Ann LeTort Elementary School fifth-grader Alice Jenkins-Rouse briefly believed she might be in trouble.

"My teacher, Mr. (Tanner) Shertzer, called me into the office and told me the principal, Mr. (Brian) Malek, needed to talk to me," Alice recalled.

Malek had good news for Alice: She had been selected as one of 10 Penn Manor School District students to win a Good Citizenship Award. "I was really excited," said Alice. Alice added that LeTort is "a good environment to be around" and that she enjoyed Shertzer's class.

Malek stated, "Alice is a great example of a student who cares about her classmates. She models respect and responsibility throughout the day in all areas of school both academically and socially. Most days you can find her greeting you with a smile and making sure she says goodbye in the afternoon."

LeTort fourth-grader Clara Kantz also received a Good Citizenship Award from state Sen. Scott Martin in a ceremony at the school June 5. "I was really excited, but I also kind of couldn't believe it," Clara said.

During Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) exams, Clara brought little gifts to classmates to encourage them. She said she enjoyed seeing friends at school and that her teacher, Liz Binkley, "is really, really great."

Malek said, "Clara exemplifies what it means to be a good citizen. First and foremost, Clara is kind. She goes above and beyond to make her classmates feel special and included. She will often surprise them with personalized notes that highlight their positive character traits. She has such a big heart."

Martin, who represents Pennsylvania's 13th senatorial district, began the Good Citizenship Award program last year for fourth- and fifth-graders in his district who are nominated by peers and teachers.

"I'm a huge believer that, whether it's sports or whether it's academics, no matter what it is, when kids are accomplishing something, it's good to recognize that and hold that up," said Martin.

The senator said he hopes students learn what being a good citizen means and use that knowledge to be positive influences and role models in schools, as well as being productive members of their family, neighborhood, and church community.

Pequea Elementary School fifth-grader Ariana Aquino and fourth-grader Makenna Lance each earned a Good Citizenship Award.

"I was very shocked and happy that people are proud of me for what I do," said Ariana, who added that she makes sure to come to school with a smile and help others.

Ariana's teacher, Barbara Haverstick, said, "Ariana approaches learning and everything in the academic world with enthusiasm, effort, and a positive attitude. She works hard on her assignments and is an active participant in all classroom activities. Everyone she interacts with - both adults and peers - is treated with respect and kindness."

Makenna said she was "really happy" to win the award. She enjoyed helping a special needs friend this year and loves Pequea Elementary. "Nobody judges others, and it's just a nice school," she said.

"Makenna is not the most vocal student," her fourth-grade teacher, Jerrell Birch, said. "However, she leads with her actions. She is honest, respectful, reliable, and exemplifies a level of empathy and care for others that individuals around her admire and follow. She is kind and helpful to her classmates. Makenna consistently goes out of her way to connect with students that have challenges in the area of social connection and even supports younger students with their reading."

Martic Elementary fourth-grader Kiera Crowley and fifth-grader Tashan Stoltzfus, Central Manor Elementary fourth-grader Vivian Mace and fifth-grader Molly H. Buckwalter, and Conestoga Elementary fourth-grader Cecilia Carrodo and fifth-grader Ava Shenk also earned Good Citizenship Awards.