Zarek is a sixth grader at South Middle School. He is a member of the honor roll and looks forward to seeing his friends and peers at school every day. Outside of school, Zarek takes care of his three dogs and enjoys cooking. After high school, he plans to become a chef. A fun fact about him is that he has read the entire I Survived book series.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.