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

2/26/08

NEWS RELEASE
Auburn School District's Board of Directors
Honors Fifth Grader Taylor Lehman

The Auburn School District Board of Directors recognized Taylor Lehman, a fifth grader at Hazelwood Elementary School, for being an outstanding student on Monday, February 25, at 7 p.m. in the board room at the James P. Fugate Administration Building.

Taylor Lehman is a spunky 10 year old going on 18. According to her fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Kearney, Taylor is “a miniature adult. She is balanced, organized and knows how to prioritize her busy schedule.” Busy is right. Taylor is an honor roll student, participant in the after-school science club and the Global Reading Challenge, and the ASB treasurer. She plays volleyball and dances competitively for a private studio, not to mention she plays the piano and is an active citizen.

First things first, Taylor is a hard worker who excels in all subjects—science just so happens to be her favorite. “I am very organized and get things in on time,” says Taylor. “I’m not a procrastinator.” Taylor is also a very positive and helpful student in class. Mrs. Kearney says, “Taylor is such a good kid; she’s kind and looking for ways to help. I think she truly loves school so she is happiest when she’s helping.” Taylor’s energy and sense of humor make her that much more likable, and her creative capacity is unlimited.

Taylor always strives to do her best in the classroom and in all of her pursuits. For instance, Taylor recently participated in the Global Reading Challenge and set a goal to not only complete all 10 required global reading books, but to also continue reading her personal book selections. During the after-school science club, Taylor participates in experiments to enhance her classroom experience, and she takes every opportunity to improve her dance and piano skills with daily practice and competitions. Taylor recognizes she is always on the go, but she likes it that way. “I don’t have to do it; I like to do it,” remarks Taylor.

Recently Taylor and her good friend Gabby Wills came up with the idea to raise money for a local camp for children with serious life-altering conditions such as Muscular Dystrophy and cancer. Korey was the nephew of a friend of Taylor’s family who passed away from cancer. Camp Korey was founded soon thereafter and will open to its first campers in July of this year. Because the camp will need ongoing support to provide this special opportunity for children in need, Taylor and Gabby took it upon themselves to create a fundraiser called Carnival Korey at Hazelwood on May 10. According to Taylor, “We thought a carnival would be a good fundraiser; there will be a silent auction, carnival games, performances and food.” One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to Camp Korey.

Taylor’s go-getter spirit is contagious. Even if there’s nothing to do, Taylor does something—like doing cartwheels all over the house.

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