Editor’s Note: This is the twelfth in a series of 19 stories about last semester’s Principal’s Recognition  Award winners who were recognized on Wednesday, Dec. 2 for outstanding achievement in specific programs. Junior Joshua Sirbu received the Literary Award and was nominated by Mr. Michael Kucera.

When first coming into Niles West, junior, Joshua Sirbu never thought of helping out in the Literacy Center. At first Sirbu started off tutoring in Ms. Madigan’s math classes during his free periods. He saw how much he liked helping out others which inspired him to start working in the Literacy Center.

“Ever since I started tutoring in Ms. Madigan’s classes I thought that tutoring was the best way of giving back and help other people. Also I feel that if you the talent to understand something, it would just go to waste if you don’t try to help other people,” Sibru said.

Sirbu tutors in every subject that he has taken so far in his three years of high school. Tutoring with him isn’t awkward or uncomfortable, even if it’s your first time meeting him, Sirbu can talk to you as if you have been friends for years. Even though this is his first year tutoring in the lit center, Sirbu is good at his job and loves what he does.

“Josh is a positive and motivational student who sees mistakes as an opportunity to grow. I noticed this in my Geometry class in Josh’s freshman year during collaborative learning and again in Algebra 2 Josh’s sophomore year. I recommended Josh to help motivate, inspire, and reassure students that having a growth mindset will lead you to success,” math instructor Ms. Jessica Madigan said.

When Sirbu first came in to start working in the Literacy Center you can tell how much he enjoyed it. Students who have tutored with Sirbu say that he makes them feel welcomed and made them feel as if he wanted to help them.

“Every tutoree who visits the Lit Center has an opportunity to fill out a survey, every tutor can nominate a peer tutor of the month, and teachers never hesitate on sending emails. Here’s what I’ve heard ‘Josh has been nominated as tutor of the month for every month, and his peers describe him as a “hard worker” someone who is “always very welcoming” and “never hesitates to help anyone who comes in,” Assistant Director of Humanities, Literary Center coordinator, and English teacher Mr. Michael Kucera.

Previous installment in the Principal’s Recognition Award series

Tia Mitchell  –  http://www.nileswestnews.org/features/principals-recognition-award-tia-mitchell/