Ellis Elementary fifth grader receives CAKE award

For the first time in the award’s history, a student was nominated by two different teachers for the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District #25’s monthly CAKE (Character, Attitude, Kindness and Encouragement) award.

Ellis Elementary School fifth grader Logan Keensen was nominated by his music teacher Connie Irick and classroom teacher Sherry Van Avery.

“When I was thinking about the CAKE award, I immediately thought of Logan because he is the most polite and kindest student I have ever met,” said Irick. “Every time I teach his class, he says ‘hello’ to me with a smile and he always says ‘Thank you for teaching me’ when he leaves. I have never taught a student who shows so much gratitude to his teachers and others.”

VanEvery too commented on his care for those around him.

“Logan is positive and always ready to give an encouraging word to his fellow classmates. When a student is struggling with a problem, whether it is schoolwork or personal, Logan stops what he is doing and helps them with a smile,” said VanEvery. “Every day before Logan goes to lunch he says, ‘Have a nice lunch, Mrs. VanEvery.’ The students look to him for guidance on how to be polite. I am convinced that my classroom environment is one of caring not just from teacher to student, but student to student because of Logan.”

McDonald’s will now donate $50 to the school’s media center to purchase books in Logan’s name.

Logan, Irick and VanEvery will also receive a McDonald’s gift card.

Nominations for the student CAKE Award can be submitted by teachers or administrators who observe outstanding character, attitude, kindness and encouragement toward others.

Winners will be announced monthly.