Kalama HS Department Awards

As Fine Arts instructors, many of us are lucky to spend multiple years with specific students who chose to continue to grow in their creativity with us. Josie is one such student. I have had the chance to work with Josie for over 6years and in that time I have seen her grow not only as an artist, but as an individual and activist. No matter the media she uses, her art speaks volumes about the things she is most passionate about. Her passion for art is matched only by her determination to build something larger than herself. Josie's outstanding talent and genuine ingenuity have helped her to push the boundaries of her art, both with materials she is comfortable with as well as subjects she covers. There is courage in her creativity, and her future in the arts is only just beginning.

Ms. MacLeod

The 2021 Vocational Senior Departmental Award goes to Ruby Jackson. Ruby has spent 3 years in my Engineering Design program. She was last year’s SkillsUSA club president and she placed 1st in the 2020 SW Washington Regional SkillsUSA Technical Drafting competition. As a Junior Ruby chose to marry her interest with Computer Aided Design and the medical field. In essence, she 3d printed a functioning scale model of a knee joint. Ruby now wants to pursue a biomedical engineering degree where she can have a career in making life changing medical devices such as artificial organs, prosthetics, pacemakers, and much more.

Mr. Torppa

Sullivan Wagoner - Choir Award

Sully did a great job being a team player in choir this semester. In addition to being punctual, hardworking, and easy to work with, Sully went the extra mile recording both male vocal parts on our online musical creations. Thanks for all your hard work!

Mr. Pollock

Cole Lutgen- Vocational/Shop Award

Cole has worked incredibly hard all year in both his manufacturing and construction courses. Despite being online learning for half of the year Cole proved to have great attendance and effort in both of the courses. During the hybrid session Cole worked really hard in the metal shop to prove he is one of the best, hardest working welders in the school. In construction, Cole built a quality scale model house and completed all of the tasks asked of him. Cole’s effort and ability has stood out in both courses.

Mr. Torppa

Mack Smee - Fine Arts Award

Mack has imagination and demonstrates a level of craftsmanship in projects that are seldom seen. Mack approaches assignments with outstanding creativity and a willingness to go further than asked. Always going above and beyond, taking the extra time to focus on the little details that take projects to a new level of ingenuity.

Ms. MacLeod

Elianna Norton – Band Award

Elliana is a dedicated band member, exemplifying the best professional and personal qualities.

Mr. Groff

Karma Hernandez- Drama Award

Karma has really shown how they can come back with a force! They showed a lot of growth as a thespian and really took time to grow in their art. They would be excellent in any role or production lucky to have them! Way to go Karma!

Mr. Ready

Zoe Jones – Spanish Award

Zoe is earning the Spanish Department Award for her consistent efforts in improving her use of the Spanish language. Zoe puts forth the maximum effort whether she is participating in a class activity, accomplishing at home assignments or working independently to improve her grasp of the language. Her continued progress has been inspirational!

Mrs. Stuhlsatz "Maestra"

Jenah Wolf- Leadership Award

Jenah is a great example of leadership. She is constantly looking for ways to be positive and lift up the people around her and not afraid to go out and do the work herself. She is highly involved in our decorating, Theme ideas, encouragement and is also a good communicator within our leadership team.

Mr. Wright

Kyla Rutter- Independent Learner Award

Kyla Rutter has worked diligently this school year. She has demonstrated the ability to complete assignments and engage in class at a higher level than ever before. She completed 8 classes this semester, one being independent study, and she worked amazingly hard. Kyla is an Independent learner and her engagement demonstrated independence. Way to go Kyla! I am so proud of you.

Ms. Smith

Alex Torres- Independent Learner Award

Alex has been an independent learner all year. Alex was always ready for online classes, and once we came for in person learning, he was always ready and willing to work hard. Once given directions, Alex worked diligently to complete assignments on time. Alex also made a lot of growth in finding information in grade level text, which helped him to be successful in both Biology II and World History. Alex I am so proud of your growth this year. Way to go!

Ms. Smith

Tabitha Whithorn- Independent Learner Award

I am so proud of Tabitha. She exemplified the definition of the alternative learning experience with with her perseverance hard work and dedication to her studies. Not only did she finish a number of classes to graduate this year she also held a full time job as well as caring for many of her family members. I know Tabitha will make a huge impact in this world.

Ms. Becker

Gabriel Gledhill- Senior English Department Winner

In the two years I have known Gabriel, he has proved time and again that not only does he have superior skills in English, he also has the ability to wield those skills logically and morally. As Immanuel Kant once said, "Thoughts without content are empty, intuitions without concepts are blind." Gabriel definitely deserves the 2021 English department award.

Mr. Reed

Jaysen Ketzbeau- AP Literature Award

Jason's skills in English are exemplary in all regards. He is a skilled writer, a sound analyzer of literature, and a convincing orator. Throughout this trying and taxing year, Jayson has shown tremendous grit, determination, and perseverance. He is an exemplary English student.

Mr. Reed

Regan Cadigan- English 11 Award

Regan was dedicated to all the course work this year, brought inciting and engaging conversations to the table, was always ready with her readings, and came prepared for class. She was a model student for the course! Well done Regan!

Mr. Ready

Daphne Durden- Natural Resources English Award

Daphne comes to Natural Resources ready and willing to learn, experience, and try new skills. She consistently has a positive attitude and approaches new concepts with an open, ready to learn, mind. She applies those new concepts to her activities in our working forest. She has blossomed into a fine, young forester!

Mr. Reed

Emily Avila-Arellano- English 10 Award

Emily is a motivated English students. She always uses her time effectively in class, attends all classes, completes all of her assignments on time and with maximum effort, has demonstrated distinguished close reading skills, has demonstrated distinguished writing skills, and asks for and uses teacher feedback to improve her work. I have really enjoyed having her in class because she is a role model English student. Not only this, but she is kind to everyone and is an all around good person.

Ms. Sonn

Elliana Norton- Honors English 10 Award

Elliana has referred to herself as "the mom" in her friend group, and that she certainly is in English class. She is an admirable leader in the classroom. She collaborates well with others and helps to lead them to success. She demonstrates distinguished critical thinking skills and is a distinguished writer who goes above and beyond to do her very best work. She is highly motivated. She is also friendly and kind, and is an all around good person.

Ms. Sonn

Tony Peonio- Honors English 9 Award

Students like Tony are a rare breed. Tony is exceptionally driven, submits only the highest quality work, and participates fully in class discussions, even leading them during times of low participation. Tony doesn't let his intelligence get the best of him; he always has time to help his fellow students or share in a laugh. Tony's unique blend of intelligence, empathy, and perseverance will take him very far in life and I consider it an honor to have taught him Freshman English.

Mr. Reed

Kyle Kallio – English 9 Award

Kyle has shown time and again his maturity and perseverance in studying completely at home. Only meeting once weekly, Kyle willingly took ownership of his learning, reaching out for help when necessary, but also taking on the onus of self-education when necessary. Kyle brought a new and fresh outlook on topics discussed in class and did wonderful work during the Grapes of Wrath unit. He is very deserving of this acknowledgement!

Mr. Reed

Addison Smee- Senior History Department Winner

Addison is a self-motivated individual who is willing to lead by example but never demands more of others than he demands from himself. He is a person who is not content to be “good enough”, but is driven to be the best.

It has been my pleasure to have been part of his education and I look forward to seeing the great things from him in the future.

Mr. White

Preston Armstrong- Advanced Placement United States History Award

Preston Armstrong is the AP United States History Award winner this semester due to his strong work ethic, his strong writing skills and his application of historical knowledge in his written work. He is a person who asks the right questions and is not satisfied with a simple response, but expects to understand the underlying factors that make an answer correct. I look forward to having Preston in my AP Government Class next year and expect the same highly intelligent questioning to drive the class.

Mr. White

Ian has done an amazing job in US History completing work on a great scale, and putting effort into our class discussions. He comes prepared with interesting outlooks on historical periods, and is able to really push deep and interesting points. Well done Ian!

Mr. Ready

Ayden Armeni- World History Award

Ayden earned the World History award for consistently demonstrating high standards in academics and as a citizen. Academically, Ayden’s work shows his ability to develop questions, analyze sources, and make sense of how historical people, places, and events shape our world today. His work informs the reader. Ayden’s work mirrors his qualities as a person. He always attends and participates in class, regardless if it is remote! Ayden is respectful to me and his classmates, and he is a good communicator.

Mrs. Edwards

Diego Luna - Civics Award

Diego earned the Civics award for consistently demonstrating high standards in academics and as a citizen. Diego’s course work serves as a model for all students. His work is neat, thorough, thoughtful, and shows understanding. He is a leader in the class by setting an example through respectful behavior to everyone, collaborates to find solutions, and advocates for himself and others when he notices something that may seem unfair or needs further explanation. As a citizen, Diego brings a positive attitude to class each day, seeks to know about how the world works, and shows a desire to improve society.

Mrs. Edwards

Mathew Rinard- Senior Math Department Award Winner

Matthew has excelled in our high school math program the last 4 years and has earned 20 college credits, successfully completing two courses of Pre-Calculus and Calculus. Whether class was virtual or in person, Matthew was a great addition to class with his positive attitude and willingness to learn. He is incredibly self-motivated, puts in the time and effort to understand complex concepts and has a genuine interest in learning.

Mrs. Hedden

Kendal Collins- Algebra 2/ Trigonometry Award

Kendal is an outstanding student in Algebra 2/ Trigonometry. She contributes to daily discussions and often volunteers answers or explanations. Kendal is exceptionally hard working, determined, and consistently turns in quality work. Kendal has demonstrated a high level of understanding on assignments and quizzes all year.

Mrs. Hedden

Luke Davidson- Geometry

Luke has been incredibly successful in Geometry this year. He has taken advantage of every opportunity to improve his skills and understanding in mathematics. Luke is motivated, efficient, and consistently turns in work on time - it is rare for him to have a late or missing assignment.

Mrs. Hedden

Marin Ripp - Algebra Math Award

Marin is an exceptional math learner. She has a natural curiosity and determination that make her an effective problem solver. Marin is fearless in the pursuit of her education. She often adds to mathematic conversations, and asks well thought-out questions that benefit the class.

Mr. Phillips

Ava Ripp- Physical Education 9th Grade Award

Ava is the recipient of the 9th grade PE award for her daily work ethic and effort. Ava came to class daily with a positive attitude and worked hard with whatever task she was faced with. She worked each day to improve her techniques and also help her peers improve theirs. Just by her leadership, she challenged others to be better.

Mr. Stemkoski

Jasmine is the recipient of the High School PE award for her hard work and effort. Jasmine was willing to push herself to improve daily and was a positive influence on those around her.

Mr. Stemkoski

Tommy Brandenburg- Senior Science Department Winner

Tommy always supported other students he worked with on assignments and lab experiments. He was the top student in Advanced Chemistry (Used to be called Honors Chemistry) his sophomore year, his junior year Tommy was also the top student in Advanced Biology, where he received 10 college credits through our "College in the High School" program. Tommy has excelled in every aspect of science in all of his courses, whether it be an exacting chemistry lab, or answering challenging short answer questions. Mr. Chapman and Mr. Stone wish Tommy the very best of luck at the University of Oregon, congratulations!

Mr. Chapman & Mr. Stone

Elyse DiCristina- Honors Biology

Elyse is a very dedicated student, willing to spend extra time on a project or test. She excelled in every aspect of biology this year, online or in person labs, drawing cell processes and short answer responses on tests!

Mr. Chapman

Ethan Bethune- Biology II Award

Ethan is a leader in class. He is always willing to contribute to class discussions and share his ideas. Ethan works hard to understand complex concepts and is always helping others too!

Mr. Chapman

Jay "Tony" Peonio– Biology 1 Award

Tony is an awesome student, always engaged, asking questions and not afraid to propose an answer. Tony always has a positive attitude and is the first to help others when needed.

Mr. Stone