Pupil recognized for excellence

     By Judy DeLoretta
     View staff writer
      Johnson Middle School pupil Danielle Dixon is already counting her scholarship money.
      Dixon, 13, was recently named a national award winner for her excellence in English studies by the U.S. Achievement Academy, and is now eligible to apply for college scholarships.
      "I didn't even know it existed," Dixon said. "Then I found out my teacher, Mrs. Roberta Young, submitted the nomination."
      The national award can only be given upon the exclusive recommendation of teachers, coaches and counselors and other qualified sponsors. Additional criteria for selection are academic performance, interest, aptitude, leadership qualities, responsibility, enthusiasm, motivation to learn, citizenship, attitude and dependability.
      The U.S. Achievement Academy recognizes about 10 percent of all American high school students.
      Dixon's mom, Sheryl Dixon, said the award only made sense because her daughter is always correcting her family and friends' English. They call her Miss English.
      "I hate double-negatives," Danielle Dixon said.
      Sheryl Dixon said the U.S. Achievement Academy's recognition of children for their accomplishments gives students even more incentive to continue to do well in school.
      "This kind of acknowledgement is important for kids. It's a boost for their pride and it keeps them interested in school activities," Sheryl Dixon said.
      English is easy for Danielle Dixon, but so is math.
      "I've always done well in math and next year will be in an accelerated math class," she said.
      The seventh-grader also loves music and poetry. Her writing skills have improved since she began writing poems for family and friends. Dixon also spends time making cards with special inscriptions on her computer.
      "Danielle knows what she wants. She's headstrong," Sheryl Dixon said. "And even though she wants to become a model, she doesn't feel the need to do that right now."