Chronicle photos by Vanessa McGuigan Shepherdstown Middle School perfect attendance students pose with Principal Rebecca Horn, far left.

As the school year winds down, 12 students from Shepherdstown Middle were recognized for being up and at ’em every day with perfect attendance.

Alexander Arzt, Samuel Corum, Lily Cucuzzella, James Goldsborough, Savannah Harner, Jose Leon, Justin Spickler (all sixth grade), John Sawyer (seventh grade), Leo Cucuzzella, Bryce Hott, Matthew Myers and Malaki Meadows (all eighth grade) were surprised by a limousine ride, donated by All Star Limo, and treated to lunch at Dairy Queen, courtesy of Shepherdstown Middle.

Tammy O’Dell, attendance supervisor said students who have perfect attendance each year get little prizes, but this year she wanted to come up with something different.

“This is our treat for them for being here and on time,” O’Dell said. “We do give rewards to students throughout the year, but at the end of the year we try to make it extra special for the students who were here every day.”

Alex Arzt said his mom helps make sure he gets to school every day, but he enjoys coming.

Perfect attendance award recipients get ready to take their limo ride to Dairy Queen.

“I never even knew we were getting a reward. I haven’t been sick at all. I was just like, ‘It’s school. I’m coming. Why not,'” Arzt said.

“Sam loves school and is the first one up in our household. He’s in charge of waking up his high school brother,” said Samuel Corum’s dad, Peter.

Corum went on to say that his wife gets all the credit for making sure he gets out the door with every thing he needs.

The students were thrilled to receive this surprise reward and those will still be at Shepherdstown Middle next year hope to earn it again.

“Hopefully this will give the students something to look forward to and shoot for,” O’Dell said.