Alton School Board Honors April Optimist Students

ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education recognized April’s Optimist Students of the Month.

During their regular meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Board of Education honored Alton Middle School student Luca Brundis and Mark Twain School student Ja’cari Stiff for their hard work. Both students show kindness and help build a positive culture at their school buildings.

Alton Middle School Principal Dr. Brian Saenz introduced Brundis as “an exceptional student” who often reaches out to peers who are struggling to offer support. He is “engaged and motivated” in the classroom and works hard to make “a meaningful impact” in his community.

“He consistently demonstrates kindness, compassion and a strong work ethic,” Saenz said. “He goes above and beyond expectation, always completing his work to the best of his ability and seeking to help others when needed. Luca is a natural leader in the classroom. He’s quick to assist classmates, offers thoughtful support when others are struggling, and shows genuine care for those around him.”

Brundis plays club soccer and has trained in Spain. He also thanked his track coaches at the middle school for their support.

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Optimist Students of the Month receive a $25 gift card to a store of their choice and are given another $25 to donate to any nonprofit they want. Brundis chose to donate the entire $50, divided among St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Crisis Food Center.

Mark Twain School Principal Amanda Beiser shared that Stiff is an “outstanding student” who has “built special relationships” with his teachers and peers. He shows immense kindness and will often check in with his classmates or play with those who are without a friend.

“Throughout this year, he has demonstrated positivity, perseverance, leadership and kindness in his actions,” Beiser said. “When he was asked about the Optimist Student of the Month and what it means, he stated that it means being positive, making good choices and showing kindness to others and being a true leader. He demonstrates that every day that he’s in our building.”

Stiff enjoys math and recently earned a spot in a soccer club. He loves spending time outdoors, going on vacation, and playing video games.

Stiff chose to donate his $25 to the Alton Boys and Girls Club.

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