South Middle
Student
of the Week

Rodrigo Meza

Rodrigo is an eighth grader at South Middle School. At school, he loves getting to learn new and exciting things. His favorite part of school is learning about the world around him. Outside of school, he attends an after school program and likes spending time with his family. After high school, he plans to continue his education and attend college. Some fun facts about Rodrigo are that he has two dogs, Taco and Benny, and one cat, Eden. He also likes genetic engineering.

Izabella Trostle

Izabella is a seventh grader at South Middle School. At school, she is involved in KAY Club. Her favorite part of school is getting to participate in fun activities with her friends. Outside of school, she stays active by playing volleyball. After high school, she plans to attend college and become a veterinarian. Some fun facts about Izabella are that she loves doing diamond art and has one dog and two chinchillas.

Irelynn Raasch

Irelynn is a sixth grader at South Middle School. At school, she is involved in Bingo Club. Her favorite class is math because she likes solving problems and working with numbers. Outside of school, she stays active by participating in gymnastics, softball and volleyball. After high school, she plans to attend the University of Nebraska and pursue a career as a doctor or teacher. Some fun facts about Irelynn are that she has been doing gymnastics since she was two, and she has three dogs.

Nateah Love

Nateah is an eighth grader at South Middle School. At school, she is on the cheer team. Her favorite part of school is the social aspect that allows her to make new connections with her classmates. Outside of school, she stays active as a twirler. After high school, she plans to continue her education in college. Some fun facts about Nateah are that she has four cats and one dog.

Ray Shelton

Ray is a seventh grader at South Middle School. At school, he is on the track team. His favorite part of school is math class because he finds it the most interesting subject. Outside of school, he enjoys playing soccer. After high school, he plans to attend Salina Area Technical College and become an automotive mechanic. Some fun facts about Ray are that he has two dogs, loves playing soccer and enjoys taking trips to Mexico with his family.

Viviana Carmona

Viviana is a sixth grader at South Middle School. At school, she is involved with the KAY club. Her favorite part of school is interacting with her teachers because of how supportive they are. Outside of school, she participates in hip hop dance, acting and singing classes. After high school, she plans on attending college and becoming a psychologist or a marine biologist. Some fun facts about Viviana are that she loves to read, write, play volleyball and swim. She also has one younger brother and a pet named Oreo.

Linxton Dusseau

Linxton is an eighth grader at South Middle School. At school, he is on the football, wrestling and track teams. His favorite part of school is interacting with his teachers, and he appreciates how caring and willing to help all of his teachers are. Outside of school, he wrestles and plays baseball. After high school, he plans on continuing his athletic career and also becoming a welder or firefighter. Some fun facts about Linxton are that he has three dogs and five siblings. He also loves to play pickleball and disc golf with his friends and family.

Isabella Phomchaleun.

Isabella is a seventh grader at South Middle School. At school, she is involved in orchestra and yearbook. She enjoys orchestra the most because she loves playing her instrument. Outside of school, she spends her time as a babysitter. After high school, she plans on becoming a therapist or a school counselor. Some fun facts about Isabella are that she has four older sisters and she loves babysitting her younger cousins.

Quinn Poland

Quinn is a sixth grader at South Middle School. At school, she helps with concession stand setup, delivers teachers their coffee on Coffee Wednesdays and assists with the recycling program. She enjoys painting in art classes. Outside of school, she plays basketball. Quinn is keeping her options open and exploring all possibilities for after high school. A fun fact about Quinn is that she has been to London and Paris.

Isaak Esparza
Isaak is an eighth grader at South Middle School. At school, he is involved with guitar and enjoys learning about nature and the human body in science class. Outside of school, he likes to spend his free time drawing and jumping on his trampoline. After high school, he plans to attend college and start a career. Some fun facts about Isaak include that he has one older sister, one older brother and a cat named Dugan.

Emma Rodriguez
Emma is a sixth grader at South Middle School. At school, her favorite class is music because she fi nds it fun and interesting. After high school, Emma plans to attend the University of Kansas and study interior design. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family and playing with her two sisters. Some fun facts about Emma are that she likes to read and draw and she has one dog.

Grace Lee
Grace is a seventh grader at South Middle School. At school, she helps with coffee delivery and school recycling and her favorite class is music with Mrs. Thelen. Outside of school, Grace enjoys spending quality time with her family. After high school, she plans to pursue endeavors involving singing, dancing and technology, three of her main interests. Some fun facts about Grace are that she likes listening to country music in her free time, she loves meeting new people and she has an older sister who also attended South.

Daxton Tyner

Daxton is a seventh grader at South Middle School. At school, he is involved with band and guitar. Daxton’s favorite classes are band and guitar because he loves how his teachers make learning fun. He also loves Mr. Mike for his kindness and friendly personality. Outside of school, he spends his free time playing baseball. After high school, he plans to move to a bigger city, pursue culinary arts and become a chef. Some fun facts about Daxton are that he has a cat named Weezer named after the band and he has one brother.

Jorge Morales Gonzalez
Jorge is an eighth grader at South Middle School. At school, his favorite class is math. Outside of school, he works, helps out at home and enjoys spending quality time with his friends. After high school, he plans to go to school for welding and then enter the workforce. Some fun facts about Jorge are that he prides himself in being very respectful, he has one younger sister and one older sister, and he loves spending his free time with friends and playing soccer.

Lucas Goodrich

Lucas is a seventh grader at South Middle School. At school, he is in band, advanced English and a member of the Chess Club. Lucas’s favorite class is band because he loves playing instruments and listening to music. Outside of school, he plays basketball, video games and enjoys swimming in his pool. After high school, Lucas plans to attend the Rhode Island School of Design and pursue a career related to drawing, like animation, cartoonist or graphic design. Some fun facts about Lucas include that he has 1 cat, 2 dogs, plays the saxophone and is very interested in art, science and how the world works

Charlee Finnell

Charlee is a seventh grader at South Middle School. She is involved in cheer and yearbook. Her favorite parts of school are math because she enjoys working with numbers, and reading because she liked the book The Outsiders. Outside of school, she is involved in her church. After high school, she wants to go to college for accounting or start her own business. Some fun facts about her are that she has two brothers and two sisters, she participates in cheer and tennis and she creates games and posters for the yearbook.

Sebastian Smith

Sebastian is a sixth grader at South Middle School. At school, he is involved in Student Council. His favorite parts of school are spending time with his friends and learning new things every day. His favorite subjects are math and reading because, he says, “Mrs. Jennings and Mrs. Boyles are the best.” After high school, Sebastian wants to go to college for football or basketball and hopes to play a sport professionally. Some fun facts about him are that he enjoys playing sports, learning, video games and playing outside with friends.

Levi Furgison

Levi is an eighth grader at South Middle School. At school, he is involved in FCA, football, wrestling and track. His favorite parts of school are FCA and weightlifting class. After high school, he wants to go to Pennsylvania State University for wrestling. Some fun facts about him are that he enjoys playing sports and hanging out with his friends around town.

Brenden Hopkins

Brenden is a seventh grader at South Middle School. At school, he enjoys attending assemblies and celebrations. His favorite part of school is seeing his friends and getting to run around in P.E. Outside of school, he goes on walks, plays on his trampoline and swings with his sister. After high school, he wants to travel the world with his mom. Some fun facts about him are that he is always happy and he loves spending time with his siblings and cousins.

Marilyn Barajas

Marilyn is a seventh grader at South Middle School. She is involved in the Student Belonging Committee and orchestra. At school, math is her favorite class because it’s the subject she feels most confident in and excels at. Beyond the classroom, she spends her time playing softball. After high school, she plans to attend veterinary school and hopes to earn a scholarship. Some fun facts about her are that she has three dogs, is an only child, moved to Kansas from Texas when she was four and collects Funko Pops.

Paige Gennette

Paige is an eighth grader at South Middle School. She is involved in guitar and serves as a student aide in the library. Her favorite classes are history, art, guitar and being a library aide because they allow her to be creative and helpful. She also enjoys her teachers. Outside of school, she likes helping others and doing art. After high school, she plans to attend college to become a baker. Some fun facts about her are that she loves to draw, bake and dye her hair because they allow her to express herself. She also has two brothers and one sister.

Harper Wood

Harper is a sixth grader at South Middle School. At school, she is involved in Student Council. Her favorite part about school is having multiple classes a day because it switches things up and gives her variety. Outside of school she plays softball and attends church. After high school, she plans to attend college. In her free time, she enjoys playing sports, hanging out with friends and traveling.

Betsy Blake

Betsy is a seventh grader at South Middle School. She is involved in volleyball, band, guitar, FCA, StuCo, advanced reading and math. Her favorite part of school is the positive environment teachers create. Her favorite teacher is Mrs. Cooper because she engages with her students. Outside of school, Betsy plays softball, volleyball and she attends Church. She is unsure of her plans after high school. Some fun facts about Betsy are that she has one dog named Rowdy, a brother named Tate and she enjoys going to K-State football games.

James Berens

James is an eighth grader at South Middle School. His favorite part about school is guitar class because he enjoys playing and the teacher makes it fun. After high school, he plans on going to Salina Area Technical College to major in automotive technology. Some fun facts about him are that he is the youngest of five children, he has three brothers, one sister, one niece, one nephew, two cats and one dog.

Shealynn Main

Shealynn is an eighth grader at South Middle School. She is involved in Sensations and advanced English. Her favorite part of school is seeing her friends, and her favorite class is Sensations because she loves to sing. Outside of school, she participates in gymnastics. After high school, she plans to go to college. Some fun facts about her are that she loves to read, she has three cats and three dogs and she has landed a back handspring.

Greyson Frazier

Greyson is a seventh grader at South Middle School. At school, Greyson is involved in football, orchestra and guitar. His favorite subject is math because it challenges him to think deeply. Outside of school, he is involved in his church and plays baseball. After high school Greyson wants to go to college and study analytics. Some fun facts about him are that he has one brother, one sister, two dogs, two cats and he goes to church every Sunday.

Annie Gibson

Annie is a sixth grader at South Middle School. At school, she is involved in KAY Club and the gifted class. Her favorite part of school is having amazing classes with teachers and peers she loves being around. Outside of school, she participates in volleyball, softball, piano, babysitting and art. Annie plans to attend Oklahoma State University and continue her athletic career. Some fun facts about her are that she has a brother named Pierce, a dog, a bunny and her favorite color is green.

Juliette Garcia

Juliette is an eighth grader at South Middle School. At school, she is involved in advanced guitar. Her favorite part about school is getting to be with her friends, make connections with teachers and learn new things. Outside of school, Juliette plays club soccer and volunteers at her church. After high school, Juliette plans on going to college to become a pediatrician. Some fun facts about Juliette are that she is bilingual, she has one dog and she loves to be social.

Keaton Ebert

Keaton is a seventh grader at South Middle School. He is involved in football, basketball and yearbook. His favorite subject is P.E. because he gets to be active with friends. Outside of school, he plays piano, basketball and soccer for the CKU Pursuit. After high school, he plans to go to college and continue playing soccer.

Mya Fulkerson

Mya is a sixth grader at South Middle School. At school, she is involved in tennis, volleyball, softball, band, and gifted. Her favorite class is history. Outside of school, Mya swims competitively and serves as an altar server at her church. She enjoys spending her free time reading. After high school, she plans to attend college. A fun fact about Mya is that she has a cat named Stan.

Jaden Amador

Jaden is an eighth grader at South Middle School. He loves learning new things and focusing on his education. Jaden has participated in every Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) celebration, which was one of his goals. He is also involved in multiple athletic activities. Outside of school, Jaden spends his time training for track and cross-country. After high school, he plans to earn a scholarship for track and join the Air Force. Some fun facts about him include that his favorite food is spaghetti, he has two dogs, Roxy and Canela, and he holds a school record in track for the 3200 meter run.

Sophia Li

Sophia is a seventh grader at South Middle School. She enjoys learning new things and making new friends. Sophia is on the tennis team at SMS and spends her free time playing tennis. She is currently ranked No. 8 in Kansas in tennis. After high school, she plans to attend college and pursue entrepreneurship. A fun fact about her is that she can solve a Rubik’s Cube.

Levi Friesen
Levi is a sixth grader at South Middle School. He looks forward to the hands-on learning experiences offered at school and enjoys having a sense of responsibility. His favorite classes are science, reading and P.E. Outside of school, Levi plays basketball and baseball; he is the pitcher and third baseman for his team. After high school, he plans to further his education in the field of technology. Some fun facts about him include that he enjoys playing video games, spending time with his friends and playing sports. He has one younger brother, a cat and seven fish.

Layden Davidson-Gutierrez
Layden is an eighth grader at South Middle School. At school, he is involved with PBIS, recycling, the coffee cart and in choir. His favorite subjects are FACS with Mr. Robinette and music with Mr. Dees. His favorite teacher is Mrs. Elliot. Outside of school, Layden likes watching TV, shopping and going through the car wash. In the future, he plans to continue doing the things he enjoys, such as spending time within the community and spending quality time with his family. Some fun facts about him include that he has a dog named Cookie, loves Koo Koo Kanga Roo dance breaks and has several songs and videos memorized word for word.

Izayah Tucker

Izayah is an eighth grader at South Middle School. As a first year student at South Middle, he has been focused on his school work while eagerly looking ahead to high school, where he hopes to explore new opportunities and connect with new people. Izayah appreciates all of the staff at SMS and his favorite class is English. He enjoys his English teacher’s style of teaching and straightforward outlook. After high school, he plans to attend a culinary arts college to pursue his dream of becoming a chef or baker. Outside of school, Izayah likes going on walks, going to the gym, spending time with his family and listening to music. Some fun facts about him include that he has one cat and two dogs, he lives with his mother, father, grandma, younger sister and brother and he loves spending time outside and exploring the world!

Owen Miller
Owen is a seventh grader at South Middle School. His favorite classes are P.E. and advanced math. At school, Owen enjoys meeting new and friendly people. He is a member of the cross-country and track teams, and competes in long-distance events. Outside of school, Owen is involved in Scouts and loves spending time outdoors. His favorite activities include walking, running, biking, geocaching and visiting his grandpa’s farm to drive four-wheelers. After high school, he plans to attend college and study tech or agriculture. Some fun facts about him include that he enjoys playing video games, spending time with his family of four and their miniature schnauzer, Izzy.

Ehan Ali

Ehan is a sixth grader at South Middle School. At school, he is a member of the Kahoot Club. Outside of school, he plays basketball and soccer for the CKU Shockers. His favorite part of SMS is his teachers—he appreciates their teaching styles and the support they provide him. After high school, he hopes to attend college to further his education and pursue a professional soccer career. A few fun facts about Ehan include that he had two parrots named Leo and Keo, and he enjoys collecting colorful rocks in his free time.

Gabrielle Henry

Gabrielle is an eighth grader at South Middle School. At school, she enjoys attending assemblies, creating art projects, participating in activities and earning rewards, such as PBIS celebrations. Outside of school, Gabrielle loves spending quality time with her dad and watching YouTube videos together. After high school, she plans to focus on activities she is passionate about and continue spending meaningful time with her dad. A fun fact about Gabrielle is that she loves watching Curious George and Care Bears because they make her smile and laugh.

Jaimy Vasquez Sanchez

Jaimy is an eighth grader at South Middle School. She is a member of the volleyball team and plans to join the track team as well. Her favorite subject is math, she enjoys how it stimulates her brain and challenges her. She also loves her guitar class and loves playing in concerts alongside her friends. After high school, Jaimy plans to attend college and become a dentist. Outside of school, she attends church weekly and is currently taking confirmation classes in the Catholic Church. In her free time, Jaimy enjoys spending time with her family and practicing her volleyball and soccer skills. Fun facts about her include her love of latenight drives and getting Wingstop with her older sister!

Riley Miller
Riley is a seventh grader at South Middle School. She admires all of her teachers for their dedication and looks up to them for always giving their best to students. Riley enjoys math, guitar, and vocals. She looks forward to talking with her friends and seeing them at school. Riley spends her free time attending church, riding her scooter, and running. She loves to run and plans to do cross-country next year. After high school, Riley will attend college and become a storm chaser, as she's fascinated with the study of tornadoes. Some fun facts about her include that she has three dogs named Puppy, Luna and Fluffy. Her cat is no longer with us but is held fondly in Riley’s heart. Riley also cherishes her family, appreciating their love and all that they do for her.

Fiona Wheeler

Fiona is a sixth grader at South Middle School. She is a member of the orchestra, and enjoys the challenges it brings. Equally, Fiona enjoys science as she finds the curriculum interesting. Outside of school, she plays volleyball, volunteers at Coronado Elementary, practices her instrument and reads her Bible. Fiona plans to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with the goal of becoming a biochemist for the Army. Fun facts about her include that she has one sister and three dogs.

Jimena Torres

Jimena is an eighth grader at South Middle School. She is a member of the track team, the orchestra and in FACS. For Jimena, the highlight of school is spending time with her friends and enjoying engaging, fun classes. Her friends are always there to brighten her day and bring a smile to her face. Outside of school, she is a member of a Catholic youth group for her confirmation. She spends her free time hanging out with friends, playing soccer and making memories with her family. After high school Jimena plans to pursue anesthesiology and work in that field. A fun fact about Jimena is she enjoys doing puzzles.

Finley Eilts

Finley is a seventh grader at South Middle School. Each day she looks forward to seeing all of her teachers, they are her favorite part of South Middle. In her freetime, Finley enjoys expressing her imagination and love for animals through playing with her Littlest Pet Shop and Schleich horses. She is considering two pathways after high school graduation, veterinary medicine or becoming a preschool educator. A fun fact about Finley is that she has one dog named Maple!

Tyla Mindrup

Tyla is a sixth grader at South Middle School. At school, she is a member of the KAY Club and enjoys learning math and social studies. She also looks forward to seeing her favorite teacher Mr. Allen. Outside of school, Tyla is passionate about gymnastics. Currently, she is in the Xcel Silver (level four) at the YMCA, and is working towards her dream of becoming an Olympic gymnast. A fun fact about Tyla is that she also plays volleyball, and this is her first year playing.

Ella Chamberlain

Ella is an eighth grader at South Middle School. She loves advanced math and guitar, as she enjoys challenging herself while expanding her knowledge. She is a member of student council, serving as student council president, the KAY Club, and the basketball, volleyball and track teams. Ella also enjoys traveling softball and club volleyball. After high school, Ella will attend Kansas State University, followed by medical school, with plans to pursue a career within the medical eld. Some fun facts about Ella include that she is a softball pitcher and lives with her family including two dogs.

Leyum Medina - Leyum is a seventh grader at South Middle School. He is a member of the football team and the band. Leyum’s favorite subject is reading, due to the support and kindness of his teacher Mrs. Praytor, as well as the friendships shared with his classmates. Outside of school, he enjoys an active lifestyle, spending his free time playing football, soccer, basketball and going to the gym. He also loves spending time with his friends! After high school, Leyum plans to continue his education and attend college.

Salina Ta - 
Salina is a sixth grader at South Middle School. Some of her favorite things about SMS include talking with her friends and her social studies class. Describing her social studies teacher as nice, she feels motivated in the class and that it’s easy to get help when needed. For the future, Salina is interested in three different types of jobs and building a life that makes her happy. In her free time, Salina enjoys writing and drawing and has been very interested in violin.
 

Angela Ayala-Duran

Angela is an eighth grader at South Middle School. She enjoys expressing her ideas and creativity through her English class. She is passionate about music and loves being involved in advanced guitar and Sensations. In the future, Angela plans to pursue a career in a music-related pathway or marketing. A fun fact about Angela is that she spends her free-time singing, reading and listening to music.

Abigail Boyles
Abigail is a seventh grader at South Middle School. She enjoys seeing her peers, band and FACS class.  Abigail is also on the cheer team and is a member of the KAY Club. Outside of school, she dances, plays softball and spends her free time making bracelets, doing nails and hanging out with friends. Abigail plans to attend cosmetology school after high school and pursue a career as a nail technician and hairstylist. A fun fact about Abigail is that she has a dog named Beau and a cat named Gizmo.

Rex McGinley
Rex is a sixth grader at South Middle School. At school, he is a member of the chess club and enjoys learning about science from Mrs. Cooper, as he finds it interesting and engaging. Outside of school, Rex plays football and spends his free time playing video games. He plans to attend Kansas State University after high school. Fun facts about Rex include that he has two dogs, a brother, a stepbrother and a stepsister.

Jasmine Nguyen
Jasmine is an eighth grader at South Middle School. She appreciates Mrs. Freeman for her guidance and support, which helps her excel both academically and personally. Jasmine enjoys being a member of the school's track team and playing badminton outside of school. Her future plans include pursuing a career in social media, being self-employed, and collaborating with others as well as with companies. Some fun facts about Jasmine are that she can speak three different languages, she wanted to be a race car driver when she was younger and she has the ability to change her voice to different tones.

Annaleise Forbes

Annaleise is a seventh grader at South Middle School. At school, she looks forward to being in guitar class, interacting with her friendly peers and seeing Mrs. Householter! Annaleise spends her free time drawing, creating art, reading and playing the guitar. After graduation Annaleise plans to pursue pet sitting. Some facts about Annaleise are that she has McCune-Albright Syndrome, has a twin sister named Lillanna, a brother named Anthony, a dog named Roxie and three birds.

Jenna Wille
Jenna is a sixth grader at South Middle School. Jenna’s favorite part of school is her social studies class, as she enjoys learning about history. Outside of school, Jenna stays active through playing soccer, basketball and gymnastics. After high school, Jenna plans to attend college to further her education. Fun facts about Jenna are that she has two sisters, Emma and Hanna and she has three dogs.

JaQuan Abrams

JaQuan is an eighth grader at South Middle School. JaQuan is on the wrestling, track and football teams and in advanced guitar. He enjoys his teachers due to how fun and engaging they make each day. After high school, JaQuan is considering enlisting in the Army. In his freetime he loves playing sports, hanging out with friends and family and traveling with his family. A fun fact about JaQuan is that he has three dogs.

Hunter Medina

Hunter is an eighth grader at South Middle School. At school Hunter enjoys socializing with his peers, taking math, art and facs II. He is a member of the basketball team, tennis team and cross country team. Outside of school Hunter plays basketball, video games and loves drawing realistic artwork. His future plans include attending college and pursuing radiology. A fun fact about Hunter is that he is interested in graphic design.

Locke Michel

Locke is a seventh grader at South Middle School. Locke    enjoys his Guitar and P.E. classes as he is able to learn and have fun in a hands-on environment. Outside of school Locke stays active playing football, basketball and tennis. His future plans include attending college and pursuing basketball or becoming a sports commentator. A fun fact about Locke is that he has two dogs and one brother.

Journi Hill
Journi is a sixth grader at South Middle School. Her favorite subject is math, and she enjoys Mrs. Boyles’ class. Outside of school, Journi plays softball out of Kansas City and spends a lot of her free time traveling to different states for softball. Journi’s future plans include attending the University of Oklahoma to study sports nutrition and become an athletic dietician. Journi spends her free time with her dog, Chase, and riding her bike.

Lindsey Reyes
Lindsey is an eighth grader at South Middle School. Lindsey's favorite part of school is interacting with her teachers and fellow classmates. At school, she is an office aide, and outside of school, she is involved with her church and enjoys spending time with friends. Lindsey’s future plans include going to college after high school and studying biology. Fun facts about Lindsey include that she has a dog named Luna and, in her spare time, she loves playing the guitar.

Derek Cortez
Derek is a seventh grader at South Middle School. Derek loves social studies with Mr. Willmer because Mr. Wilmer makes the class enjoyable and engaging. At school he is also involved in advanced reading and math classes. Outside of school Derek plays soccer, likes playing video games, being outside and enjoys spending time with his family. His future plans include going to college and studying astronomy.

Paige Ohlde
Paige is a sixth grader at South Middle School. Her favorite subject is math because she enjoys challenging herself to do her best. Paige also enjoys her English class because of her teacher, Mrs. Pommer. Paige is a member of the student council and outside of school she enjoys going to church
and playing volleyball. Her interests include becoming more involved with her church, pursuing photography, being active and going on bike rides, watching movies with her sister and spending time with her family members.