Southern Ute Student of the Season-Kandin Johnson
My name is Kandin Johnson, my parents are Candi Valencia and Brandon Johnson and I attend Ignacio Middle School where I am an eighth grader. I have been nominated Southern Ute Student of the Season for Fall of 2024 because I have done a really good job at school this year and my teachers have noticed! I am trying hard!
My favorite subjects are math and science, and I also enjoy physical education so I can be active. My positive role models include my dad, mom, my nina and my grandma Neda. When I grow up I would like to be an engineer because I enjoy working with computers and hands-on activities.
Southern Ute Education Teacher Julie Stone nominated Johnson, and she shared her comments on his achievements, “Kandin is a joy to work with, he is fun and easy going he has made great strides in his academics this school year. He is kind, respectful, and very inventive. Kandin is a master at taking things apart and putting them back together.”
“Kandin is a respectful student and he often shares what he thinks in class. He is fun and well-liked by his peers, I enjoy having Kandin in class especially when he shares his laugh!”
Family comments, “We are proud of Kandin and the accomplishments he is making this year in school. Kandin is a joy to be around, he’s always happy and making others laugh. Kandin, keep up the good work, always be kind and respectful. Your family is so proud of you!”
Southern Ute Student of the Season-Zalissa Johnson
My name is Zalissa Johnson, my parents are Candi Valencia and Brandon Johnson and I attend Ignacio Elementary School where I am a first grader. I have been nominated Southern Ute Student of the Season for Fall of 2024. My favorite subject is math, and I enjoy playing with my friends at school. My positive role models include my mom, dad, my brothers, aunties, and Ms. Wagner. When I grow up, I would like to be a teacher.
Southern Ute Education Teacher Denise Krispin nominated Johnson, and she shared her comments on her nomination, “I am happy to nominate Zalissa Johnson for Southern Ute Student of the Season. Zalissa works hard and stays focused on her learning at school and at after-school tutoring. She is excelling in both literacy and math because she approaches new challenges with a positive attitude. Zalissa is kind, helpful, and a good friend to her classmates. She has good attendance, and I look forward to her warm smile and cheerful greetings every day at school. Keep up the wonderful work Zalissa and congratulations!”
Her classroom teacher Ms. Ashika Wagner said, “I am so proud of Zalissa Johnson for being our SU Student of the Season. She possesses many qualities of being a responsible person in the classroom. Zalissa always listens attentively to instructions within our whole and small group activities. She assists others when needed and never hesitates to stop what she is doing to help others. Zalissa takes her time finishing schoolwork to ensure her work is perfect. She loves to take on new challenges and always comes to school with a smile. She is soon to be on second grade material on Lexia. Zalissa received a Bobcat Award for being our ‘Writer-Cat Future Novelist’ because she comes up with creative stories. She has outstanding handwriting, and she comes to school each day prepared to learn and with a positive attitude. She is a wonderful student in my class. Congratulations Zalissa!”
Family comments, “Zalissa is such a joy to be around, and she has a big heart. She is a great friend to all that she meets, she is always willing to help when needed. Zalissa continues to strive in her academics and always pushes herself to be great. She is kind, respectful and responsible. Zalissa, we are so proud of you, keep being amazing!”