MCC fifth grader receives courage award.

MCC fifth grader receives courage award.

Spartan News is a presentation of Mason County Central Schools in cooperation with Mason County Press.

SCOTTVILLE — Mason County Central Upper Elementary student Abbie Ostby was awarded the Courage of Gabe award recently by Principal Kevin Kimes. Kimes said the award “is given to one student annually who exhibits great courage, while staring adversity fiercely in the eyes.”

Abbie recently completed the fifth grade.

“When Abbie first came to the Upper Elementary, her frustration window was very short,” Kimes stated, noting her parents approved his comments. “She struggled with self-regulation and had a hard time trusting peers and staff.  Her boundaries were blurry and she really didn’t know where she fit in.

“Over time, Abbie learned to trust adults at school, realizing the expectations held for her were healthy and necessary.  She began to identify with being a Spartan and friendships started coming natural.  Abbie quickly became that student who would come to the office in the morning and give hugs to staff and teachers who helped support her.

Most importantly, Abbie began to be able to process difficult situations which, in the past, caused her frustration, and the decisions she made empowered her, and her self-esteem began to flourish.  Her actions and work over this time period allowed academics to become more of a priority, and this year, she earned all As and Bs.  This is quite an accomplishment  and Abbie rose to every challenge she faced.”

The award is named after Gabe Sessions, who was the first recipient when he was in the Upper Elementary. Sessions, who just completed his junior year at MCCm has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rapidly progressive form of muscular dystrophy.

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