April 2025 Learner of the Month Recipients

The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 February C.A.K.E. Award, which stands for Character, Attitude, Kindness, and Encouragement, has been awarded to two outstanding learners. Congratulations to Jay Whitehead and Dennis Taylor.  Jay is a 5th-grade learner attending Greenacres Elementary, and Dennis is a 11th-grade learner attending New Horizon High School.  

Jay was nominated by,  Aubrey Eldredge. In her nomination letter Ms. Eldredge wrote, “Jay is an outstanding example of the C.A.K.E. Award. Every day, he enters our classroom with a bright smile and a cheerful, “Good morning, Mrs. Eldredge,” setting a positive tone for the day. His character shines through in everything he does. On the playground, he is a natural problem solver, always stepping in to help others when they need support.

Jay’s attitude is just as remarkable. He approaches every subject with an “I can do it!” mindset and encourages his classmates to do the same. No challenge is too big for him–if he struggles with a concept, he doesn’t give up. His determination and growth this year have been truly inspiring.

Jay is always encouraging his classmates. Whether a friend is struggling with an assignment, feeling down, or just having a tough day, Jay is always there. Jay is a friend to everyone! He celebrates others’ successes, no matter how big or small, and makes sure everyone feels valued and included.

Most of all, Jay exemplifies kindness. He has a huge heart and spreads positivity wherever he goes. He sees the best in everyone and makes our classroom a better place simply by being in it. Jay’s character, attitude, kindness, and encouragement help make Greenacres a truly wonderful place!”

Dennis was nominated by Christy Taylor, Patti Covert and Jenny Park. Ms. Taylor wrote, I would like to nominate Dennis Taylor for the C.A.K.E. Award. I recently had Dennis in my English class. His attitude was outstanding, as every day he would come to class prepared, ready to work hard, and always had a smile on his face. He greeted me every morning. Dennis shows a willingness to help other students and is always encouraging to those in class. He sets a positive tone for the class. He acts as a model in terms of engagement and always putting forth his best effort.”

Ms. Covert wrote, “I have had the pleasure of having Dennis Taylor in several of my English classes. He is consistently respectful and kind to students, teachers, and building staff. He always greets everyone with a smile, frequently asking how people are doing as he heads to class. Dennis has a strong work ethic, which is evident as he works on his assignments, always turning in quality work. His positive attitude and demeanor set a great example for our school community.”

And Ms. Park wrote, “I had the pleasure of first meeting Dennis Taylor when I was his third-grade teacher many years ago. It has been such a neat experience working with him again! Dennis makes New Horizon a better place with his positive attitude and kindness that he displays every day. He always has a smile on his face, as he talks with staff and teachers when he walks down the hall. The work he completes is to a very high standard, and he is a great example to other students in how to be an engaged and motivated student. Dennis is deserving of the C.A.K.E. Award for the effort he puts forth in his classes, his willingness to help other students, and his ability to make our school a better place just by being the amazing person he is. Dennis has recently been taking steps to further his education after high school, and I have no doubt that he will succeed in whatever path he chooses to take!”

Jay and Dennis were recognized at the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 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.

Submit your nominations here!