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
• Adaptability
• Creativity
• Risk-Taking
• Resiliency
• 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 September 26, 2023, the Board of Education recognized 3 students from Sandburg Elementary School and a student in LPS’s Voyager Program.

Charlotte Denham was nominated for the Student Spotlight by her teacher at Sandburg, Mrs. Egan. Mrs. Egan said, “When I think of Charlotte, the words that come to mind are thoughtful, generous, and empathetic. She shows leadership through her kind actions, work ethic, and advocacy for others. Charlotte is a creative thinker who collaborates well with any group and is inclusive to all. Charlotte’s presence in our classroom makes it a better place.” Clearly Charlotte embodies the Portrait of a Graduate traits of Character, Creativity, and Collaboration! 

Christopher Vaden is the epitome of the Portrait of an LPS Graduate, according to his teacher, Mrs. LeDuc. She said, “Christopher has worked through some challenges over the years and has overcome some difficult academic situations. He has persevered through his challenges and comes to class with a positive attitude and is prepared to be a productive learner. He is beginning to push himself, recognizing he can change, grow, and be successful at whatever he puts his mind to. He is a positive student in class and a friend to others.” Christopher’s example of all the traits of the LPS Graduate, but especially Resiliency and Self Advocacy, are why he is being celebrated this evening.

Oscar Thompson is here tonight with words of recognition from his teacher, Mrs. James. She said, “I am so pleased to spotlight Oscar for demonstrating the characteristic of Risk-Taking. A few weeks ago, 5th graders had the opportunity to run for a position on student council. Oscar brought in his application right away and excitedly turned it in. Once other students arrived and started talking about it, Oscar started to question whether he really wanted to run and seemed a bit nervous about the idea of competing against others in front of the whole 5th grade in an election. He asked if he could take his application back. I told him he could, if he really wanted to, but he should think carefully about it first. He may have to be vulnerable, but the chance of being on student council might be worth the risk. After giving it some thought, he decided to go for it. Oscar was elected and is now a hard-working member of the student council team! He persevered through the doubtful feelings and took the risk even when it was a little scary. Way to go, Oscar!”

Vincent Coriano is a student in LPS’s Voyager Program, which is a collaborative program that provides a blended instructional setting for LPS high school students. Vincent is one of the most welcoming students and is happy to partner with anyone to collaborate on class activities. He will actively seek out people who might not appear to be included, both in- and outside the classroom, and he is the first to volunteer to join another group, regardless of who is in it. He is a positive force that brings a smile, a joke or two, and a willingness to genuinely listen to what others have to say. He inspires confidence in others to participate and have their voices heard. Since being at Voyager, Vincent has taken ownership of his learning and has excelled in his classes. He’s shown that he can think critically about complex problems and uses information he learns to make connections, develop new ideas to experiment with, and change his mind as his understanding evolves. Outside of his time at Voyager, Vincent has committed himself to taking advantage of the Construction Trades Pathway at EPIC, taking both Construction Design and Intro to Construction this semester. Vincent is looking forward to an internship opportunity in the spring, as well. Vincent exemplifies the Portrait of a Graduate traits of Communication, Character, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Self-Advocacy. We are excited to see how Vincent continues to thrive this year!