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 and Cultural Awareness
Character and Critical Thinking
Problem Solving and Adaptability
Creativity and Risk Taking
Resiliency and Collaboration
Self Advocacy
All surrounding Rigorous and Relevant Academic Skills
In LPS, we strive to implement opportunities to grow these skills at every level of education, and we recognize students of all ages.
At the regularly scheduled meeting on February 5, 2026, the Board of Education recognized students from Goddard and Powell middle schools.
Goddard Middle School
Sixth grader Ben McGraw is a true Portrait of an LPS Graduate because he demonstrates CHARACTER, compassion, and a strong commitment to service both in and out of school. He gives his time to help others through volunteer work with the nonprofit organization A Little Help, supporting elderly community members, and through his involvement with the Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association. His decision to participate in Unified basketball further reflects his dedication to inclusion, teamwork, and respect for all. Polite, hardworking, and service-oriented, Ben consistently uses his time and talents to make a positive impact on others, and he is an asset to Goddard Middle School and LPS!
AJ Barber is Goddard’s seventh grade Spotlight Student because he exemplifies the values of the Portrait of an LPS Graduate through his exceptional COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATIVE spirit, and strong CHARACTER. He communicates clearly and positively with both peers and adults, listens attentively, and ensures others feel heard and valued. As a collaborator and leader, AJ recognizes and celebrates the strengths of those around him, working toward shared goals in academics, sports, and clubs. He holds himself to the highest standards of integrity and consistently pushes himself and others to be their best, balancing leadership with genuine empathy and inspiring those around him to do the same. We are fortunate AJ is a part of our LPS community!
Jalen Watson, an eighth grader at Goddard, exemplifies the Portrait of an LPS Graduate through his strong CHARACTER, GLOBAL AND CULTURAL AWARENESS, and inclusive leadership. He consistently ADVOCATES FOR HIMSELF and others, responds positively and ADAPTABLY in all situations, and leads with kindness and integrity. His commitment to inclusion is evident in how he supports and befriends peers at all times, not just when it is convenient. As a No Place for Hate student, he actively promotes respect and belonging across the school. Coupled with his passion for sports, politeness, compassion, and natural leadership, he truly reflects the qualities LPS strives to develop in all graduates.
Powell Middle School
A group of Powell Middle School’s eighth graders were recognized for their invaluable contributions to the Powell community as PRIDE Mentors.
Powell’s PRIDE Leaders work with incoming sixth grade students to make them feel comfortable and connected to the Powell family. Within the PRIDE Leaders, there is a specialized subgroup known as PRIDE Mentors, and they are:
Decker Esquibel
Brooklynn Railsback
Violet Damschroder
Blake Elstun
Annalicia Hernandez
Laila Parks
Evelyn Preisinger
Lisbeth Berkeland
Izora Kolberg
Evan Thurmond
Emma Assouline
These exceptional students are selected to provide one-on-one support to sixth graders who benefit from extra connection. Chosen for their outstanding CHARACTER and strong COMMUNICATION skills, PRIDE Mentors meet monthly after school, often prioritizing this connection over personal time or other activities to be there.
Beyond simply hanging out, they engage students in meaningful conversation and teach essential SELF-ADVOCACY skills for both academics and life. By providing a consistent, watchful connection to an older peer, PRIDE Mentors create a profound sense of belonging that positively shapes the culture of Powell and the lives of their sixth graders mentees. We are so proud to recognize this group this evening. The world needs more people like these PRIDE Mentors, and we in LPS are very lucky to have students like these.
