Sadie Pattinson knew after being recognized for perfect attendance in kindergarten through third grade that she wanted to try not to miss any school and she enlisted the help of her parents, Ron and Connie.

"This took commitment on everyone's part," said Sadie, who encourages younger students to get involved in school. "It has really paid off for me. I enjoyed school and the activities that I committed to and that obligation to participate also made my attendance necessary and besides, I didn't want to miss anything."

Her parents said that early on they realized how committed she truly was to attending school.

"Any appointments were scheduled for the end of the day and even when Democratic candidate John Kerry came to Madison for a rally in September of 2004, along with Sheryl Crow who serenaded Sadie with the song, "Soak Up the Sun," we were always aware of her school attendance," said Ron.

He recalled that Sadie was sitting on his shoulders in the front of Sheryl, who was an elementary teacher before becoming a musician, and she got down on her knees to be at Sadie's level to sing.

"'Soak Up the Sun' is still one of my favorite songs," laughed Sadie.

Connie mentioned that there might have been mornings where Sadie woke up with a headache or something, but she was determined not to miss school.

"We are fortunate that, for the most part, Sadie is healthy and happy," said Connie.

Sadie added that there are a lot of great teachers in Belleville who made being at school and learning a lot of fun, along with her friends and a variety of activities.

"JP (John Pamperin) is one of my favorite teachers," said Sadie, who is one of Pamperin's teaching assistants. "He treats students fairly and we have great discussions."

While attending Belleville High School, Sadie participated in Art Club, band, Bob Ross Painting Club, choir, Ethics Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Film Club, Forensics, German Club, Improv Club, Jazz Band, National Honor Society, Photography Club, Rotary Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Solo and Ensemble, Spirit Club, Student Council, Vocal Jazz, year book staff, the musical, the school newspaper and delivered meals to seniors as part of the RSVP program.

It isn't just academics and extracurricular activities that Sadie commits herself to.

Sadie also volunteered at the Belleville Public Library and assisted Michelle Veeneman, the Youth Services Director.

"She is dependable, efficient and willing to do whatever is necessary, but not only that, she brings her wonderful sense of humor and smile with her wherever she goes," said Veeneman. "We have been fortunate to have such an exceptional volunteer at our library."

With continued attendance goals in college, Sadie plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and major in Business, specifically Economics.

"I'm excited to attend Whitewater and I plan on getting involved in volunteer opportunities and possibly some internships, maybe working with younger children," said Sadie. "After college I want a good job in a small community, similar to Belleville."

Dad is thinking (hoping), Senator Sadie...