’s ministry. He enjoys developing practical skills in a variety of trades along with lifting weights. After graduation, Dayton hopes to pursue a path that combines service and technical skills either through military service or a hands-on technical career. He is driven by the desire to understand how things work and constantly pushes himself to do and learn more. Dayton was selected as the Student of the Month because he is an outstanding student who is always willing to help and step up when needed in any situation. He continually proves his dedication every day.
The 10th grade Student of the Month for May is Brady Gunkle. He is the son of Edward and Karie Gunkle of Middleburg. Brady was selected as the Student of the Month because he is a patient, diligent, and responsible student who can help his fellow classmates when needed. Brady’s school activities include being a member of the Golf and Bowling Teams. Outside of school, he enjoys golfing, bowling, hunting, and playing guitar. Brady is actively involved in Boy Scouts and has served as a Senior Patrol Leader for Troop 415. He has achieved Life Scout and is working towards earning Eagle Scout. In addition, Brady is a member of the competitive bass Wildcat High School Fishing Club. The team won the 2024 Major League Bass Fishing High School State Champion and became the 2024 and 2025 PA B.A.S.S. Nation High School State Champions. After graduation, Brady is planning to attend college to study Engineering and be on a collegiate level bass fishing team.
Leah Houtz is the 11th grade Student of the Month for May. She is the daughter of Jeremy and Ashley Houtz of Middleburg. Leah was chosen as the Student of the Month because she is a responsible and independent worker who is involved in a variety of extracurricular activities and local fire and ambulance companies. In school, Leah is a member of the Key Club. She enjoys traveling and serves her community as a Junior Volunteer Firefighter and recently completed her training as an EMT. She has achieved being nationally registered and a Pennsylvania State Certified EMT. Leah desires to continue learning and striving every day to make a better version of herself and have a positive influence in the community and in the world around her.
The 12th grade Student of the Month for May is Adyson Gennaria. She is the daughter of Nathan and Dana Troup of Mt. Pleasant Mills. Adyson’s school activities include Field Hockey and FFA. She is in the Work Study Program with a placement at Millerstown Veterinary Associates. Adyson was chosen as the Student of the Month because she is a kind, courteous, and helpful student who has received impressive employer reviews along with maintaining excellent grades. In her free time, she enjoys shopping, crafting, being on the farm, hanging out with friends, and spending time with her family. She volunteers at T & D Cats in Penns Creek. After graduation, Adyson is planning to further her education at Pennsylvania State University at the Main Campus to major in Animal Science.