Student of the Week - Ben Cousino

Ben Cousino, a senior from Erie, plans to attend Michigan State University to study Japanese and chemistry while enrolled in the Air Force JROTC. His favorite subjects include Japanese, biology, chemistry, and AP English and he has a 3.9 grade-point average.

Ben is salutatorian of the class of 2006, has maintained perfect attendance for the last three years, and is a pioneer student for the IVN Distance Learning program. He is captain of the varsity swimming and diving teams, Michigan Youth-in-Government Speaker of the House, Mason High School Webmaster editor, and a member of the National Honor Society and the Science Olympiad.

Ben volunteers as a youth leader of the Jordan Youth Camp, is student ambassador to Monroe's sister city of Hofo, Japan, and is a volunteer lifeguard and tutor of math and science.

"Ben is a student who has the ability to seamlessly combine academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities," said English teacher Jennifer Steingass. "In everything Ben does, he puts forth his best effort and strives to capture the rewards of his achievements. I firmly believe he can achieve anything for which he aspires."

Ben is the son of Edward and Pamela Cousino.

- Student-of-the-week accolades are compiled by Lucas County Educational Service Center for The Blade.