
Kalama HS Department Awards
Semester 1 2023-2024
Congratulations to the following students who received Semester 1 Awards during an assembly to recognize students for their outstanding efforts.
CTE Awards
Brooklyn Storedahl - Chinook Shoppe Award
Through the hard work and efforts of Brooklyn, the products she designed and created accounted for 25% of the profits earned at the Chinook Shoppe over the past two months!
Mrs. Jones/Mr Torppa
Jueong Kim - Computer Applications
Kim wasted no time in learning Microsoft Office. Kim certified in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. In addition, Kim was awarded the Microsoft Office Specialist Associate Award. Kim was helpful in assisting students that needed help. Kim is an awesome person and student! Mr. Martin
Austin Dickerson - Construction Award
Austin worked hard all semester in our construction class. He did a great job managing groups of students while we built the Chinook Shoppe. He also helped assist new construction students throughout the semester. His work ethic and attention to detail has led him to being a very skilled young man. Mr. Torppa
Luke Schmeusser - Engineering Design
Luke spent all first semester working hard to plan, design, and fabricate projects for the Chinook Shoppe. He created multiple 3d printed jigs and came up with many techniques to simplify the manufacturing processes used for the Chinook Shoppe products. Luke also placed 1st in the Southwest Washington SkillsUSA regional technical drafting competition. Every day our engineering program gets better because of the work Luke does. Mr. Torppa
Daniel Degryse - Introduction to Ag Science
Daniel has really stepped up his effort this year. He does a great job with participation and production. He is very wise and brings tremendous experience to the agriculture classroom. I appreciate his willingness to share his experiences with me and his peers. Mr. Groff
Benji Brightbill - Introduction to Manufacturing
Benji did an exceptional job planning, designing, and making creative projects in our class. He worked hard, followed instructions, and led by example to his fellow classmates. Mr. Torppa
Brooklyn Storedahl - Introduction to Marketing
Brooklyn displays the dedication necessary to be successful in business/marketing. Brooklyn comes to class prepared, ready to learn, ask questions, and share her thoughts. Brooklyn works hand in hand with the manufacturing class the Chinook Shoppe. She creates metal art and other projects that are sold in the Chinook Shoppe. Mr. Martin
Jackie Handley - Manufacturing
Jackie was the hardest working welder in our program during the first semester. She persevered when faced with new, challenging welding assignments. Her drive to get better has led her to becoming a very skilled welder, and a role model for her classmates. Mr. Torppa
Pierce Hull - Woodworking Design
Pierce is a hard worker with a great attitude: exactly what one hopes to have in any shop class and in the work force! I appreciate his willingness to selflessly take on projects that benefit others, his attention to detail, and his good communication skills. Mr. Pollock
English Department Awards
Sam Kalimanis - College in the High School English Award
Sam is polite and respectful. Sam manages time efficiently and uses time effectively. Sam is a deeply critical thinker. He is personable and possesses many unique talents that he humbly shares with others. Sam has honed his writing skills over the years to communicate well-written arguments. Ms. Sonn
Gage Fletcher - English 12 Award
Gage was always respectful and added humor to our class nearly daily. He always made sure to help others and make them laugh all at once showing tremendous leadership qualities in class.
Ms. Warden/Mrs. Atkins
Belle Neiman - Creative Writing
Belle approaches every writing exercise, every classwork assignment, and every assessment with the utmost of care and effort. She is a skilled writer and works hard to improve her skills regularly. She is a good friend. She is a good role model for her peers. Ms. Sonn
Riley Staup - English 11 Award
In English 11 Riley was always willing to lend a hand while adding humor and positivity to our classroom. Each day she worked hard and took on every challenge I threw her way with a smile. Ms. Warden/Mrs. Atkins
Tyrus LaFever - Armstrong Award
Not only is Tyrus an excellent student in my class he is an exceptional classroom leader. He works extremely hard and is helpful to others. Mr. Armstrong
Adylyn Davenport - English Honors 10 Award
Ady has excellent analysis skills and writing skills. She is attentive to details. She puts forth a lot of effort into everything she does. She uses and manages her class time well. Ms. Sonn
Levi Hort - English 10 Award
Levi has strong analytical reading, writing, and communication skills. They go above and beyond to engage themselves in the learning experiences we have in class. Levi has a positive attitude and is always willing to help me with my crazy projects. Levi is also friendly, helpful, and respectful to their peers. Ms. Sonn
Makenna Lutgen - Honors English 9 Award
In English 9 Honors Kenna consistently demonstrated hard work and was consistently a bright spot in class. Each day she would contribute to the class and participate in activities. She demonstrated a go-getter attitude and when paired with her work ethic was an exemplary student.
Ms. Warden/Mrs. Atkins
Camilla Goody - English 9 Award
Throughout English 9 Camilla consistently worked to improve and challenge herself in class. Camilla was always willing to help her fellow students and did so with a smile. Her dedication to improve was inspiring but her willingness to help others do the same is what set her apart from everyone else. Ms Warden/Mrs. Atkins
Fine Arts Awards
Sam Kalamanis – Band Award
Sam is an amazing human. He is smart, capable, hardworking and above all he is kind. He works hard for everything he has achieved but never seeks reward. Sam is an amazing musician that has achieved so much. I am excited and honored to be part of his journey and I look forward to watching his hard work continue to pay off in life. Mr. Groff
Kate Chilcote - Choir Award
Kate is a top-notch musician and a great addition to our choral ensemble. Her musicianship, great attitude, and willingness to do whatever job needs doing not only makes the choir sound better but makes the class more fun to teach. Keep up the great work Kate! Mr. Pollock
Sam Cruser - Drama Award
Sam has been a veteran of tye Kalama stage and his leadership of the program is well noticed. He did amazing in our fall class show, and proved to be an integral part of what makes Kalama Drama work and run well. Mr. Ready
Rylan Podelco - Guitar Award
Rylan has demonstrated tremendous talent and dedication to the guitar. He moves through the beginning stages very quickly and is now a very proficient player. Rylan has found music to be both stimulating and relaxing and it shows in his work ethic on the guitar. Mr. Groff
Araylia Martinez - Graphics Communication Award
Araylia has been an invaluable part of the Graphics Communication class. This class is putting together the yearbook for KHS. Araylia has attended and photographed countless events outside of school hours for the yearbook. Araylia is a fantastic photographer, always paying attention to lighting and composition. Araylia is a leader and a great role model for the class. Ms. Gordon
Ella Lougheed - Leadership Award
Ella was chosen for the leadership award for her consistent hard work both in class and out of class to provide positive experiences for those around her. She consistently shows support to the other students in the leadership class as well as events outside of our classroom, including but not limited to, volunteering at many extracurricular activities and events. Her hard work and positive attitude are contagious to students and staff that work with her. Mr. Wright
Reese Armstrong – Spanish Award
Reese is always ready to work, participates in class conversation, and is willing to help out her peers. Mrs. Wuolett
Luke Davidson - Theatre Tech
Luke who has been on the stage several times has done great in our theatre tech class. Creating interesting and amazing pieces in our first semester and assisting with our fall show backstage. Mr. Ready
Mahala Borelis - Visual Arts
Mahala is so talented in art! Mahala’s art always demonstrates superb craftsmanship. She is a hard worker and always challenges herself with the projects she chooses. Mahala is one of the most respectful and polite students that I have had in class. She leads by example in my class.
Ms. Gordon
History Department Award
Toni Peonio- Political Science 100 Award
In a class that pushes students to look beyond the simple discussion of political events and examine cause and effect of political action, Tony consistently demonstrates a deep understanding and application of current issues. He consistently applies his understanding when writing argumentative essays, and always contributes during classroom discussions and simulations.
Mr. White
Maddox Cramer -Current World Problems Award
Maddox is an individual that completes all assignments with regularity and excellence. He is able to grasp the most difficult topics, analyze the impact of the events and apply understanding to the topic at hand. In a class that is constantly changing due to events both domestic and international, I can always count on Maddox to provide opinions and context that make it more understandable to his classmates. Mr. White
Jaydin Uhrig - College in the High School AP World United States History Award
Jaydin received the highest natural grade of the semester. His writing and work effort are impeccable, and he produced a great piece of original scholarship in pur first semester. In a class that is far from easy, Jaydin had shown himself to be an outstanding scholar and thinker. Mr. Ready
Rylan Podelco- US History Award
Rylan is a diligent worker, who completes the highest quality work on time and with great accuracy. Rylan tries to make connections of past events to other historical periods and puts a great deal of effort to always be ready for the next unit. His deeper search for understanding and application of that knowledge makes him the student most deserving of the United States History Department Award. Mr. White
Abel Koski - World History Award
Abel has earned recognition in World History for his hard work and dedication. He goes above and beyond in all that he does. His work is exemplary! Mrs. Black
Math Department Awards
Luke Davidson - Calculus Award
Luke is a great student of mathematics. Luke is a critical thinker and perseveres when faced with a challenging problem. Luke works well with his peers and lends a helping hand when others are in need. Mrs. Hedden
Kevin Lardizabal-Orea - Pre-Calculus Award
Kevin is a hardworking Pre-Calculus student. Kevin is consistent in turning in quality work in a timely manner. Kevin is a positive influence in class and comes to class everyday ready to learn. Mrs. Hedden
Connor Darnell - Math Fundamentals Award
Connor has worked hard in my class to receive the Math Fundamentals Award. His skills
demonstrate his understanding of mathematics and how to apply those concepts to real-life situations. He participates in class, works well with his peers, and comes to class determined to do well. Connor puts forth his best effort! Mrs. Stepper
Erik Schulson - Algebra II/Trig Award
Eric demonstrates a high level of understanding in Algebra 2/Trigonometry and persists when the problems are challenging. He is committed to doing his best not only on classwork but his assessments as well. He is a delight to work with in class! He comes every day with a positive attitude, awillingness to learn, and a determination to apply the previous concepts he has learned to his current learning. I am excited to be awarding Eric the Algebra 2/Trigonometry Award. He is well deserving ofthe award. Mrs. Stepper
Juueong Kim - Intro to Algebra 2
Ju tackles every problem with confidence, and his organizational skills are extraordinary.
Mr. Phillips
Fred Neiman - Geometry Award
Fred is a dedicated Geometry student. Fred is one of the first students to complete daily work and when finished he often compares his work with his peers to ensure everyone fully understands the material. Fred consistently earns top marks on quizzes and tests. Mrs. Hedden
Lizzie Cahill - Geometry Support
Lizzie demonstrates a high level of understanding in her classwork and assessments. She will challenge herself when the problems are complex, determined to figure out the solution! Lizzie has a great attitude in class, is engaging in discussions, helps others, and has a big heart for people. She has a drive for success, and I am excited to see her future. Lizzie is well deserving of the Geometry Math Support Award. Mrs. Stepper
Hunter Harvill - Algebra Supoort
Hunter has excelled in my class since the beginning of the year. He is working hard to improve his understanding of algebra concepts and apply them to our current applications. Hunter is determined to improve his quality of work and use his knowledge of Algebra to ace his last two assessments! Hunter works with a group of students who support each other, and He participates by sharing his understanding of math to help others. Hunter does not give up! It was my pleasure to award Hunter the Math Academic Support Award. Mrs. Stepper
Leila Lina - Algebra Award
Leila is an exceptional math student. She works hard in class, and she helps others in their understanding
Mr. Phillips
Emily Mills - Algebra Concepts
Emily comes prepared to class and ready to learn. I can count on her to participate in class and help her peers as well. She is a wonderful student! Mrs. Thornhill
Chloe Long Kisto - Geometry Concepts
Chloe participates more than any student I have had the pleasure of working with. She is a fast learner, hard worker, and always a pleasure to have in class. Mrs. Thornhill
Jacob Abbott - Introduction to Algebra 2 Concepts
Jacob tries his best in everything that he does. He struggles with content sometimes, and he never gives up, just always keeps trying until it clicks. Mrs. Thornhill
Physical/Health Education Award
Cooper Hahn - HS Physical Education Award
Cooper was the recipient for the High School PE award for his hard work and positive attitude. Cooper brings energy each day and this infectious enthusiasm impacts all those around him. Cooper's work ethic and attitude make him a joy to have in class. Mr. Stemkoski
Maleah Davis - Weight Lifting Award
Maleah was the recipient of the Weight Training award because of her positive attitude, work ethic, and drive. Maleah is committed to improving herself and works hard at all that is asked of her. Her attitude and drive make her a pleasure to have in class. Mr. Stemkoski
Alex Chao - 9th Grade Physical Education Award
Through his exceptional attitude and thought process, Alex has demonstrated exemplary citizenship and sportsmanship. He leads by example and always has the big picture in mind. He's demonstrated the ability to adapt and overcome difficulties while maintaining a sharp focus.
Mr. Perri
Sienna was the recipient of the Health award because of her work ethic and attention to detail. Sienna brings a good sense of humor and a positive attitude and was willing to participate in class discussions and projects. Sienna has a promising future in front of her. Mr. Stemkoski
Science Department Award
Isabel Malleta - Natural Resources Award
Iggy is focused and interested in Natural Resources. When she is doing an assignment, she does her best to make sure it is thorough and high quality. She participates, even when she is away for long periods of time, and is a supportive friend in class. Mr. Benenati/Mrs. Machado
Shayne Hollingsworth - Integrated Science Award
Shayne is a dedicated student who fluently understands the science curriculum. She is friendly and encouraging to all of her peers and strives for excellence daily.
Mr. Benenati/Mrs. Machado
Loretta Harrington – Robotics Award
Robotics: Loretta can break down the most difficult tasks and find success. She is patient and gracious. Mr. Phillips
Tony Peonio - College in the High School Biology Award
Tony strives to be a reflective learner through continual questioning about the concepts and learnings in class. He challenges me everyday to be a better teacher to continually meet his needs and help him grow as a scientist. Mrs. Shoup
Sheung Wing Ho - Advanced Chemistry
Sheung Wing Ho works everyday to improve her scientific thinking. She is a hard worker who demonstrates her passion for chemistry through our conversations and all assignments.
Mrs. Shoup
Jayden Uhrig - Chemistry Award
Jayden is kind hearted, collaborative, and supportive to his peers everyday. I admire his dedication to both his learning and that of his classmates. It is clear he values the process of learning and growing as a critical thinker. Mrs. Shoup
Kate Chilcote – Earth Science Award
Kate's desire to learn and understand the material shows in her enthusiasm to participate and encourage learning in her peers. She is also not shy to share additional relevant science content and to make a correction if she spots an error. Mr. Benenati/Mrs. Machado
Alternative Learning Awards
Sophia Brigner - Independent Learner Award
I am honored to present this award to Sophia. She demonstrates exceptional dedication and hard work in alternative learning. Sophia has consistently exhibited a remarkable commitment to her studies while working from home. Congratulations! Ms. Geiger
Nick Hammann- Independent Learner Award
Nick has consistently demonstrated his commitment to excellence, and a willingness to explore unconventional avenues of learning. Nick is always on task and has such a positive attitude in class. He is a true inspiration. Ms. Becker