Learner of the Month, C.A.K.E. Award Recipients November 2025

Congratulations to Allison Scott, a 5th grade learner attending Gate City Elementary, and Olivia Chatwin, a 7th grade learner attending Irving Middle School, who were chosen as the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 November C.A.K.E. award recipients. C.A.K.E. stands for Character, Attitude, Kindness and Encouragement.

Allison was nominated by her teacher, Mr. John Humphrey.  Allison is known by her teacher, Mr. John Humphrey, as an exceptionally kind and thoughtful learner. She goes out of her way to be friendly to everyone, making sure others feel included, welcomed, and valued.

In the classroom, Allison is always willing to participate and approaches learning with enthusiasm. She is a strong learner who puts effort into her work and contributes meaningfully to class discussions. Beyond her academics, she is quick to help and her willingness to serve others makes her a dependable and trusted member of her school community.

Allison is also deeply respected by her peers. At Gate City, learners write kindness notes to one another, and Allison receives four to five every single week. These notes consistently reflect the same themes: admiration, appreciation, and the positive impact she has on her classmates. This steady stream of heartfelt messages is a clear indication of the difference she makes simply by being herself.

Mr. Humphrey shared that Allison is “a joy to have in class,” a sentiment that is echoed by the many kindness notes she receives and by everyone who has the pleasure of working with her.

We are honored to recognize Allison Scott for her genuine kindness, her strong character, and the encouragement she brings to those around her. 

Olivia was nominated by her teacher, Ms. Lisa Baker.  Ms. Baker, shared that she first met Olivia when she visited Olivia’s 6th grade Health class to speak about bullying and how it affects learners with severe disabilities. “During that lesson,” she wrote, “Olivia immediately stood out.” Olivia openly shared her experiences supporting her brother Noah and expressed a sincere desire to make a difference. After class, she approached Ms. Baker to talk more—demonstrating a maturity, empathy, and openness well beyond her years.

Since that day, Olivia has consistently gone above and beyond to build meaningful connections with Ms. Baker’s learners. “She began visiting my classroom during lunch and any opportunity she had,” Ms. Baker explained. Now, as a 7th grader, Olivia serves as a peer mentor and continues to dedicate her time and energy to supporting these learners. She reads with them, plays with them, encourages them, and ensures they feel seen, valued, and included.

One touching example of Olivia’s character is when she invited one of the learners to join her Flex class. Ms. Baker noted, “She now picks her up every day for class, ensuring that she feels included and supported.” Olivia’s kindness is consistent and genuine—she celebrates others’ victories, stands up for them, and treats every learner with dignity and friendship.

Ms. Baker summed up her nomination by saying, “Olivia’s character, empathy, and leadership truly embody what this award represents. She is an inspiration to both her peers and the adults around her.”

We are proud to honor Olivia Chatwin for her leadership through kindness and her extraordinary commitment to including and uplifting others.

Allison and Olivia were recognized at the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, November 19, 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.

If you would like to nominate a learner for the C.A.K.E. Award, you can do so here. Nominations not chosen will carry over each month until the end of the school year.