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

9/20/06

NEWS RELEASE
Auburn School District's Board of Directors
Honors Student Payton Berens

The Auburn School Board of Directors will recognize Payton Berens, a Terminal Park Elementary fifth grader, for being an outstanding student on Monday, September 25, at 7 p.m. in the board room at the James P. Fugate Administration Building.

Payton Berens has been a student at Terminal Park since his kindergarten days. And over those six years, Payton has always come to school with a smile. His positive attitude and cheery outlook on life have made an impact in not only his life, but also in the lives of his classmates and teachers. Payton consistently maintains high levels of achievement in all his work. He has made the honor role the last two years and plans to do the same this year to finish out his elementary school career.

In more ways than one, Payton is not your average student. He is always looking for ways to achieve community among the students and staff at Terminal Park. For instance, Payton helped pioneer Terminal Park’s morning and afternoon greeter program. In his role he greets students with a warm welcome in the morning and wishes them a good evening as they leave in the afternoon. Many other students now also participate in this program.

Additionally, Payton has volunteered as a student crossing guard substitute, and now as a fifth grader, he is a full-time patrolman. Every day he comes to school early and stays late to make sure students cross the street safely to and from school. Despite the many days Payton stands out in the pouring rain, he is always smiling and always available to help his fellow student.

Payton also has been a member of the school’s snack n’ study program since he was in kindergarten. This program has helped Payton establish a strong afternoon study time routine. 

Payton’s positive attitude impacts his success in extracurricular activities as well. With the support of his family, he participates in soccer and baseball. He also was elected ASB treasurer this year by his peers. Payton is a joy to be around according to his classmates and teachers. He has found an ideal balance between taking school seriously and living life to its fullest. “He is a true inspiration,” says Principal Tim Carstens.

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