Mary M. Knight School District is proud to recognize students across all grade levels who demonstrated outstanding achievement, character, and dedication during the month of September.
"Our September award winners represent the very best of what it means to be an Owl," said Principal Josh Stoney. "These students have shown exceptional growth, perseverance, and commitment to excellence in academics, attendance, and character. We're incredibly proud of each and every one of them."
GRIT Students of the Month Lead the Way
The district's monthly GRIT awards recognize students who exemplify Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity. This month's honorees include students from pre-school through 12th grade who have gone above and beyond in establishing the school's Culture of Excellence.
Elementary GRIT student of the month winners include Marigold Guelzo (Pre-K), Bryson McCartney (K), Brielle Dunnington (1st), Eden Johnson (2nd), Andrew Ushman (3rd), Alaina Dunnington (4th), Kynlee Mezzell (5th), and Tristen Purcell (6th).
Secondary GRIT student of the month honorees are Alaina Tinoco (7th), Gage Winkler (8th), Secret Biggs (9th), Kris Ortiz (10th), Destiny Larance (11th), and Jordan Wood (12th).
"These students demonstrate daily what it means to show up prepared, work with purpose, support their peers, and persist through challenges," Principal Josh Stoney noted.
Academic Excellence Across All Grades
Students also earned recognition in reading and mathematics, with dozens of elementary students achieving honor roll status in these core subjects. Special recognition went to students like Reid Anderson (6th grade reading), Jackson Stevenson (5th grade reading), and Lewis Baughman (4th grade math) for their outstanding academic performance.
Perfect Attendance and the OWL Awards
The district also celebrated students with excellent attendance records throughout September. At the elementary level, 23 students achieved perfect or near-perfect attendance, demonstrating the importance of showing up ready to learn every day.
At the secondary level, the prestigious OWL Awards recognized students for academic achievement and attendance commitment. Two students—8th grader Jax King and 12th grader Chase Tupper—earned the Peak of OWL Excellence Award, the district's highest honor, for maintaining perfect academics with no missing work, no failing grades, no tardies, and no unexcused absences throughout the entire month.
An impressive 29 secondary students earned the Steadfast OWL Award for perfect attendance, with the 11th grade leading the way with 12 honorees.
Special Programs Shine
Music and Physical Education programs also recognized outstanding students. Music Students of the Month included Lacey Mataya (K), Matthew Hett (2nd), Luna Jones (4th), and James Koonrad (6th). PE Students of the Month were Hunter Vogland (1st), Akari Malie (2nd), Kynlee Mezzell (5th), and Lucas Vogland (5th).
Community of Excellence
"These awards reflect not just individual achievement, but the strong partnership between our students, families, and educators," said Principal Stoney. "When we work together to support high expectations and positive character development, everyone succeeds. Our September award winners are proof of that."
Mary M. Knight School District serves approximately 185 students in grades Pre-K through 12 in rural Mason County, Washington. The district emphasizes a Culture of Excellence built on the core values of Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity.
For more information about Mary M. Knight School District, visit www.marymknight.com or follow the district on social media.
