Flourishing in 509J
Every student in our district has a story worth celebrating.
'Flourishing in 509J' in our new weekly student recognition program. Through this program, we aim to spotlight the many students in our district that make our schools special. We will be highlighting moments of growth, students showing leadership, kindness, school spirit and so much more.
We created this program to help our students feel seen, valued and connected to their school. We're working to strengthen the pride in our schools and truly make our students and families feel like they belong here.
Who can be recognized?
Students in one of our schools can be recognized. Here are some of the reasons you might nominate a student!
- Show growth
- Overcome challenges
- Lead by example
- Show school spirit
- Flourish in unexpected ways
Who can submit a nomination?
Anyone can submit for this program! If you've seen a student show progress or positively impact others, then we want to hear about it! Click the button below and fill out the nomination form.
Students Recognized
October 2025
Our first student we’re highlighting is Lorrina Doust! She’s currently a senior at MHS. Below is her nomination from Science Teacher, Ian Garrett.
“I am nominating Lorrina Doust for Flourishing in 509J because she truly goes above and beyond as both a student and a community member. Lorrina is active in many clubs, including Graphic Arts Club, Astronomy Club, and Environmental Club, and she shows up to every event with a smile and a helping hand. In the classroom, she is a dedicated learner who consistently performs at the top of her classes...not just for the grade, but because she genuinely loves learning. Her positivity, work ethic, and willingness to support others make her an integral part of the Madras High School community. Lorrina leads by example, demonstrates school spirit, and has a meaningful impact on those around her.”
Lorrina is in her second year at MHS. She started in our district as a junior. Here’s what she had to say about being a student here.
“I really like the sense of community here...having opportunities to take college classes and connecting with Miss Loza (Future Center Coordinator) makes me feel ready for life after high school. Overall, this school is doing a lot of things right and it’s one of the best schools I’ve been to.”
👏 Way to go, Lorrina! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here.
Rayline Anderson Smith is an 8th grader at Warm Springs K-8 Academy. Below are her two nominations. One is from Assistant Principal Gena Bennett and the other is from Attendance Liaison Attcity Begay.
"Rayline is an excellent example of a student who leads by positive example! She maintains strong grades in her classes, has great attendance, is a multi-sport athlete, and a member of our AVID elective class. We are proud of her!"
No stranger to hardship. Rayline is strong academically, has great attendance, she brings a smile with every task but knows how to turn that into a game face. She is an AVID class/club member and leader in the classroom and on the court or field. She's a multi sport athlete playing volleyball, cross country and BASKETBALL! She also participates in wrestling, soccer and softball! She also plays in more basketball tournaments outside of school."
She's attended WSK8 since she was in Kindergarten. Currently, she is an AVID student which stands for Advancement via Individual Determination and she’s a two-sport athlete this Fall. She is on the Volleyball and Cross Country team. Here’s what she had to say about being a student at WSK8.
“Here at Warm Springs, we have the opportunity to connect with everyone and I enjoy that. One class that has helped me a lot is AVID. It’s helped me organize my papers and class notes. AVID has also helped me stop procrastinating. Mr. Young (AVID Teacher) helps me a lot by making sure I stay on task and that I’m caught up on my school work.”
👏 Way to go, Rayline! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here.
Leah Le’Claire is a 5th grader at Buff Elementary. Below is her nomination from school principal, Erika Skaar!
“Leah always lends a helping hand to those in need! She regularly takes on the responsibility of helping distribute the lunch crates back to their classrooms. While doing that task she is safe, respectful, and responsible by making sure to not interrupt any of the learning that's happening in classrooms. Buff is lucky to have Leah!”
Leah loves going to Buff! She has plenty of reasons to smile when walking through the doors to her school. Whether that is connecting with her friends or learning something new, she’s found a lot to love about her school!
“My favorite part about coming to Buff is seeing my friends and learning. I love when we get to read because it is really fun. I really like Buff and kids should come here.”
👏 Way to go, Leah! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here.
Isaac Dominguez Cordova is a 5th grader at Metolius Elementary. Below is his nomination from school counselor, Ansel Evans.
"Isaac is a Wolf Pack leader, he helps other students, works with a group of kids to clean up the playground daily, helps at assemblies (Leads Pledge, School Song, set up and take down), helps Mr. D walk kids to the local park, always positive, keeps his grades up and works hard"
Isaac takes pride in being a role model at school. He’s always looking for ways to support others. From lending a hand to classmates and teachers to setting a positive example as a Wolfpack leader, he’s committed to making his school a better place for everyone.
“I love helping kids and teachers and being someone others can count on. As a Wolfpack leader, I get to do more things around school and help show what it means to be responsible, safe, and respectful. I love Metolius and learning. My favorite subject is Social Studies because it’s fun.”
👏 Way to go, Isaac! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here.
November 2025
Corbin Searcy is an 8th grader at JCMS. Below is his nomination from his NJHS advisor, Jamie Hurd!
"Corbin is an outstanding leader and role model whose dedication and drive inspire everyone around him. As President of the National Honor Society, he leads with integrity and enthusiasm, motivating his peers to strive for excellence both academically and personally. Beyond the classroom, he gives back to his community by volunteering as a referee for youth football games on the weekends and by leading Operation Kindness announcements at JCMS, spreading positivity and compassion throughout the school. A creative and hardworking student, he consistently goes above and beyond on projects, adding his own artistic flair to every assignment. In addition, he serves as a WEB Leader, guiding younger students through their transition to middle school, and is a dedicated three-sport athlete who exemplifies teamwork and perseverance. Corbin truly represents the qualities of leadership, service, and excellence that make him an exceptional nominee."
In addition to serving as President of NJHS, Corbin is also a WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) leader for the school. In this role, he helps support sixth grade students in their transition to middle school. He’s also a three sport athlete and helps lead Operation Kindness for JCMS. He’s also quite artistic and won a craftsmanship award last year in the JCMS Winter Art Show! Corbin talks about what he likes about his school and being a web leader.
“Our school gives us so many opportunities. We get to explore what we’re interested in and start thinking about our future. When I was in sixth grade, I had some really cool WEB leaders and I looked up to them. Now I get the chance to be that person for younger students. I really love this school and our staff.”
👏 Way to go, Corbin! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here.
Ramon Greene is a 12th grader at BHS. Below is his nomination from school principal, Jess Swagger.
"Ramon is active in many cultural activities. He leads by example and always tries to influence his classmates in a positive way. He attended NIEA and is planning on attending college in the Fall."
This is Ramon’s second year at Bridges High. He feels there is a lot of support to set him up for success at BHS. He enjoys the smaller class sizes and overall pace at his school. He feels the support from his principal, his counselor, to his teachers.
One of his favorite classes is art with Mrs. Marino. It’s there where he feels the creative freedom to let his thoughts out and let his imagination loose onto paper. He finds the different activities, from painting to woodburning to a relaxing time for him. He was excited to attend the National Indian Education Association's Annual Conference in Spokane, Washington in October and represent his school.
After high school, Ramon plans to attend college in Montana at Salish-Kootenai College.
“I like their forest department,” he said. “Their department is pretty good, partly because they’re surrounded by forests and mountains. I also really like the outdoors and love learning about the outdoors and all of that.”
👏🏼 Way to go, Ramon! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here.
We’re so excited to recognize our next student as part of our new student spotlight program, Flourishing in 509J!
Asher Challacombe is a 7th grader at JCMS. Below is his nomination from educational assistant, Jessica DeHaan-Noack.
"Asher is consistently including friends in all aspects of school. He has moved tables at lunch to sit with kids sitting alone or invited them to sit with him and his friends. I’ve also seen him include students while playing sports out at lunch recess. Always with great sportsmanship and positivity. He’s picked up trash that wasn’t his without being asked. Asher is works hard in school as well. He has a great attitude and is always willing to show the positive qualities that will help him succeed academically and also in life. He’s always got a pep in his step and shows respect to both his peers and staff members. He really is a fantastic student."
Asher stands out not just for his kindness, but for the attitude he brings to school every day. He works hard in the classroom, shows up with enthusiasm and models that kind of positivity that lifts everyone around him. His respect for both his classmates and staff shines through in what he does.
“I love being able to see my friends at school and play sports at recess time. I also want to try and include as many people as I can. Whether it’s inviting someone to sit with me, asking them to play at recess, or anything else. It’s something my parents taught me to do. I believe you should treat others the way you want to be treated."
👏🏼 Way to go, Asher! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here.
December 2025
Peyton Tarvin is a 5th grader at Madras Elementary. Below is her nomination from Student Success Coordinator, Tom Haeck.
“Peyton is consistently a quality contributor to school wide initiatives during student leadership. She provides a positive attitude, leads by example and gives constructive feedback to her classmates. She can be counted on to think creatively and try her best at all times.”
Peyton does a lot to help school-wide initiatives as part of student leadership. Some of the projects she has worked on recently are helping organize lost and found items in the cafeteria, doing playground pick-up, and helping with the school’s backpack buddies program. Peyton’s favorite subject is history because she enjoys learning about our past, and she is an avid reader. She participates in OBOB for her school.
“I joined leadership because I want to make the school a better place,” she said. “I get to help out at school and have fun with my friends.”
👏🏼 Way to go, Peyton! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here.
Janaya Adams is an 8th grader at WSK8. Below is her nomination from attendance liaison, Attcity Begay,
"Janaya IS the example in every room she steps in. She is the definition of "actions speak louder than words.” A quiet young lady, with big actions. She can be found doing the right thing and modeling leadership in and out of the classroom, on or off the court and field. She is a volleyball, basketball, and softball player. She is also one of our AVID scholars and she’s very involved in her community and culture.”
Janaya values building relationships with other students. They enjoy getting to know classmates and participating in three different sports. She plays volleyball, basketball, and softball. Describing herself as competitive, she credits that mindset to her dad, a trait that helps drive her to do her best.
In school, her favorite class is AVID, which they joined last year. One big reason the class stands out is because of the support of their teacher, Mr. Young.
“One of the reasons AVID is my favorite class is because of my teacher. He helps us get ready for high school. We also get to go on these field trips to colleges to see what that experience would be like. I think Mr. Young does a good job of preparing us for high school.”
👏🏼 Way to go, Janaya! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here.
January 2026
William Wallace is a junior at MHS. Below is his nomination from Ag teacher and FFA advisor, RaeAan Rhodes.
“William is a prime example of effective leadership within his agricultural classes as well as FFA. He is currently enrolled in three agricultural classes including Advanced Plant Science, Ag Leadership, and Ag Mech. He shows an eagerness to learn as well as teach others. During the soils and plant anatomy units in Plant Science, he stepped up to assist in teaching lessons to his classmates. Using his prior knowledge gained from class and participating on the Crops and Soils teams, he was able to help guide his classmates through different projects. He's also a team leader of the FFA Crops/Agronomy team and works diligently to better coach his younger teammates. We are so thankful to have him in FFA and our ag classes.”
Wallace enjoys his agriculture classes and being active in FFA. He credits the programs for building his confidence, making him a better leader, and for getting him out of his comfort zone. He relishes opportunities to help his classmates and share his knowledge and expertise with them. FFA has enriched his time at MHS and made it special for him as a student.
“I think it's really helped me grow and step out of my comfort zone and try new things,” he said. “This year I’m trying to improve at public speaking. Like, when I came here, I didn't like speaking at all. I was an introvert. Now I’m trying to get out there and I’m putting myself out there. I give this program all the credit. This program is what really helped me.”
He also gives a ton of credit to his two Ag teachers and FFA advisors, Lee Hofman and RaeAan Rhodes.
“They're really great. They put their hearts and souls into this place, get here early and leave late. They care for their students. They want to see us do good,” he said.
👏🏼Way to go, William! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here.
Santiago Olivera is a kindergartner at Buff Elementary. Below is his nomination from his teacher, Isabel Leal.
“Santiago has shown so much growth in the dual language setting. He shows up everyday willing to learn. He is very positive, he encourages his peers when they are struggling with the language and he helps translate when needed. He is always quick to help others and encourages others to be helpful too. Santiago is also very passionate about learning and he loves learning Spanish. Kindergarten is full of "firsts" for a lot of students and Santiago has really flourished in this setting. When asked what his favorite part about school is, he responded "I like learning". When asked about his favorite part about Kindergarten this far he responded "learning the ABC's in Spanish and counting to 100 in Spanish.”
Santiago also loves coming to school to see and play with his friends. At recess time, you can catch him in the gaga ball pit since it is one of his favorite games, but he also loves to learn at school!
“I really like math and adding. I can count to 100 and can also do it in Spanish.”
👏🏼 Way to go, Santiago! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here.
Luis Morales is in second grade at Madras Elementary, and he’s part of our dual language program! Below is his nomination from his teacher, Rafael Santoyo.
“Luis has shown tremendous growth this school year. He is dedicated to learning, even when he isn’t feeling his best, and he consistently gives his all in everything he does. He is always willing to help anyone who needs it, and he takes pride in staying after lunch with a few classmates to help clean the tables. I am so proud to call him my student and to watch him thrive in real time.”
Luis enjoys coming to school for many reasons. He loves seeing and talking with his friends and his teacher! His favorite part of the school day is writing. Luis writes about all kinds of topics, from people to stories and about books. One thing about Luis that stands out is his natural inclination to help others.
He can be seen helping his classmates understand what they’re learning, and he can do so in Spanish and English. Luis also stays after lunch and helps clean the tables. When asked why he does that, he said, “Because I like helping others.”
👏🏼 Way to go, Luis! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here.
February 2026
Kayla Torres is a 5th grader at Metolius Elementary. Below is her nomination from school counselor, Ansel Evans.
“Kayla's quiet, kind and positive leadership sets a great example at Metolius Elementary for her classmates and for the whole school. She is quick to offer to help staff and students in the building. She is kind and patient with her peers.”
Her favorite part of the school day is getting to work on Math! Currently, she’s working on division and fractions in her class. Kayla is also involved in the Wolf Pack Leadership Program at Metolius. She helps the school set up for assemblies and other events, and leads as a positive role model for her fellow students. Her drive to help others is what led her to apply for the program.
Kayla loves coming to school every day and shows up with a smile on her face, ready to learn.
“I feel excited coming to school. I like helping out and seeing my friends."
Way to go, Kayla! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here. ⭐
Sophia Johnson is an 8th grader at JCMS. Below is her nomination from one of her teachers, Lindsay Tarvin.
“It is my pleasure to nominate Sophia for this recognition. She truly represents what it means to flourish, not only academically, but as a leader, volunteer, and compassionate member of our school community. She consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to excellence in her studies while also uplifting those around her with positivity and kindness.
As a proud member of Leadership and NJHS, Sophia leads by example. Through Ms. Hurd’s NJHS Passion Project, Sophia has taken the initiative to organize a schoolwide food drive throughout the month of February in support of the Madras Food Pantry. Sophia is the kind of student who makes our school better every day. She flourishes academically, socially, and through service. She helps others grow right alongside her. I am incredibly proud to be her teacher.”
Sophia picked a food drive for her service project because she wanted to give back to her community. She is hopeful this drive helps those that don’t have a lot of food right now.
“February was the best month to do it because of Valentine's Day. Everyone's thinking about love. It's also the best time to show your love for your neighbors,” she said.
Sophia enjoys going to school at JCMS due to the many opportunities to expand her knowledge and help her community. She loves being a part of student leadership and NJHS since she gets to work on her leadership skills.
“I think it's really important to be a leader, because everyone needs help sometimes,” she said. “ It's really cool to have someone that you can look up to, and I would love to be that person for someone else.”
People who are interested in donating food can drop it off at the front office, or students can bring it to their homeroom. The best items to bring in are canned food and non-perishables. The food drive will run through the end of the month!
👏🏼 Way to go, Sophia! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here and we love how you're supporting your community!
Makani Thomas is a 3rd grader at WSK8. Below is his nomination from his teacher, Sarah Bennett.
“Makani is a kind, thoughtful, hard working student. He shows care for others every day; whether it is remembering to wash up and take precautions for an immune compromised instructor or offering a kind word for a peer. He is responsible and always remembers his times for groups without prompting, keeps track of his papers for home and school, and can be counted on to do what he knows is the right thing. He listens attentively and applies new strategies and concepts and will work at them until he has mastered them. Makani is excited to share his new learning, his interests, his art pieces, and his thoughts. He
approaches everyday with a positive attitude and excitement to learn something new. It is wonderful to see him grow in so many areas!”
Makani is often pretty excited to come to school because he will get to see his classmates and get to have fun. His favorite part of the day though is learning new things.
“My favorite part of the day is math. Even when it’s hard and tough. I really like it. We’re doing fractions right now and I like it.”
Makani also enjoys being kind to others at school because he makes more friends that way!
👏🏼 Way to go, Makani! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here!
Anika Burts is a sophomore at MHS, and earlier this month she won a Silver Key for her Reductive Charcoal Still Life Drawing in the Scholastic Art Awards! 🏆 The Scholastic Art Awards were founded in 1923 and has inspired bold ideas in creative teens throughout the country. She was nominated for the ‘Flourishing in 509J’ recognition by her art teacher, Jaisee Starr!
“Anika always tackles classroom challenges head on, excelling by learning and developing her skills in a variety of content, media, and processes. She worked hard on a reductive charcoal still life drawing in class by observing the objects arranged and lit in class. She drew this work using an eraser to remove value and adding value with additional charcoal marks for added texture and depth. This 4 class drawing session ultimately resulted in a work I thought worthy of a submission to the Scholastic Art Awards, resulting in a Silver Key in Regionals- West! ”
“I chose this part of the image because I liked having the book, that kind of depicts knowledge. Then to have the bones next to the flowers, to have like death and life, because they're kind of interconnected,” Burts said.
Burts got her love for art at a young age from her mother. She grew up drawing and has always had a love for expressing her creativity this way. The award caught her off guard, learning that a classroom project had now been recognized for outstanding work.
“That was kind of amazing to me that my artwork made it into that,” she said. “I was really surprised.”
One of her favorite things about MHS is the advanced art class. She enjoys having the option to choose her own pathway, choosing what materials she uses, and then getting to use her artistic voice to shape what she ends up creating. 🎨
“I'm just really grateful that we have such a great art program at this school,” she said. “That we do get to have the opportunity to use different materials that we wouldn't otherwise have access to.
👍🏼Way to go, Anika! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here.
March 2026
Izabella Shoulders is a junior at Bridges High School! Below is her nomination from Graduation Coach, Johnathan Ang! 
“Izzy was on the student council that interviewed me for this position. She displays excellent communication skills, and has high aspirations to pursue careers in various things including the military, fine arts, business, and more. She regularly takes the initiative when it comes to planning for her future, and carries herself around the school with a sense of confidence and respect. I hear nothing but positive comments from both her classmates and members of staff.”
Izabella loves the support she receives at Bridges High. She also enjoys the flexibility she has to work on her assignments and the help from teachers to make sure she understands the content. The smaller class sizes and relaxing classroom environments also help her focus more on her work. 
“I feel more supported, I feel like I was welcomed and I was more cared for at this school and safer,” Shoulders said.
Izabella started going to Bridges earlier this year, and the welcoming environment made it easy for her to settle in and quickly feel like a fabric of the school community. She especially appreciates the welcoming environment among other students.
“These kids are smart and really fun to be around,” she said. “They’re kind, they’re welcoming here, they’ll show you around if you’re new and they involve you.”
Following high school, Izabella is hoping to do a lot. One of her main passions in life is photography 
and she wants to pursue opportunities in that field. She is also interested in baking and would love to open her own restaurant one day and involve her family in it. Lastly, she’s interested in traveling and would love to go to South Korea.
Way to go, Izabella! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here. 
We’re excited to recognize our next student as part of our student spotlight program, Flourishing in 509J! ⭐
Uriel Ortega Rodriguez is an 8th grader at JCMS! He was nominated by three different staff members at his school!
"This student has made leaps and bounds when it comes to his schoolwork, his attitude, his involvement in sports. He tries hard everyday to be the best possible version of himself and shows made it means to be a successful student. It is a night and day difference from 6th grade to 8th. He has made so much growth it’s incredible to see."
“He has come a long way since he started from 6th grade, from joining sports to getting straight A's in his classes.”
"I am nominating Uriel, who goes by Uri, because he exemplifies growth, leadership, and compassion in every aspect of his school life. Since 6th grade, Uri has shown tremendous development both academically and personally. He has grown from a student who was hesitant to come to school to one who arrives every day eager to learn and engage.
Uri demonstrates genuine care for his peers, always willing to help others and lead by example. He encourages his classmates to step out of their comfort zones, try new things, and seek help when needed. His enthusiasm for learning and school extends beyond academics; he is actively involved in sports and shows school spirit in every activity he participates in.
What truly sets Uri apart is his heart. He frequently talks about his goals after high school, emphasizing a desire to give back to his parents for the sacrifices they have made for him and his siblings. He is committed to dedicating his educational journey to honoring their support, which reflects his maturity and deep sense of gratitude.
Having been his teacher throughout his middle school years, it has been an absolute pleasure to watch Uri flourish. He is a student who inspires others, leads with kindness, and embodies the values we hope to cultivate in all students."
Uriel has personally grown a lot over the three years he’s attended JCMS. He shifted his attitude towards school, as well as his personal mindset about what he could accomplish. This year, he started to focus more at school, listen to his teachers, and perform better in the classroom!
“I told myself that I should start doing better in my school, and I'm proud of myself that I accomplished that and got good grades,” he said.
Uriel is active in sports at JCMS. He plays football, wrestles, and plans to run track in the spring. His favorite part of the school day is getting to see his friends and going to his classes. He enjoys his math class with Ms. Cole!
“She's really funny. She's nice, and it's just that she has a lot of energy when I get to her class,” he said.
Reflecting on his growth as a student, he credits Ms. Hawkins & Ms. Perez for motivating him and helping him with school work. Much of his growth also comes from his mother who was a steady presence who kept encouraging him and telling him he could do better.
“My goal in high school is to get good grades and to keep trying and not give up on my dreams and to graduate and make my mom proud,” he said.
Way to go, Uriel! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here. ✨
Olivia Booth-Middleton is a 3rd grader at Buff Elementary! She was nominated by her teacher, Ms. Maya.
"Olivia has overcome the challenge of learning a second language. Her biliteracy skills have grown so much. She is able to communicate, read, and write in both Spanish and English! Olivia works very hard in every single subject. She comes to school everyday with a positive attitude. She cares about her work and always gives it her all. Olivia also leads with empathy and kindness. She is always there for her peers and is a great friend to all."
Olivia is a student in our first cohort of our dual language program. Now in 3rd grade, she has been studying English and Spanish for the past four years. While learning two languages is challenging, she shared that one of her favorite subjects right now is Spanish Language Arts and writing.
One of her favorite things to do when shes at school is play with her friends. She loves playing the game ‘Spider’ at recess time with them. It’s also important to Olivia to be kind to everyone she meets.
“I try and help my friends, and I try to give them company when they're feeling sad.”
Way to go, Olivia! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here. ✨
April 2026
Luna Smith is a Kindergartener at Madras Elementary! She was nominated by her teacher, Ms. Mesina.
“Luna Lee Smith is the student I would like to nominate. The beginning of kindergarten was tough on Luna because prior to kindergarten she had only ever attended the same daycare since she was 7 months. Although the start was hard, she has always come in and given school her all. Being in the dual language is a challenge, yet Luna has taken on this challenge beautifully. Luna is the type of student who is always helping others out, who is honest, kind, respectful and overall amazing. Luna is not afraid to try things out and that is essential while learning a new language. We love having Luna Lee in our classroom, a beautiful addition. I am so proud to be your teacher Luna!!"
Luna is loving her teacher and everything else about school this year. She is a student who loves learning about math and enjoys math rotations and she especially loves writing in Spanish.
“I like my teacher when she gives me hugs. I love everything about school, especially the songs that we sing.”
Way to go, Luna! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here.
Grady Murphy is a Kindergartener at Metolius Elementary! He was nominated by his teacher, Mrs. Thompson
“Grady is a silent leader in our classroom who leads by example every single day. He is always ready to learn and consistently gives his best effort during classwork and whole-group instruction. His quiet confidence inspires others, and many of his classmates naturally look to him as a role model. Grady is kind, inclusive, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He is a true friend to all and embodies what it means to flourish in 509J.”
Grady is loving his first year of school. He enjoys learning new things, being a good friend, and playing with the other students at recess. He really likes his teacher and says she is nice.
"I am good at math, and I hope in 1st grade we get to do harder equations."
Way to go, Grady! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here.
Nevin Scott is a Sophomore at Madras High! He was nominated by his leadership teacher, Shawna McConnell.
“Nevin Scott is the epitome of a devoted and talented leadership student. He is willing to help out wherever needed, from helping with the reader board, to going out of his way to be involved in all aspects of the Leadership class. Nevin is also involved in many sports, clubs and activities, including tennis. He puts an amazing level of care and effort into all that he does. Nevin is one of the first students to volunteer to help out his fellow classmates, school and the community. He leads by example in all that he does, in and out of the classroom. Nevin's strong desire to make an impact in his school is commendable. Nevin demonstrates integrity, respect and school spirit.”
Nevin is a highly active student. This spring, he went out for the tennis team playing the sport for the first time. Last semester, he had a part in Madras High’s Winter Play, ‘A Christmas Carol.’ He also participates in many clubs. He is involved with FFA, art club, leadership, graphics tech, Juntos, NASU, outdoor recreation, mathletes, and kindness club!
“My favorite thing about being a student here is definitely the amount of extracurriculars that there are. I like being in a lot of clubs. I like being really involved and it's just nice knowing that there's a lot of options.”
One of his favorite classes currently is Chemistry. He’s taking the class with Ms. Swan who he says does a great job of explaining the content and he feels it is something he naturally understands.
While Nevin is only a sophomore, he is thinking of what is going to come after high school. One potential option, maybe being a pilot.
“Over the summer, I'm getting flight lessons, so maybe I'll look into going into flight school,” he said.
One adult that has been especially influential in his life is his very own leadership teacher, Ms. McConnell. He loves her class, loves how organized and giving she is as well.
Way to go, Nevin! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here. ✨
May 2026
Benton Chavez is a 3rd grader at Madras Elementary! He was nominated by one of our substitute teachers, Mr. Lawrence Jones.
“I would like to nominate Benton Chavez, third grade student at Madras Elementary. He represents the best of character traits that not only make him a successful student, but also a friendly and caring presence throughout the school. He is compassionate, generous, and unselfish in interactions with all his fellow schoolmates. Benton is a strong and consistent student with super study and behavior skills. He is attentive and interested in all the class projects, and volunteers to be helpful whenever needed -- for his teacher, his fellow students, and in involvement with school activities. Benton sets a good example for those connected and interacting with him at Madras Elementary.”
Benton loves his school. He really enjoys his teacher, Ms. Lawson, and thinks she is really nice. His favorite subject is math and he is really enjoying division right now. One of the things he loves most though is just how nice everyone is!
“I really like how friendly the people are here and how they help me out when I need help.”
Way to go, Benton! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here. ✨
Nabetse Caro is an 8th grader at JCMS! She was nominated by Rosario Perez, who works at the school.
“Nabetse consistently demonstrates what it means to be respectful, kind, and uplifting at JCMS. She is one of the few students who comes into class each day with a smile and a positive attitude, setting the tone for those around her. She goes out of her way to check in on classmates, asking how they’re doing, remembering birthdays, and making others feel seen and valued.
She is a WEB leader and a great role model who demonstrates strong leadership. Through WEB, she supports younger students and helps create a welcoming school culture. She leads with kindness and empathy.
I’ve witnessed her cheer up peers who were having tough days, including others who felt left out, and lead by example through her respectful behavior toward students and staff. She shows true emotional maturity and empathy that goes beyond her age.
Even in challenging situations, she handles herself with grace, and her positivity is contagious. She is a quiet leader, a consistent encourager, and a true example of someone who is flourishing not just academically but also socially and emotionally.
She represents the spirit of JCMS and 509J in the best way through care, connection, and community. ”
Nabetse enjoys the energy that teachers and students bring to the school. Her favorite class is math because of the way it challenges her.
“It teaches me to step out of my comfort zone and take on hard challenges,” Nabetse said.
WEB is an acronym that stands for ‘Where Everybody Belongs.” This is a middle school transition program that welcomes new 6th graders to the school and aims to help them have a successful transition. Nabetse is happy to serve as a WEB leader at JCMS.
“I enjoy being a WEB leader because it gives me the opportunity to help the kids younger than me and show them middle school is not as scary as it seems,” she said.
Way to go, Nabetse! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here.
Lincoln Picard is a 5th grader at Buff Elementary! He was nominated by Major Bailey, his music teacher.
“Lincoln Picard has been a fantastic student this semester. Not only has he shown growth in his rhythm and ear training skills, but he always wants to expand his musical knowledge. At the beginning of my time here at Buff, Lincoln approached me and said that he was curious about learning the piano but did not have one at home. During my afternoon planning time on Wednesdays, he came into my room and we started learning the piano. In order for him to practice at home, I drew piano keys on a piece of paper. This way he could practice his hand placement and do the exercises to increase his dexterity. Over the last two months, he has shown incredible growth as a future musician. He wants to write songs in the future. Recently, he showed off his voice by competing in the rigorous vocal audition process here at Buff to win a spot singing a solo. He won a position and sang a beautiful song at our Spring Concert. Lincoln has been a fantastic student and is a clear example of why music needs to be in schools. He has been a joy this semester, and I see much success in his future.”
Lincoln loves coming to school each day at Buff to hang out with his friends, play at recess, learn more about math because he really likes numbers, and music! He felt pretty nervous before his big solo at Buff’s Spring Concert, but he worked through it crushed it!
“I couldn't stay still, but I just thought, it's like singing at home in front of my parents. I just thought of that and when it was over, I felt exhausted and relieved,” he said.
Lincoln will be moving onto JCMS next year. He is going to miss Buff but he’s also excited to start middle school!.
“I've been at Buff since kindergarten, and they've treated me fantastic, and there's no better school.”
Way to go, Lincoln! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here.
Lundy Tewee is an 8th grader at Warm Springs K-8 Academy! He was nominated by Gena Bennett, an Assistant Principal at the school.
“Lundy is an 8th grade student at Warm Springs K-8 Academy. He consistently greets you in the hallway with a smile and asks how you are doing. He has a very creative side and shows it in the band and with his legacy art project for the 8th grade class. Lundy has shown steady growth in his academics as he prepares for high school. ”
Lundy loves his school. He enjoys how everyone is kind and nice to him. He also loves to express his creative side by drawing. He will draw anything that comes to mind or draw something when one of his friends makes a request.
His favorite class is music because he gets to sing. He plans on pursuing art and choir once he gets to high school.
This year, he was chosen to draw the 8th grade class’ legacy art project. He reimagined Warm Springs K-8 Academy’s logo by drawing out ‘Eagles’ with feathers and an eagle around it. Underneath, that he drew a horse with ‘Warm Springs’ at the bottom.
This art project will hang in the middle school hallway at WSK8 after the construction wraps up. That was a big motivation for him.
“I get to leave my piece of art in this school forever when I leave for high school,” he said. “People can see what I drew on the walls when they walk past.”
Lundy will be wrapping up his final year in middle school in less than two weeks. He is excited for high school, but will also miss WSK8.
“It pretty much means everything to me. I know everyone, and they're really nice to me. I've been here mostly my whole life.”
Way to go, Lundy! You are a true example of how Students Flourish Here.