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

11/20/06

NEWS RELEASE
Auburn School District's Board of Directors
Honors Fifth Grader Derek Dragseth

The Auburn School District Board of Directors will recognize Derek Dragseth, a fifth grader at Chinook Elementary School, for being an outstanding student on Monday, November 27, at 7 p.m. in the board room at the James P. Fugate Administration Building.

Derek Dragseth is now a fifth grader at Chinook Elementary School but had a big presence even back in his second-grade school days. According to his second grade teacher Ms. Harris, “Derek entered my second grade class as an average reader, but soon discovered where books could take him. Following the light bulb that turned on in him that year, Derek hasn’t stopped reading. Not only has he grown as a reader, but also as a classroom academic leader and model for others to follow.” Derek also takes the time to offer encouraging words to his classmates, and at times he helps them with homework or other difficult assignments.

Mr. Sprenger, Derek’s third grade teacher, recalls Derek’s genuine personality. “Derek is always kind to everyone he meets, and even as a young third grader he made it a point to build and maintain relationships with other students by respecting them individually.”

Derek is now gearing up for middle school in Ms. Swensrud’s fifth grade classroom. He continues to exude a compassionate, caring spirit that according to Ms. Swensrud “makes other students feel comfortable and respected.” Recently Derek’s classmates voted him winner of the school’s CARE award—an award presented to the student who makes it a priority to care for the school, for him or herself, for his or her friends, and so on. Derek’s willingness to help out other students who are struggling with their school work is just one of the reasons Derek’s classmates selected him for this award. Derek also exceeds expectations in the classroom, completing assignments to the best of his abilities, and always participating in class games and activities. “Derek is an all-around great person,” states Ms. Swensrud.

Whether making the grade or mentoring his fellow peers, Derek is committed to succeed, and committed to seeing others succeed. “It’s obvious Derek is a committed student by just looking at his school attendance; he’s only been absent three days during his entire school career at Chinook,” says Chinook administrative intern Ms. Kuzaro.