We are pleased to announce Pierce English as our Peabody Alumnus of the Month. Pierce is currently attending West Point where he is set to graduate in 2017, and will start a five year commitment to the Army as an officer. He hopes to go into the Armor branch, and also plans on attending graduate business school. In addition to the military requirements at West Point, he plays intramural soccer and floor hockey.  He is also a member of the investment club, and finds time to snowboard, play video games, and watch sports.

Looking back on his time at Peabody, Pierce’s favorite memory is the Peabody Olympics. He remembers having a blast playing sports with all of his classmates, and really getting into it. Ms. Kim, who was his teacher from 1^st-3^rd grade, had a huge impact on him. She really brought Pierce and his classmates into the Peabody culture of learning.

Pierce feels that Peabody prepared him well for high school. He felt ready for the course load, and the writing ability he gained in middle school gave him a leg up on his peers at Monticello High School. The adjustment from Peabody to Monticello was not bad. Pierce’s participation in sports outside of Peabody helped prepare him as well, as he knew a fair number of people going in on the first day. If Pierce could offer some advice to our current 8^th graders, he would say, “Don’t be nervous about high school, you will be totally ready for wherever you go. Also, cherish your friends from Peabody, they will stay with you for a long time.”

Pierce was nominated by Mr. Travis Miller, who remembers that Pierce’s well-rounded nature made him a pleasure to teach. “He was a brilliant student, quick to synthesize information and drill down to the tough questions, but he was also a social butterfly and successful athlete. I have no doubt he will be successful in whatever path he chooses.”

Ms. Runkle remembers Pierce as a sweet kid, all boy, loved to laugh and always had a smile for everyone. “He was a friend to all.”

Ms. Beaurline taught Pierce in math and English in 5^th grade. She never had to tell him something twice. Ms. Beaurline remembers telling him everything she knew and he would say, “I got it, what’s next?” She also shared, “English did not come as easily to him, but he gave me full credit for his improved English skills, you have to love that. Pierce was quite popular with his classmates and an amazing athlete.  An all-around Peabody kid!”

Congratulations Pierce on all of your achievements and endeavors! We are beyond proud of you and can’t wait to see where you go from here!