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

5/22/06

NEWS RELEASE
Auburn Rotary Club Selects
Auburn Mountainview High School Junior as Student of the Month

On May 17, Kailee Fiksdal, a junior at Auburn Mountainview High School, was honored as the Auburn Rotary student of the month. She attended the recognition luncheon with ASB Advisor Julie Bonefas and her parents, Steve and Kelly Fiksdal.

Kailee focuses much of her attention on what many teens don’t even consider—others. She is the president of Guiding Relationships and Inspiring Peers (GRIP), a student club based on a simple premise: within every school, an informal “helping network” exists.  Students with problems naturally seek out other students and occasionally teachers or other school staff whom they trust. They seek them out for advice, for assistance or just for a sympathetic ear. GRIP members use this existing helping network, which provides training to students and adults who are already perceived as “natural helpers.”

Kailee mentors younger kids as a gymnastics coach. Her 14 years of experience proves invaluable to the coaches on staff. Kailee also is the junior class secretary and the varsity captain on the AMHS cheer squad. Recently, Kailee was elected senior class historian/reunion coordinator—duties she will assume next school year.

After Kailee graduates in June 2007, she plans to attend a four-year university and major in business. Her top choices are Arizona State University or Hawaii Pacific University.

“Kailee is one of those rare students who comes along and, through her actions, makes a lasting impact on her school. She cares deeply for her schoolwork and her classmates, and for making AMHS a great place to be. Kailee strives to reflect her personal pride and the respect she feels for school through everything she does. She is truly a quality person, and I am honored to know her,” states Mrs. Bonefas.

For additional information, please contact Deputy Superintendent Dr. Kip Herren at (253) 931-4920.