KCPS Honors Six Students As Scholar Superstars

The Kansas City Public Schools Board of Directors and Superintendent Mark Bedell recognized the following students as Scholar Superstars during a virtual School Board meeting Wednesday evening, Dec. 9.

Sareena Baker-Brown

Sareena Baker-Brown is a third-grader at Trailwoods Elementary School.

Sareena is a very hard-working student. Her teachers value her leadership and appreciate her effort to never give up even when the content is tough. She can be counted on to lead discussions with classmates by modeling her thinking or debating and justifying answers.

"I feel lucky to have Sareena in class!"

 

Scholar Superstar Nomination

 

Elizabeth Cushon 

Elizabeth Cushon is a third-grader at Benjamin Banneker Elementary School. 

Elizabeth is bright young woman with an even brighter future ahead of her. Elizabeth developed enormously and is putting her academic focus into drive. With the right structure, parent and staff support, Elizabeth has become a star scholar. She engages in class work and is inquisitive about content. She has such a bright personality that she is often featured in KCPS videos.  

“We at Banneker are so proud of the transformation Elizabeth Cushon has made within the last year and are so lucky to have her.”

Scholar Superstar Nomination

Angie Corrales

Angie Corrales is a kindergartener at Trailwoods Elementary School. 

Angie has taken distance learning and absolutely rocked it. She is dedicated to attending every class meeting, and her passion for learning is evident in every enthusiastic response she gives. Her teachers have watched her blossom from a shy, quiet kid, to a bold and determined student who is confident in her ability to practice and master anything that comes her way.  

“I've been stunned by the independence and persistence she has shown over the last several weeks. The best part is she isn't only growing academically, she's also flourishing socially, setting a great example for the other shy kids as she greets her friends by name every morning on our video calls. She has been a great leader in our class, and her great attitude is simply infectious.”

Scholar Superstar Nomination

MyShayla Hayes

MyShayla Hayes is a sophomore at Central High School. 

MyShayla was nominated for this award by her algebra teacher because of her focus and persistence in class. In a rigorous Algebra I class, MyShayla earned an A and was “Proficient” on the state end-of-course exam. 

“Algebra doesn't always come easy to her, but she works at it until she masters each concept that is taught. When she doesn't understand, she IMMEDIATELY asks for help. She is one of the few students who voluntarily unmutes and responds to questions posed in the Google Meet classroom sessions.”

Scholar Superstar Nomination

Aiden Hedquist

Aiden Hedquist is a fourth-grader in the Kansas City Virtual Academy. 

Aiden is always focused on making progress in his KCVA class. He constantly reaches out to see if there is anything he could do better.  He has overcome challenges and never missed a beat. He is very encouraging with his classmates.  

“During one of our class meetings, another student was given recognition for something and Aiden congratulated him. Aiden is always positive in every aspect of his life.”

Scholar Superstar Nomination

Yan Vera

Yan Vera is in sixth grade at Carver Dual Language Elementary. 

Yan's positive attitude is contagious. He brings a smile to any group he joins and is extremely kind and helpful to others. Not only is he kind, but he is a hard worker! He never has late or missing assignments and always reaches out if he has a question or needs clarification.  

“Yan is a ray of sunshine! This year would not be the same without him!”

Scholar Superstar Nomination