Posted on 03/23/2018
Every month at the Francis Howell School District Board of Education meeting, the Board invites one FHSD’s finest students to represent his or her peers on the dais. March marks the start of the season of growth and life, and the BOE student rep for March embodies both. Nathanial Bahan has been driven to grow inside and outside the classroom, and he certainly brings life to any room he enters.
Bahan is an eighth grade student at Francis Howell Middle School, the son of Tom and Kathleen Bahan. He is more than just one of the finer parts of FHMS – he is a walking example of the school’s values. Just ask his principal, Dr. Ted Huff.
“At Francis Howell Middle School,” Dr. Huff said, “Nathanial is a very involved young man. He believes in, supports, and models our Four Core Ethical Values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, and Compassion.”
Bahan’s involvement in middle school looks more like a high school student’s activity list, taking part in every opportunity he can find at FHMS. Dr. Huff said, “Nathanial is a member of the Renaissance Club, Character Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and is a two-year member of our W.E.B. leadership team. Nathanial is also a member of the eighth grade band and jazz band.”
That involvement is truly appreciated by FHMS Band Director Keely Abeln. “I have been lucky enough to have Nathanial in band at FHMS for three years,” Abeln said. “He never hesitates to help others without even being asked. You never see him without a smile on his face.”
But that is just what he does inside of FHMS. “Outside of school,” Dr. Huff said, “Nathanial is a member of Boy Scout Troop #984, where he served two terms as patrol leader. This summer, he will serve on the staff for their National Youth Leadership Training program. He is also active in his church youth group.”
Bahan will be a member of the marching band at Francis Howell High School this fall, so he will certainly see more opportunities for growth. But wherever he goes, Bahan will be bringing plenty of life to the room. Abeln said it best when she said, “He makes my day every time he steps in the classroom.” Just as he did at the BOE meeting in March.