May 5, 2022 – During their May 4 meeting, the Village of Maryville Mayor and Board of Trustees recognized two CUSD 10 students as the 2022 Young Citizens of the Year: Collinsville High School junior Adelyn Johnson and Maryville Elementary first grader Ally Grace Richter.
Maryville Community Improvement Board established the Young Citizens of the Year program is 2016 “…to recognize outstanding citizenship from the youth in our community, and to encourage students to take an active role in their communities, schools, and churches.”
The recipients were welcomed and congratulated by Maryville Mayor Craig Short.
Adelyn Johnson was nominated by Collinsville High School Counseling Department Chair Karen Olsen. Addy is the daughter of Andy and Adrienne Johnson. She is ranked at the top of her class, a varsity member of the CHS girls’ volleyball, soccer and track teams, president of the Class of 2023, member of National Honor Society and was chosen to represent CHS at the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy last year.
Counselor Karen Olsen wrote:
“Adelyn Johnson is an extraordinary young woman. As her counselor, I have had the privilege and honor to know her for three years. Her ever-ready smile, the thoughtfulness and care she gives to her decisions, her compassionate attitude towards others, and her humble “I Can Do” attitude are things I look forward to every time I see her. I have been impressed by her intelligence, willingness to serve, character and inclination to go above and beyond, no matter the academic subject, sport or extracurricular activity.
Adelyn repeatedly strives to be the best in all areas of her life, not just academics. She is a role model for all students. Adelyn isn’t simply a member of clubs and organizations; she is a leader and organizer. One thing that stands out to me in her involvement is that she saw a need in the school and didn’t just talk about it. Instead she sought out resources and advocated for a new school club on mental health. While it is still in the planning stages, she is the reason our school is now in the process of starting this organization, whose main purpose to increase awareness and decrease the stigma of mental health problems at CHS.”
Ally Richter was nominated by Maryville Elementary School teacher Brittany Evans and Principal Carmen Loemker. She is the daughter of Paul and Lindsey Richter.
Teacher Brittany Evans wrote:
“Ally Richter is such a sweet and thoughtful girl. She is very kind to her peers and is always helping in any way that she can. She helps keep other students on task when they are working in a group. She offers to help the teacher with passing out and collecting papers, and doing other important jobs. She often gives up her recess to clean up trash off of the playground without being asked. Even more amazingly, she encourages others to help keep the playground clean. In the classroom she helps clean and organize often. I think it is really remarkable that she takes the initiative to make her classroom and school playground a better place. She is a shining example of a good citizen at Maryville Elementary!”
Principal Carmen Loemker wrote:
“Ally has a wonderful attitude about school. She never complains about hard work and sets a great example of positivity for other students. She has attention to detail and willingly fixes and learns from mistakes to further her learning. Her attitude is contagious and sets her apart from her peers. We are every fortunate to have such a wonderful first grader!”