Our Communications Department is looking for the stories of our amazing students to feature in a new weekly student spotlight series titled, ‘Flourishing in 509J.’ We have students who every day are doing amazing things from elementary, to middle and high school and we want to feature them!
This series will be focused on featuring our student’s successes both in and out of the classroom. We want to hear directly from you about students who are flourishing in some way, whether that be in the classroom, with a school club, or getting involved with their community.
Please complete this form and we’ll follow up with you if we need any more information.
We truly appreciate you taking the time to help us with this effort and show how students flourish here in 509J!
October
🌟 Flourishing in 509J: Student Spotlight on Lorrina Doust
Here is the first edition of our new student recognition series, Flourishing in 509J. This series will be highlighting the incredible students we have across our district. We’re focused on highlighting students who are making a difference in and out of the classroom.
The first student we’re highlighting is Lorrina Doust! She’s a senior at MHS who is making the most of her time in our district.
She was nominated by one of her teachers, Ian Garrett, who said:
“I am nominating Lorrina Doust for Flourishing in 509J because she truly goes above and beyond as both a student and a community member. She 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. She leads by example, demonstrates school spirit, and has a meaningful impact on those around her.”
When asked about her experience at Madras High School, Lorrina shared:
“I really like the sense of community here. Everyone knows each other, and you can talk to any teacher about anything. 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.”
Her positivity, involvement, and leadership are all things to celebrate!
👏 Join us in celebrating Lorrina and the many ways she contributes to making MHS a welcoming place for all.
🌟 Flourishing in 509J: Student Spotlight on Rayline Anderson Smith
This series, Flourishing in 509J, will be highlighting the incredible students we have across our district. We’re focused on highlighting students who are making a difference in and out of the classroom.
The next student we’re highlighting is Rayline Anderson Smith! She’s an 8th grader at WSK8 who is active in AVID and athletics.
She was nominated by one of her assistant principals, Gena Bennett, who said:
“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!”
When asked about her experience at WSK8, Rayline shared:
“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.”
👏 Join us in celebrating Rayline and how she is making the most of her time as a student at WSK8.
🌟 Flourishing in 509J: Student Spotlight on Leah Le’Claire
This series, Flourishing in 509J, will be highlighting the incredible students we have across our district. We’re focused on highlighting students who are making a difference in and out of the classroom.
The next student we’re highlighting is Leah Le’Claire! She’s a 5th grader at Buff Elementary.
She was nominated by her principal, Erika Skaar, who said:
“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!”
When asked about what she likes about Buff Elementary, Leah shared:
“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.”
👏 Join us in celebrating Leah and how she is making the most of her time as a student at Buff.
🌟 Flourishing in 509J: Student Spotlight on Isaac Cordova
This series, Flourishing in 509J, will be highlighting the incredible students we have across our district. We’re focused on highlighting students who are making a difference in and out of the classroom.
The next student we’re highlighting is Isaac Cordova! He’s a 5th grader at Metolius Elementary.
He was nominated by his principal, EAdam Dietrich, who said:
“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.
🌟 Flourishing in 509J: Student Spotlight on Corbin Searcy
This series, Flourishing in 509J, will be highlighting the incredible students we have across our district. We’re focused on highlighting students who are making a difference in and out of the classroom.
The next student we’re highlighting is Corbin Searcy! He’s an 8th grader at JCMS.
He was nominated by his NJHS advisor, Mrs. 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.
🌟 Flourishing in 509J: Student Spotlight on Ramon Greene
This series, Flourishing in 509J, will be highlighting the incredible students we have across our district. We’re focused on highlighting students who are making a difference in and out of the classroom.
The next student we’re highlighting is Ramon Greene! He’s a senior at Bridges High School!
He was nominated by his principal, Mrs. Swagger.
“Ramon is actively involved in many cultural activities and consistently leads by example. He brings a positive, grounded presence to the classroom and is always looking for ways to uplift his peers. This year, he represented our school at the National Indian Education Association Annual Convention in Spokane, and he is planning on attending college in the fall. Ramon is a student who makes our school community stronger.”
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 NIEA this past 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.
🌟 Flourishing in 509J: Student Spotlight on Asher Challacombe
This series, Flourishing in 509J, will be highlighting the incredible students we have across our district. We’re focused on highlighting students who are making a difference in and out of the classroom.
The next student we’re highlighting is Asher Challacombe! He’s a 7th grader at JCMS!
He was nominated by Jessica DeHaan-Noack, an educational assistant at JCMS.
“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 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 during recess. 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.
🌟 Flourishing in 509J: Student Spotlight on Peyton Tarvin
This series, Flourishing in 509J, will be highlighting the incredible students we have across our district. We’re focused on highlighting students who are making a difference in and out of the classroom.
The next student we’re highlighting is Peyton Tarvin! She’s a 5th grader at Madras Elementary.
She was nominated by Tom Haeck, the student success coordinator at Madras Elementary.
“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 organizing 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.