Ridgefield School District honors October employee and students of the month

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The Ridgefield School District recognized its employee and students of the month at a school board meeting on Oct. 11. 

Aubree Beeks, a site nurse for South Ridge Elementary School, was honored as the employee of the month for being “an absolute joy to work with.” Beeks is credited with creating a loving, welcoming and happy environment while she shows kindness and compassion for the students who come into her office. She knows when someone needs a hug or needs to talk about something, but also establishes boundaries so students are sent back to class.  “I used to work in the jail, so there isn’t much that is going to surprise me,” Beeks stated in the release. 

Brynna Carver, a pre-K student, was selected as the student of the month at the Early Learning Center. Carver is described as a kid who is always willing to help her teachers and friends, has great listening skills, and is a friend to everyone. She is also described as a role model who often gives her classmates friendly reminders for support. 

Isabella Ibarra, a fourth grader, was picked as the student of the month at South Ridge Elementary School. The release described Ibarra as a hard worker who easily adapted to her new school and peers. “I nominated Isabella because I can’t imagine my class without her. She models grace, positivity, kindness, and the 3 Rs,” her teacher stated in the release. 

Josiah Kuyarov, a fourth grader, was chosen as the student of the month at Union Ridge Elementary School. The release stated Kuyarov is respectful, responsible, and resilient, as well as always ready to learn. He consistently takes initiative to follow his schedule, has his materials ready, and is flexible when things change. Kuyarov is also described as an attentive student who actively participates in classroom discussions. 

Mateo Garcia, a sixth grader, was selected as the student of the month at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School. Garcia is described as respectful to everyone around him, resilient because of his determination to succeed, and responsible with all of his assignments. “Mateo is a pleasure to work with and an honor to know as a quality human being,” stated the release. 

Malikai Ikonomou, a sixth grader, was picked as the student of the month at Wisdom Ridge Academy. Despite the challenges Ikonomou faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, he found ways to flourish, stated the release. “Kai stands out for his unassuming type of brilliance in academics and unwavering kindness toward his peers. Kai’s work submissions are indicative of tremendous effort to be thorough and to make meaning of his learning,” Ikonomou’s teacher stated in the release. 

August Hynning, an eighth grader, was chosen as the student of the month for View Ridge Middle School. The news release stated Hynning cares deeply about others and strives to make the school a better place. “August is an amazing student to start the day with, being engaged with what we are doing, and always willing to share out and participate,” Hynning’s teacher stated in the release. 

Caige Sothern, a senior, was selected as the student of the month at Ridgefield High School. One teacher described Sothern as “truly one of the most kind, inclusive and hardworking humans I have ever had the privilege of knowing.” Others noted his quiet confidence, dependability, patience, genuineness, kind spirit and positive influence. Sothern said his demeanor was inspired by his grandma, who taught him to always treat others how they wanted to be treated. Sothern is active in the theater club. He hopes to one day be an art teacher.