January C.A.K.E. Award Recipients Announced
The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 January C.A.K.E. Award, which stands for Character, Attitude, Kindness, and Encouragement, has been awarded to two outstanding learners. Congratulations to Devin Blakeslee and Madden Kunz. Devin is a 5th-grade learner attending Indian Hills Elementary, and Madden is a 6th-grade learner attending Alameda Middle School.
Devin was nominated by his teachers, Ms. Whitney Curzon. In her nomination letter Ms. Curzon wrote, “I am pleased to nominate Devin Blakeslee from my 5th Grade class for the C.A.K.E Award and would like to recognize him for being an outstanding student and role model in our school. Devin exemplifies qualities that make him a respected, compassionate, and influential presence both in the classroom and on the playground. He is a great example of a KIND Cougar!
Devin is a kind and thoughtful young man who consistently demonstrates a willingness to lend a helping hand. He possesses a unique ability to lead quietly and humbly, making him a figure that others naturally gravitate towards. Devin is patient, understanding, and inclusive, always making sure that every student feels welcome and valued, particularly during recess and group activities. His flexibility and versatility allow him to adapt to different situations, and he seamlessly works with students of all personalities and backgrounds.
One of Devin's standout qualities is his leadership on the playground. We recently got a GaGa Ball pit, and although Devin is competitive, he encourages others to do their best. He not only includes everyone in games and activities but also helps solve conflicts that arise, always ensuring a fair and respectful resolution. His peers look to him for guidance, and he sets a positive example by leading with empathy and integrity. He has a unique gift for fostering an environment where every child feels they belong.
Devin Blakeslee is a student who consistently embodies the values we strive to instill in our Indian Hills Cougar Community. His quiet yet impactful leadership and inclusive spirit make him an ideal candidate for this recognition. Devin has positively impacted his peers and teachers alike, and I am honored to nominate him for this award.”
Madden was nominated by his teacher, Ms. Jodi Diaz. In her nomination letter, Ms. Diaz wrote, “I knew I wanted to nominate Madden for this award the very first time I met him. I first noticed him during the assembly on the first day of school. Every boy seemed to want to sit by him. There was a boy with special needs that Madden knew from elementary school. Madden sat right beside him and all the other boys followed. Madden includes everyone, and because he is a natural leader, when Madden does it, so does everyone else. I have watched Madden, and his friends, include this boy every day since the first day of school in everything they do. Madden is caring, inclusive, empathetic, and compassionate. As an adult I strive to be these things, but it takes effort. For Madden it comes naturally, it is a part of his character. Madden has no idea the lasting positive impact he has on the people around him, specifically his friend from elementary school, but it warms my heart and I look forward to seeing the amazing things he will do throughout middle school and after.”
Devin and Madden were recognized at the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Our Partner for this award, Johnson Family McDonald's, provides each learner and their nominators with a gift card, along with $50 to purchase books for the school’s media center in the recipients’ names.
PCSD 25 believes a safe, supportive, caring and respectful environment is critical to student learning. The District Education Foundation, in partnership with McDonald’s, supports the Learner-of-the-Month C.A.K.E. Award to recognize students who show great character. The district recognizes one elementary learner and one secondary learner from October through May. Nominations for the C.A.K.E. Award are submitted by a teacher who has observed the nominee’s behavior, and are approved by the school’s principal.