The Student Spotlight segment of each Board meeting celebrates a student or a group of students who are living out the Portrait of an LPS Graduate, which highlights the life skills each LPS graduate should have. Tomorrow’s workers will succeed by constantly adapting to the changing world around them, and today’s students must begin by learning and developing life skills - where every student should be well-adjusted, thriving, and balanced.

Additionally, students will develop skills in:

• Communication
• Global/Cultural Awareness
• Character & Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving and Adaptability
• Creativity and Risk Taking
• Resiliency and Collaboration
• Self Advocacy
• All surrounding Rigorous and Relevant Academic Skills

LPS strives to implement opportunities to grow these skills at every level of education and recognize students of all ages. At their regularly scheduled meeting on February 27, 2025, the Board recognized students from Newton Middle School and Goddard Middle School during the Student Spotlight.

Newton Middle School
Keaton Bradley is an eighth grader at Newton Middle School. Over his three years, he has performed successfully in all of Newton’s highest level classes. He will continue on in high school with a credit in Spanish 1, but also an Algebra and a Geometry credit as well. This is a testament to his RIGOROUS and RELEVANT ACADEMIC SKILLS. He has had some of the larger roles in our school musicals over his three years, starring in Willy Wonka, High School Musical, and this year as Gaston in the Beauty and the Beast. This is all while performing in multiple musical and theater performances at the same time outside of Newton through Audience of One. Over the last year he has been in many shows from Shrek and A Christmas Carol, to his current shows that he is preparing as Simba in The Lion King and then also in Guys and Dolls. He goes above and beyond in all that he does and epitomizes the Portrait of an LPS Graduate, especially being WELL-ADJUSTED, THRIVING, and BALANCED. Congratulations, Keaton!

When Principal Brian Wyckhuyse asked the eighth grade teachers whom they recommended for Student Spotlight, every single one of Samuel Leclaire's teachers recommended him. Sam comes to school every day looking for an opportunity to learn something new. He is engaged in every lesson, participates appropriately, asks clarifying questions and is willing to work with any of his classmates, epitomizing the Portrait of a Graduate trait of having RIGOROUS and RELEVANT ACADEMIC SKILLS.  What makes Sam unique is he truly knows that there is a lot of value in his education and never takes a learning opportunity for granted. He chooses his words wisely and leads through quiet strength. His principal said, “We are so blessed every day to have him attend Newton.”

Payton Napolilli was described by her principal as “the busiest student I know.” Her leadership shines in everything she is a part of. She is currently involved in National Junior Honor Society, WEB (Where Everyone Belongs), and is active in student council. Additionally, she ran track in the fall, where she won first place in many races at the district meet. She played basketball on Newton’s championship basketball team. She is currently playing volleyball. Outside of school, she plays on a competitive soccer team as well as a competitive lacrosse team. Additionally, she is taking Algebra and Spanish 1 to get some high school credits, along with Newton’s Accelerated Language Arts class, with 3.5s and 4s in all of her classes last semester. She does it all with a smile on her face, and it may look like she does it with ease, but the truth is, she really does it all with a tremendous work ethic, ADAPTABILITY, CHARACTER, and striving to get the most out of her time. She also joins the principal with a friend every morning to do the morning announcements and Pledge of Allegiance. She recently approached school administration asking if the Unified Basketball support positions were filled, and she was able to join the Unified Basketball team, giving up some more of her precious little time to support Newton’s Unified athletes. She really has left her mark on the Newton community!

Goddard Middle School
Every few years you get a group of extraordinary students who are leaders and role models all three years of their middle school journey. These four eighth graders were recognized for the profoundly positive impact they have had on the entire school. The incredible thing about this group is that they are the best of friends, too.

Cooper Snee demonstrates leadership that shines through in the classroom and also as an NJHS officer. Cooper is an eighth grade WEB leader who mentors sixth grade students. He demonstrates learning beyond grade level in the majority of his classes, demonstrating his RIGOROUS and RELEVANT ACADEMIC SKILLS. Cooper has the highest of CHARACTER: he is kind, conscientious, responsible, and sweet. You can always count on Cooper to corral his fellow eighth graders to stay focused and get their work done. He is a pleasure to be around for students and adults!

Maggie Snee is a kind and quiet leader who goes out of her way to connect with all of her peers, fostering a climate of inclusion. Maggie is also in NJHS and an eighth grade WEB leader who mentors sixth grade students. She has incredible CHARACTER and integrity, she is very respectful of peers and staff members and is always willing to help others. Maggie always has a smile on her face that is contagious to those around her. She is a true joy to have in the eighth grade and principal Bryan Breuer said, “We are so lucky she is one of our student leaders.”

Jayna Broer is an outgoing leader for her eighth grade class. She goes out of her way to be inclusive of others, making sure that all students–not just those in her friend group–feel included. Jayna is kind, respectful, and responsible. Jayna is in NJHS and an eighth grade WEB leader. She’s an incredible leader whom school staff can always rely on to get things done. Goddard really counts on Jayna's presence every day--her CHARACTER is second to none.

Claire Samson is a strong leader in the classroom and around the GMS community. She is a model student who is eager to help her peers and is always passionate, kind, and patient. Claire is in NJHS and an eighth grade WEB leader. She also showcased real CREATIVITY and COLLABORATION by co-founding the eighth grader “happy days” club about spreading positivity throughout the school to promote positive culture. Claire is a true role model for others.