At the first annual GAPS Student All-Stars Celebration, the School Board honored outstanding students from each school. Students were nominated by school staff and introduced by the school principal.
Fir Grove and Oak Grove Elementary School All-Stars are:
Payton Bates, Oak Grove
Payton participates actively in numerous community organizations. For the past five years she has volunteered at Hand-In-Hand Farm where she takes care of the equine animals, helping to train both them and the younger human participants, plus helps with their service outreach events. Payton is an active Girl Scout, a member of Oak Grove’s champion Battle of the Books team, a role model to many of our students and is also a Green Belt in Kenpo Karate. She also participates in our school choir, plays trumpet in the fifth-grade band, and she is an exemplary student who participates with intriguing out-of-the-box ideas.
Owen Duda, Oak Grove
Owen is always eager to help with any task, cheerfully pitching in whenever needed. He spends hours volunteering with his church, as an acolyte and assistant at events, and sings in their choir. He has volunteered at WAHS, with Salem’s food drive and the local FISH organization in numerous capacities. Owen consistently goes out of his way to make everyone’s days easier as a great role model to the other students, and he always has a smile on his face!
Ella Killian, Fir Grove
She’s kind, caring and compassionate towards others. She helps the classroom run smoother by setting out supplies and materials ahead of time and directs other students who need additional help. She is a proactive problem solver when it comes to managing friendships within the classroom and out on the playground. She is active in her community with her family through her church and helping families in need.
Caleb Fifhause, Fir Grove
He is a wonderful classroom citizen and always chooses to do the right thing. He is a really kind boy and a hard worker. He is helpful to others in school and out of school. Caleb always has a smile on his face and spreads his positive attitude throughout the school.