A budding scientist, friend to senior citizens and the creator of a "sweet" fundraiser were among the students recognized Wednesday by the Wareham School Committee for their outstanding academic achievements and contributions to the community.

The first student honored was eighth grader Leah Gagnon.

Gagnon, who attended the meeting on crutches, was not able to attend the National Honor Society induction, recently held at Wareham High School. Instead she was formally inducted at the School Committee's meeting.

Much was made of Gagnon’s strong grades and work ethic, and her commitment to community outreach. The committee called attention to her work gathering cards for seniors in care centers. Gagnon collected cards for Christmas and Valentine’s Day, and is now in the process of collecting greeting cards for seniors.

“This is so wonderful,” said committee member Judith Caporiccio by speakerphone. “I’m a card sender, and it’s a dying art. People always love cards.”

“I love seeing you here, because students like you – they represent how wonderful Wareham is,” committee member Dr. Cliff Sylvia added.

Wareham High School freshman Jasmine Black was then recognized for her recent selection as a delegate to the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders, which will be held this year in Boston.

The congress, said Wareham Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Shaver-Hood, is an “honors-only program for students who are passionate about engineering and science.”

Black admitted that she wasn’t expecting to receive the invitation in the mail, but was curious to attend the congress.

“I think what you’ve achieved is wonderful,” said committee member Mary Morgan. “We need more people in the STEM fields, we always encourage it, and I congratulate you on such an achievement.”

Wareham Middle School eighth grader Thomas Pelletier was also recognized, for the fundraiser he created to help a local family.

Pelletier is a member of Wareham Middle School’s Junior Honor Society. When a local family with two children ran into trouble, Pelletier approached Wareham Middle School Principal Dr. Peter Steedman with an idea to help them.

Pelletier’s idea was simple: he would sell lollipops at $1 per lollipop, with the money raised to be donated to the family in need. The fundraiser brought $463 altogether for the family.

The fundraiser idea wasn’t immediately accepted.

“He kept at it for three months,” Steedman said of Pelletier. “Perseverance, perseverance, perseverance.”

Committee member Geoff Swett welcomed Pelletier to the meeting, adding he hopes to see him again in the future.

“Now I know you’re only in eighth grade,” observed Swett. “I don’t think you’ve been in front of us before. Well I hope to see you here often, because again, things like this bring out the best of Wareham. I thank you for all of your efforts.”

School Committee Student Representative Jaime Reed also announced her own plan for the rest of the school year: implementation of a new club.

“I’ve always wanted to start a new club here. I’d like to invite everyone out there to join me in the Wareham chapter of the Random Acts of Kindness Club,” she said.

The club, according to Reed, is meant to inspire kindness, cheerfulness and increased communication between students and teachers.

“I know I’ve said it already, but again you are representing the best of Wareham,” said Sylvia.

“You still have two years left to contribute, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with,” Caporiccio added, addressing Reed. “What a wonderful idea.”