How awesome is this? Every year since 2018, we have asked the community to tell us about kids ages six to 14 who inspire others — at school, on teams, and with their peers and families. And the community always responds so well. It’s obvious there is no shortage of awesome kids in our city, as evidenced by the 28 young people we celebrate in this year’s feature.
And, speaking of celebrating — we are planning a big party for them and their families and nominators (thank you, nominators, for sharing these stories with us). In late January, we will gather at the Bert Church Theatre for a special presentation with entertainment and all our favourite “movie theatre treats.”
This fun can’t happen without amazing sponsors, and we’d like to say a big thank you to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area, Excel Homes, Volunteer Airdrie, and Illuminate Mortgages.
Each of our Awesome Kids gets special keepsakes to take home, but the one extra-special gift we do is a pay-it-forward program thanks to Vitreous Glass. Each Awesome Kid picks a charity close to their hearts and we donate $50 in their honour. To date, our AAK Pay It Forward program has donated more than $7,500. Our very big thanks to the Vitreous team for doing this since Day 1!
So, this winter, when the darker days and colder weather gets you down — look to these bright lights of inspiration, your 2025 Awesome Airdrie Kids!!!
Aubrey Stinson, 7
Nominated by Jayne Murray, aunt
Aubrey is such a sweet and caring young girl. She is always so quick to lend a hand or make friends with anyone she crosses paths with. She cares so deeply about people’s feelings and always wants to help. She has begun teaching her brother French, math and spelling at home and it is so sweet to see how she supports him and prepares him for his ventures into kindergarten next year. Aubrey is an all-round amazing person and is certainly a pretty amazing kid in my eyes.
Aubrey says being a good friend means that you play with other people and include them. It also means being kind. She loves getting to dress up and dance on stage or even just for fun at home: “Doing these things are fun and makes me happy.”
Ayla Rayne Burbidge, 14
Nominated by Colin Vo, family friend
Ayla Rayne can often be seen around Airdrie, volunteering her time performing music from coffee shops, to singing the national anthem at galas, to collecting food for the Airdrie Food Bank. She can also be seen on stage, having performed in school productions such as Seussical the Musical, as well as recently being cast in Storybook Theatre’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid. She’s also recently returned from walking the runway at New York Fashion Week, a year after having walked in the Milan Fashion Week.
A genuine characteristic of leadership is to lead by example. Ayla Rayne certainly does that by being an amazing ambassador for the city of Airdrie locally with her volunteerism and presence in the community, and internationally with her modelling and acting endeavours.
With future goals to perform on Broadway, movies and release her own album, Ayla Rayne is a force.
“Walking in Milan Fashion Week was a dream come true, but it almost turned into a fashion disaster!” Ayla Rayne says. “Because I have so much hair, they weren’t able to crimp my hair using the crimping machine like they did with everyone else. Instead, they had to hand crimp my hair and it took four hair stylists working on hair to get the job done. It took so long that I nearly missed my call to walk the runway! Thankfully, they finished just in time. I ran to get into position and made it onto the runway. It was a stressful but unforgettable experience, and I can laugh about it now!“
Bentley Popoff, 13
Nominated by Steven Prediger, former teacher
Bentley is a phenomenal individual. She is a kind and thoughtful person who is always first to volunteer for any task. She is a standout leader in our Leadership Academy and motivates everyone around her with her smile, hard work and thoughtfulness. She has played a key role in planning our school-wide summer event over the past few years. She is an amazing performer, diving into every role she has had in our massive musical productions. She is also a natural leader on the volleyball court, and her teammates always depend on her for support and encouragement. Bentley is beyond awesome, and she strives for excellence in everything she does.
Bentley says being recognized helps to build her self-confidence and that all her hard work is being noticed and appreciated. “I inspire to be Charolotte North [a lacrosse player]; she is an important player on and off the field,” Bentley says. “Also, I look up to my big brother, Brady. I inspire to be the type of person he is: kind, genuine, smart.”
Carson Wilkie, 13
Nominated by Chelsey Enriquez, former teacher
Carson is a beacon of kindness and respect, embodying the qualities that make him a joy to be around. His perpetual smile and positive demeanour light up any room he enters, creating a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere. Carson treats everyone he meets with genuine respect, making each person feel valued and appreciated. In class, Carson’s presence is like a ray of sunshine, brightening the day for everyone around him and setting an example of how a kind heart and a positive attitude can make a world of difference.
Carson loves playing basketball and football with his friends and says his secret to staying positive is to “not let anything bother you,” adding that other kids need to be friendly and treat everyone nice.
Charlie Marshall, 11
Nominated by Robert Saipe, former teacher
Charlie is a fantastic representative of our youth, and he is extremely deserving to be recognized as one of Airdrie’s most-awesome kids. I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Charlie in my classroom last year. He is an exceptional role model, always balancing the ways he shares joy with friends with the tremendous effort he puts into welcoming learning. One of the most-impressive constants Charlie demonstrates is that he absolutely never settles for anything but his true best. Whether with school assignments, sports he is ultra-skilled with [especially soccer/football], or even just being the kind friend to peers that he is, Charlie always embraces every opportunity to learn and grow. It is an honour to nominate this amazing young man. Charlie is brilliant, a phenomenal athlete, plus a caring, natural leader with a wonderful future ahead of him!
Charlie says his biggest role models are his parents. “They are always doing things for me and driving me to soccer games and practices. This shows how kind and caring they are,” he says. “My dad is very kind, caring, funny, brave and nice. My mom is funny, super-smart, kind, a nice person and a great chef. My parents have always told me to believe in myself and to be confident in my skills and abilities.” The best advice he can offer? “You miss 100% of the shots that you do not take.”
Emmerson Graw, 13
Nominated by Tiffany Stonewall, former teacher
Though she is now a former student, the lasting impression she has made on me and her peers is undeniable. Throughout the years, she stood out as a role model in every sense, excelling academically while also embodying kindness, determination and leadership in everything she did.
In our recent production of High School Musical, Emmerson took on the demanding role of stage manager. She led the team with grace and confidence, orchestrating complex technical and logistical aspects of the show without ever faltering. Her leadership, paired with her unwavering work ethic, made her a pivotal part of the musical’s success.
What truly sets Emmerson apart, however, is her spirit. She possesses a natural grit and determination, always demonstrating perseverance in the face of challenges. When tasks became difficult, she approached them with a mindset of growth, never giving up and inspiring others to do the same. Her sense of humour and positive attitude make her a joy to teach and converse with. Despite her many accomplishments, she remains grounded, humble and always willing to lend a hand where needed.
Emmerson loves playing volleyball and swimming. She also enjoys playing the flute and electric guitar. She has good advice for developing perseverance. “The first thing you have to do is accept that you are not going to be perfect at everything the first time,” says Emmerson. “You need to find pleasure in the process, even though it’s hard. The point of learning is to grow as a person and you can’t grow without failure. When you try something new, you are not expected to get it right the first time. It’s about how you take in feedback and come back even stronger the next time.”
Erika Bunn, 10
Nominated by Erin Quirin, former teacher
Erika comes to school every day with a positive attitude, ready to take on the day. Her family had just moved from Ontario prior to the 2024/25 school year, so this was Erika’s first year at Nose Creek Elementary School. With an abundance of confidence, she joined choir, AMA Safety Patrol and took on many student leadership opportunities around the school, like Healthy Hunger lunch delivery. In the classroom, Erika asks questions to deepen her understanding of the subject material and is never afraid to take risks in her learning. She goes out of her way to make sure that all classmates feel included in our classroom community. It was an immense pleasure to have Erika in my Grade 4 classroom this year, and she will be a wonderful addition to the Clipper family at Muriel Clayton.
Erika says her best advice to new kids to a school is join activities, “You meet lots of people and learn new skills,” she says. When not at school, she can be found outside, riding her bike. “I like the new pump track in Bayside. It is fun to go on!”
Grayson Bishop, 7
Nominated by Cheryl Bishop, mom, and others
Grayson exemplifies kindness and empathy in all he does. From a young age, Grayson has consistently shown an innate ability to recognize when others are feeling nervous, scared or upset, and instinctively steps in to help.
I’ve had both teachers and parents share with me how Grayson made a child’s first day of class or an activity a little easier:
Grayson has shown remarkable kindness to all his classmates, creating a welcoming environment in our Grade 2 classroom. His creative ideas consistently enrich our discussions, and he loves to help others, demonstrating a wonderful spirit of collaboration. – Kelly Allan, teacher
I had the pleasure of teaching Grayson in my hip-hop class last year, and he was truly an outstanding student. Even at such a young age, Grayson showed incredible kindness and thoughtfulness toward others. He always made sure to welcome new kids to class, walking them in with a smile and helping them feel comfortable. Grayson also loved cheering on his friends and was quick to help anyone who was feeling sad, showing how caring he is. – Miss Jillian, dance instructor
Grayson says he loves doing lots of cool stuff. “I do taekwondo, and I’m going for my brown belt test soon!” he says. “I also like learning music. So far, I’ve tried singing, ukulele, keyboard and drums, but, right now, drums are my favourite! I’m in a ninja hip-hop class, too. It’s really fun learning awesome new moves! And I really love when I get to do swimming lessons and diving in the deep part.”
Hadley Schneider, 10
Nominated by Diana Logan, principal, Cooper’s Crossing School
Hadley demonstrates leadership in our school by always doing her best and showing a very positive attitude about learning and supporting her school and community. She is quick to lend a helping hand to others and she embraces challenges with grit and purpose.
Hadley is a young equestrian that competes in the Jumpers ring with her horse, Mystique. They are currently jumping at a height of 0.85 m, but Hadley has big goals to eventually compete at the Logines Global Champions Tour!
Hadley is also a competitive swimmer with Nose Creek Swim Association. Her favourite race is the 50 m Freestyle, but mostly Hadley just loves being underwater and the rush she feels when a race is complete! Her goal for the 2024/25 season is to achieve provincial qualifying times in both the 50 m Freestyle and 50 m Backstroke events. Her big goal is to one day swim at the Summer Olympics!
Hadley says she loves swimming and riding, so she doesn’t feel busy. “I always want to be at the pool or barn!” she says. “The only time it is hard is if there is a swim meet and horse show on the same weekend and I have to choose which to go to.” Hadley admits to being very competitive. “Before my rides or races, I take a minute to visualize how I’m going to execute. That helps me stay focused so I can give it my full effort.”
Jason Collingwood, 12
Nominated by Debbie Dunwell, grandmother
Jason volunteers with seniors and knows they are wise and have value and truly believes they need better care from society. He is so kind to his friends and his family. He is a champion for kids that struggle with issues like autism, or are bullied. He becomes their friend so they have someone. He is talented and brave. He is brilliant with history and reading. He could talk circles around any adult when it comes to the world news and geography. With all his knowledge and smarts, though, he is so humble, polite and generous. I believe he will make a big difference in this world and is more mature and thoughtful than many people twice his age.
Jason says he has been volunteering for the last three years and doing projects around the community to help those less fortunate. He is involved in the Harvesting program through the Youth Volunteer Corps, seniors bingo and games nights, and he recently joined Air Cadets. “I enjoy helping those are less fortunate and it makes the world better place when you help others,” Jason says.
Jolie Fisher-Laflamme, 7
Nominated by Mackenzie Cox, art teacher and family friend
This year, Jolie was diagnosed with MOGAD [an inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system] and ADEM [an autoimmune disease involving the brain]. Admitted into the Alberta Children’s Hospital, Jolie had lost all mobility in her legs and arms. Jolie had to learn how to walk and run and dance and colour all over again. Jolie is now recovering and home from her hospital stay. She is fighting back and running, dancing and playing again.
Jolie is an artist, dancer and she loves to hang out with her older brothers and her dad at race car shows, dirt-biking and getting muddy. Jolie is a lover of animals and all things pink and purple. Jolie is a breath of fresh air and the light to a lot of people’s worlds. She brings everyone together and creates joy where there is darkness.
She still has a long journey with a life-changing disease she will have to continue to battle, but she has proved she has more courage than any of us.
Jolie has a lot of wisdom for someone so young, “I was struggling in the Children’s Hospital for a long time and I felt trapped because I wasn’t able to go home,” she says. “I couldn’t do anything like before, I couldn’t even get out of my room. But then one day I could walk, run and jump again. I want other kids to know they should be strong, never give up and always be themselves. I may have a rare neuro-immunological disorder that really took me down, but I am up and going and healing now.”
Jordyn Friesen, 12
Nominated by Jonathan Yeh, former teacher
Academically, Jordyn excels in all subjects and takes her studies very seriously. She consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to her education, often choosing to focus on schoolwork before engaging in other activities. This dedication to her academics is evident in her exceptional grades and her ability to grasp complex concepts with ease.
Jordyn’s talents extend beyond the classroom. Last summer, she taught herself to crochet through various YouTube videos and has since built a small business, fulfilling requests from friends and family. This entrepreneurial venture not only showcases her creativity and determination, but also her ability to manage her time and resources effectively.
In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Jordyn joined Little League baseball last summer. Despite starting with no prior knowledge of the sport, she has quickly become a key player, earning the position of opening pitcher and making the All-Star “A” team. Her dedication and hard work have led to significant achievements, and she will be spending this summer travelling for tournaments against other teams from Alberta and possibly Saskatchewan.
About being an entrepreneur, Jordyn says, “Most of the things I crochet are stuffed animals. I get a lot of support from friends and family! So, me becoming an entrepreneur is putting my talent to the world!
“I have definitely taken my experience with crocheting to the next level! I have been making my parents and my brother and my mom’s side of the family Christmas gifts. I also make gifts for birthdays.
“My love for baseball has been going on for two years!” Jordyn adds. “I have played on four teams. I have been the only girl on two of those teams and making lots and lots of friends. I really like second base because I understand how to play it. I get the ball fast and I do make the play really fast.”
Josie Jarvis, 11
Nominated by Kim Titus, chair of the Thumbs Up Foundation
Josie’s approach to life could serve as a role model and inspiration for humans of every age. She is a walking, talking example of light, kindness and compassion. She is each of these inspiring attributes and more — in motion. Whether as a proven and open ally to friends who have connected and confided in her about their emotional well-being and could then get the support they needed, or through her whole-hearted and enthusiastic volunteering at Thumbs Up’s annual Peace in the Park music festival, she is a remarkable human being. If that isn’t enough, she is the gift that keeps on giving personified. Unbeknownst to Thumbs Up, this past year she took it upon herself to organize a fundraiser for Thumbs Up at her school. Josie astonished and amazed us all by showing up at our AGM in January and presenting Thumbs Up with a jar containing the fruits of her fundraising efforts.
Josie says she loves volunteering with Thumb’s Up. “I like helping people and Thumbs Up does a lot of that. It’s meaningful work!” she says.
June Roessler, 12
Nominated by Steven Prediger, former teacher
June is an incredible individual. Any task she is assigned, she meets head-on and does her very best. Whether it is academic or extracurricular, June approaches everything with a sense of pride, compassion and determination. I had the honour of working alongside June in a number of capacities in our school, and she could always be relied on. June is an excellent candidate for Airdrie Awesome Kids.
June loves to practise her clarinet, spend time with friends and being a part of her school play.
“I really like the activities that we can do at my school,” she says. “Last year, I was a part of the backstage crew for our school play, and it was the best experience. Mr. Prediger and all the teachers involved made it so fun.”
Kolton Bucholtz, 9
Nominated by Tammy Tkachuk, mom, and others
Kolton is a very caring and generous child. In the past, he has donated his own money to his school for the adopt-a-child fundraiser. He also stands up for his fellow classmates when they get bullied because he feels that is the right thing to do. He has also started his own craft business and donates a portion of the profits to our local community and church to better the people around him. Kolton also helps his grandmother out whenever they are together.
He is quick to volunteer for activities, supporting poppy sales for Remembrance Day, school plays and, of course, the Terry Fox Run/Walk.
Kolton has one grandparent who lives in a senior home in Airdrie. He visits her regularly and participates in the activities with the seniors. He is happy to help out and call the numbers for Bingo. – Gwen Bennett, great aunt
I have had the opportunity to teach Kolton in music class for the past two years and have known him outside of the school setting since he was born. Kolton is a kind and compassionate boy. He is always eager to help in class and offer his ideas and opinions. Kolton asks great questions and is passionate about learning. He has been our music “maestro” (leader of the day) many times for showing great character and leadership in the music room. As a friend, Kolton is empathetic and generous, always kind and supportive of others. – Mme Kelly Simon, teacher
Kolton loves making music, swimming, playing soccer with friends at school, doing crafts and jumping on the trampoline.
Kolton says he enjoys visiting his Baba [his grandmother]. “I like the activities that they do there,” he says. “Sometimes, I get to help with the games they play, and I like playing pool with my Baba.”
Layla Jensen, 7
Nominated by Tammy Dikeman, former teacher
Layla is an amazing kid! Layla is a cancer survivor and has shown incredible perseverance in her seven years. Grade 1 is a year of learning independence and Layla soared! She doesn’t let her disability define her; she insists on doing everything her peers do, and she never gives up. I am beyond impressed with her determination! Layla has also taken this year to build her academic skills. She holds herself to a high standard which was challenging when first learning to read and write, but that persistence paid off as she met each task put before her. Aside from her own challenges, Layla is compassionate and will support children who are struggling. Layla is an awesome kid!
Layla loves playing with her brother and playing hobby horsing with her sister. She says it’s important to be kind to others and she wants to help everyone, especially if they are hurt.
Maks Kirkland, 10
Nominated by Mackenzie Cox, art instructor
Maks is an artist, gamer, dancer, actor and inventor. Maks has autism and ADHD. These are his superpowers and things that make him the amazing kid he is. He enjoys thinking outside the box, making those around him smile and laugh and is always looking for new ideas and ways to make the world a better place. Maks is passionate about life and his many loves/interests. Maks has an incredible heart and is one of the most selfless and kind souls I’ve met. He takes lessons at Airdrie Dance Academy, Code Ninjas and my art studio, MackiMakes.
Maks loves inventing, especially with his drawing board. “It’s simple because, if something fails that I make, I can go back to the drawing board which is back to square one,” he says. “I can continue to work on it by adjusting and modifying it and, if it still doesn’t work, I can use it to make something new.”
Maks enjoys home education and says he it gives him a lot of time to think. “I am able to start working on some art models so that I already kind of have an idea of what they will look like [if they will be 2D] where, when I was in public school, I wasn’t brave enough to stand up to the class and tell everyone my ideas and I had a hard time concentrating and my thoughts would instantly disappear with all the noise,” he says. “Home education allows me to learn what I want to learn and basically not make me sit in a classroom being told what to do. I can catch my ideas.”
Mateo Aquino Meza, 11
Nominated by Melissa Walker, former teacher
Mateo has an incredible gift for kindness, always seeking out ways to lift others up and lending a helping hand. Yet, despite the happiness he spreads, he remains humble. Being kind and helpful is just a way of life for Mateo. He shows great thoughtfulness, particularly in the way he interacts with his sister, always seeking to bring her a smile.
Some of the virtues he represents every day at school and on the soccer field are:
* Teamwork: His version of teamwork is having everyone involved and making sure each member of the team is engaged and involved. This applied to athletic settings and when collaborating on group assignments.
* Co-operation: Mateo consistently demonstrated a willingness to follow directions and worked towards achieving success.
* Responsibility: Mateo has embraced various roles throughout his young life, demonstrating a mature perspective and a strong sense of responsibility.
* Loyalty: Mateo is an exceptional friend who consistently supports and advocates for those close to him. He demonstrates profound loyalty to his family, who hold great significance in his life, and he is willing to go above and beyond for their well-being.
Mateo says loyalty means being there for the ones you love.
“Some of my favourite activities are competitive soccer and playing soccer in the park with my friends,” he says. “I like building things such as Legos and get creative and get some recycle material and build something from my imagination. I like going to fun places and discovering new things and trying new hobbies — like this summer, I tried fishing with my dad.”
Family is very important to Mateo. “My mom, my dad and my sister [are the] most important people in my life,” he says. “My family is important because, if I didn’t have them, I wouldn’t have a home, food prepared by my parents, love and support from each one of them, and the good mental health I have. Everything I have, I get it from the love they give me.
“My advice is: Just play it cool, have fun with the game, get serious when needed and always have a good time. Always be a team player; whether you win or lose, you always learn something.”
Maya Allison, 7
Nominated by Mackenzie Cox, art instructor
Maya shows an extreme love for the arts! She is very passionate about creating and loves to get messy! She is kind to other students and works hard in her art classes! Maya has really grown as an artist this year and I have loved to watch her flourish. She enjoys painting the most, clay and drawing. She is an awesome kid!
Maya is happy she learned to ride her bike and loves learning about art, animals and, especially, science. When asked to tell us something about herself, she proudly exclaims: “I’m smart, kind and loving. I love my mommy and daddy, and I want to be a vet and an artist when I grow up!”
Micah Slivinski, 11
Nominated by Christina Dixon, former teacher
Micah encompasses a rare mixture of qualities that allow her to support and to inspire others by displaying empathy, care and genuine kindness. She is a compassionate person who carries her light with pride and takes a genuine interest in nurturing relationships and sharing her glow.
If you can envision a student with a happy smile, always ready to help others and to show empathy, you have a portrait of Micah.
This school year was special in many ways. Micah was one of the students selected to represent St. Veronica School at the ExtraordinAIRDRIE Youth Summit and, even if she was nervous, she did a great job!
Her artistic capabilities made her a finalist and winner in the Keep Christ in Christmas poster contest organized by the Airdrie Knights of Columbus Council.
Micah shares that she is working towards becoming a swimming instructor. “Someday, I would like to be able to teach kids how to swim!” she says. She is also very proud that most of her friendships have been there since Grade 1.
Noelle Kingsbury,12
Nominated by Jonathan Yeh, former teacher
Noelle consistently demonstrates academic excellence, achieving remarkable marks across all subjects. Her commitment to her studies is evident in her exceptional performance. However, her contributions extend far beyond her own achievements. Noelle regularly assists her classmates with their learning, helping them understand complex concepts and complete their assignments. Her willingness to support her peers fosters a collaborative and inclusive classroom environment.
Noelle’s emotional intelligence is truly remarkable. She frequently helps her friends regulate their emotions, providing support and encouragement during challenging times. Her empathy and ability to connect with others have a positive impact on the classroom community, promoting a sense of belonging and mutual respect among her peers.
In addition to her academic and interpersonal skills, Noelle has a passion for extracurricular activities. She has been involved in soccer since the age of four and recently discovered an interest in volleyball. Her dedication to exploring new interests and maintaining a positive outlook is truly commendable. Noelle’s involvement in sports has not only helped her develop physical skills but also taught her valuable lessons in teamwork, perseverance and leadership.
Noelle offers this advice to other kids needing support: “Talk to someone about it. It can feel very comforting to talk to a friend, a parent or someone close to you. If you’re sad or unsure about anything, even asking for a therapist is a great idea. Just never keep anything bottled up. Asking for a hug is another way to help. Sometimes all you need is a hug to feel better. I personally find it comforting to talk about the things that are on my mind or asking for a hug.
“It’s very important to me to make sure others are respected and feel like they belong,” Noelle adds. “Being left out is never good and can make someone feel terrible. Everyone wants to belong. Being left out can be very upsetting, and I don’t want anyone to feel that way. I try my best to respect everyone and their feelings. I respect boundaries and personal space while trying to make people feel wanted. When someone doesn’t respect your boundaries, it can be very frustrating and uncomfortable. That’s why I think respecting someone and making them feel welcome is so important.”
Odin Kelly, 7
Nominated by Mackenzie Cox, arts instructor
Odin has shown incredible skill and enthusiasm within his art classes! He is supportive of his peers and always compliments their work. A hard-working artist in the making, Odin is always eager to learn more in my classes and has a true gift with the arts! Spending lots of time and paying attention to the fine details of work, I can see how much passion and love he has for the arts. He is always ready to jump in and learn something new or practise skills. Odin is an awesome kid, kind, caring, well-mannered and passionate about his art and learning new skills.
Odin says he loves trying new things because, he says, “you discover new things you like.” He loves taekwondo, baseball, basketball and soccer and, for him, summer is the best! “There is no homework!”
Payton MacDonald, 10
Nominated by Jenny Robichaud, former teacher
Payton exemplifies determination, compassion, spirit and leadership in our community through her remarkable actions and qualities. Her compassion is evident in her interactions with others; she genuinely cares about everyone around her, offering support and uplifting her peers with genuine kindness. This empathy creates a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Payton’s spirit really stands out because she knows how to inspire and motivate everyone around her. She works hard and sets a great example for others to follow. Payton shows that doing your best and treating others with respect can make a big difference. Her leadership helps create a positive and supportive environment at school where everyone feels encouraged to do their best.
“My favourite things to do are horseback riding, going to school, baking, and spending time with family and friends,” Payton says. “I love math and reading — this summer, I read 25 novels! I also enjoy watching thunder-and-lightning storms.”
Payton enjoys being in a leadership role because, “it’s a chance to have others come to me for help and having their trust to do so. I also enjoy it because it gives me confidence.”
Quinn Jenkins, 7
Nominated by Tammy Dikeman, former teacher
Quinn is an amazing kid with a big heart. She exemplifies the traits of an awesome kid; she is kind, compassionate, caring and patient. Her quiet and gentle nature draws all students to her, making her a No. 1 pick for a partner or group member. She is a kind student who includes everyone. She notices when a peer needs support: a gentle hug, a quiet reminder or a partner. Quinn will quietly approach a child who is upset or having difficulty and will gently support them or guide them to where they need to be. On the playground, she welcomes everyone to play. One recess, a classmate approached and asked to play. She replied so maturely, “I can’t this recess, but I will play with you at lunch recess.” The child left feeling valued, knowing [Quinn] would honour her promise.
Quinn loves dance class, swimming at the pool and reading stories with her class. She says it’s important to be kind because everyone needs it.
Sakura Jervis, 9
Nominated by Kelsey Christal, former teacher
Sakura is one of the most unique, creative and kind students I have ever met. She is a quiet girl with a huge heart. Sakura loves using her creativity to make crafts, inventions and homes for animals. She loves sharing her creations with her classmates, but will sneak it into their desk or leave it where they can find it so as not to draw attention to herself. I often come to my desk at the end of the day to find a little note filled with encouragement or some other small craft that she has made just for me to make me smile. One moment that stands out this year was when we were doing a class craft and Sakura made gingerbread men out of construction paper. One student wanted to make one really badly, but had difficulty with his fine motor skills, so he couldn’t cut it out. I watched Sakura make him one at her desk and quietly slip it onto his so that he could have one, too. She didn’t wait to be thanked or acknowledged; she just helped her classmate so he would be happy. Sakura is incredibly encouraging to her classmates, offering them quiet words of kindness and encouragement. She has really come out of her shell this year to reveal her quirky, loyal, lovable and resilient personality. She always tries her best in class and has a positive attitude with each assignment she tackles. Sakura is an amazing person. She has the kind of character that can’t be taught; some kids are just born with it.
Sakura says being kind to others helps you make more friends. She loves crafting, bike-riding, catching bugs outside and worms on rainy days!
Tiwatope (Tiwa) Ogunyebi, 10
Nominated by Erin O’Neil, former teacher
I have had the privilege of being Tiwa’s teacher the last two years. Tiwa is consistently positive and helpful towards others. She is the first person to check in on others and she is always cheering them on and building others up. What truly sets Tiwa apart is her natural leadership skills and her kindness towards others. She consistently demonstrates compassion and empathy towards both peers and adults. Her ability to connect with others inspires those around her to emulate these qualities. Tiwa goes out of her way to ensure others feel loved and included. She has a wonderful personality and a great sense of humour and is able to spread joy to everyone she meets. She is always going out of her way to volunteer and help within the classroom and the school community. Tiwa embodies the qualities of a true role model: compassionate, driven and always willing to lend a helping hand. Her ability to motivate, connect and uplift those around her makes her a deserving candidate for this recognition.
Tiwa says learning of her nomination made her happy. “I am so thankful that I, in trying to help people, has turned into such great words about me!” She promises to continue to ensure others are okay and doing well — and to keep working hard herself with school activities.
Traelin Sylvain, 10
Nominated by Betina Fillion, secretary treasurer of the Kalix Legacy Foundation (KLF)
Traelin is one of those kids that makes an impact and inspires you from the very first time you meet him. He is kind, selfless and a thoughtful young man with a heart of gold. His smile, energy and passion for sports [specifically hockey] is infectious.
For Traelin’s sixth birthday, in lieu of gifts, his friends brought donations so that Trae could help pay for sports fees for a child who loved to play sports as much as he does. He raised $205! His family held on to those donations for two years while trying to find an organization that aligned with Traelin’s birthday wish. In 2022, Traelin made his donation to the Kalix Legacy Foundation and the spark of making a difference for youth facing financial barriers was fanned into a flame. For his ninth birthday, Traelin set a goal of raising enough money to cover a full year’s worth of hockey fees for someone. In lieu of birthday gifts he accepted donations and with the help of the Airdrie community, Traelin smashed his goal, raising $900. On his 10th birthday, Traelin again made a selfless decision to raise money in lieu of gifts, raising $705 for an incredible three-year total of $1,810.
Traelin has not only made a difference for fellow youth in the community he has inspired some of his teammates to host their own fundraisers, creating a positive change ripple. I can’t wait to see where Traelin goes from here and I look forward to witnessing the positive waves he will make in the future.
“Kalix Legacy Foundation is one of those things that are a part of my foundation,” says Traelin. “I think it’s very important for kids who want to play hockey to at least get a chance to play it. Kalix [Langenau] was one of my coaches for both hockey and T-ball when I was little, which makes KLF that much closer to my heart. I hope to continue carrying Kalix’s legacy over the next few years and maybe be recognized in the city of Airdrie as the kid who inspired 120-plus kids to raise money towards Kalix Legacy Foundation.”
Trenton R., 8
Nominated by Jesselee Beauparlant, former teacher
Trenton mirrors the image of compassion and integrity. At a young age, he understands the impact of his words and chooses kindness. During his time in Grade 2, Trenton actively made the community a better place by handing out Christmas cards, making ornaments for the seniors, cleaning up trash and singing Christmas carols. His positivity infectiously fills a room. Throughout the year, Trenton faced challenges with grit and optimism. Trenton is absolutely a wonderful candidate as an Airdrie’s Awesome Kid.
Trenton says kindness means treating people how you want to be treated. It means including others, being a good classmate and teammate. To choose kindness is to be caring and a leader.
“I like when everyone is having fun and working hard,” he says. “It is easier to have fun when people are kind. I love playing sports, being creative and building things with my brother.”
