Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

12/4/06

NEWS RELEASE
Auburn Rotary Selects Senior Standout as
November Student of the Month

On November 15, Kellen Kiilsgaard, a senior at Auburn High School, was honored as Auburn Rotary’s November student of the month. He attended the recognition luncheon with his advisor, John Yorke, and his parents, Kjel and Leslie Kiilsgaard.

Kellen is more commonly known around Auburn High as the star quarterback. He led the Trojans to the 3A State semifinals against Bellevue on November 24. He has also been offered multiple Pac-10 scholarships for football and has finally settled on attending Stanford University in the fall. Stanford may also allow him to play baseball on his scholarship, yet another sport in which Kellen excels.

Kellen is also known for his focus in the classroom. He maintains high grades, which is evident by his acceptance into Stanford University. What some may not know about Kellen is his commitment to younger kids. Kellen participates in the Big Brothers Big Sisters School-Based Mentoring Program, which is designed to foster youth’s academic development as well as improve social skills. For the past two years, Kellen has been mentoring a student at Washington Elementary School. Every Wednesday Kellen leaves Auburn High and travels to Washington Elementary during his fourth period in order to hang out with Deacon, his little brother. “We play basketball, talk about school and sometimes work on his assignments. Deacon even asks me about what I want to be when I grow up,” says Kellen.

A friendship has formed over the two years between 17-year-old Kellen and 9-year-old Deacon. “Being his friend is more important than tutoring him or playing basketball,” remarks Kellen. Kellen is pleased he acted on his feelings two years ago. “I felt like I needed to do something outside school and sports, and since I enjoy working with kids, this seemed like a perfect opportunity for me to give back to the community.”

Deacon concurs. Deacon not only has had the attention of Kellen, but also the attention of the entire Auburn High football team. Kellen invited Deacon to the league championship game against Auburn Riverside High School. He got to walk the sidelines during the game and meet the team after the game. “I got my photo taken with the team and Kellen autographed my professional football,” smiles Deacon.

For more information contact Amy Spence, public information officer, at (253) 931-4713.