Victoria "Tori" Henderson is a fifth-grade student in Jan Shore's class at Crisman Elementary school in Portage.
"Tori clearly believes learning is a priority. She works hard on all her projects and classwork. She helps organize the classroom and volunteers to help others. She always does whatever is asked of her," said Shore. Tori currently has more than 100 percent in all her classes and is always one of the first students who reaches her reading goal in the Accelerated Reader program.
"Tori is respectful of all: classmates and teachers. She has served as a Conflict Manager on the playground where she has helped classmates resolve playground conflicts in ways that are fair to all," said Shore. She will even volunteer to stay in at recess if there is a way she can assist her teachers.
Tori's favorite classes are science and physical education, but when she is not studying, she likes to play with her pet Beagle named Buddy or watch TV shows such as "SpongeBob Squarepants" and play video games such as Mario Brothers with her sister, Ella Nichole, who is in first grade. She also enjoys visiting her Nana and Papa every weekend.
Parents Felecia and Sean Henderson know how special their daughter Tori is. "We often have to remind her that she is only in fifth grade because she is always asking for extra chores to do so she can earn money to buy her own things." Besides being extra helpful, they said that she is very protective and looks out for her little sister. "She's just a very good kid."
"My parents and teachers," are who Tori looks up to, "because they are always reaching out and helping me when I need it." Part of Crisman Elementary's mission statement is that students are empowered to strive for their personal best, thus enabling them to gain the knowledge and abilities to become lifelong learners and productive citizens. Tori Henderson has certainly achieved that goal.
This Kiwanis Student Spotlight is provided by the Portage Kiwanis club and the Portage Parent Network to recognize students in the Portage Township Schools.