OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Jaxon Smith-Buchanan, a fourth grade student at Silver Creek Elementary School, was recognized at a recent Board of Education meeting for his positive attitude. Jaxon is pictured with Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston.

SILVER CREEK — It often takes an extraordinary act or accomplishment to earn recognition from the “higher ups.” But at a recent Silver Creek Board of Education meeting, Dr. Katie Ralston recognized a student for just being himself.

Jaxon Smith-Buchanan, a fourth grade student at Silver Creek Elementary School, received a round of applause and gifts from the District for his positive energy and presence throughout the school. Donning a t-shirt with a bear wearing sunglasses, Smith-Buchanan was as cool as can be as Ralston welcomed him in front of the Board and the audience.

Ralston described Smith-Buchanan as “a student with exceptional spirit.” He was commended for his empathy and ability to recognize if someone is having a tough time and “needs a little boost.” Ralston said Smith-Buchanan is “willing to be the person who gives that boost.”

Smith-Buchanan was given a snack bag and a note to encourage him to “do the right things, even when no one is watching.” Ralston said that he embodies that mantra and she hopes he never changes from doing so.

The meeting had a brief recess so Ralston and Smith-Buchanan could take a photo together in front of the new Silver Creek school banner, designed and produced by students on campus. After seeing the final product, Ralston joked, “Now a lot of our events will have a lot of posters.”

The District has hosted several recent impactful events, including a FOSC event titled “Our Silver Creek Community” that Ralston said was “a really outstanding event.” The PTSA also recently hosted a Heroes Dance where more than 140 students attended with their heroes. One student said, “It was just like a real prom.”

The Resource Center’s Make A Mark self-advocacy group also recently visited the District for several assemblies to show students the impact they can have on those with different abilities. “It was really wonderful to hear their stories,” Ralston said.

Student Board Representative Molly Shaw attended the Make A Mark assembly with Youth Advisory Committee Co-President Claire Gonzalez. Shaw said because of the impact the event had, the District now has begun planning a field trip to the Resource Center.

While the potential for that field trip looms, Shaw was part of another recent field trip, as the Human Rights and Genocide Class took a trip to Washington, D.C., earlier this month to visit the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and historical landmarks around the area, including the White House.

“It was a super fun trip. We learned a lot,” Shaw said. “It’s something that a lot of kids wouldn’t have been able to do without that class.”