Kayla Koverman is an Erickson 4th Grade Student and our March "Above and Beyond" Award recipient. She is our chosen student because of her leadership, work ethic, and infectious joy.
The hallmark of Kayla’s character is her unwavering consistency. From her earliest days at Erickson, she established herself as a pillar of support for those around her. Her second-grade teacher, Emma Bley, remembers Kayla as the first person to volunteer to help, noting that her genuine desire to see her peers succeed is exactly what makes her a natural leader. This sentiment was echoed by Jackie Holm, who watched Kayla flourish in third grade as a "Soaring Eagle" who balanced a deep kindness for others with a rigorous commitment to her own studies. Kayla doesn’t just complete her work; she takes immense pride in it, setting a standard of excellence that inspires her classmates.
What makes Kayla truly remarkable, however, is the spirit she maintains even when things aren't going perfectly. Our school nurse, Nurse Kassy, shared that even when Kayla comes into the nurse's office feeling under the weather or dealing with an injury, she arrives with a joke to share and a smile for the staff. This resilience and positivity are what Heather Miller, Kayla's 4th grade teacher describes as a daily commitment to a "best effort" attitude. Kayla doesn't just show up to school; she shows up with the intention to make her environment better.
As Beth Hudnut, the 4th grade student teacher, summarized, Kayla makes Erickson a warm and welcoming place through simple, powerful acts of inclusion. Whether it is a welcoming hug or ensuring a classmate feels seen and heard, Kayla ensures that everyone around her feels like they belong. She represents the very best of what it means to be an Erickson Eagle. Way to go Kayla!