The WIAA is pleased to announce Chehalis Middle School’s Tizzie Zylstra and Matson Middle School’s Kahiau Kagawa as the October “Give Me 5” Star Students of the Month.
Zylstra is an eighth grader from Chehalis Middle School in Chehalis, Wa. She is a three sport athlete, participating in soccer, basketball and volleyball. Born in Ethiopia and raised by her grandmother, Zylstra came to the states when she was eight years old.
Since arriving, Zylstra has excelled as an athlete and has become a key player on both her soccer and basketball teams. Described as dedicated, talented, unselfish, positive and silly, Zylstra is the epitome of a teammate. No matter the situation, she is respectful, hard-working and highly skilled. Along with Star Student of the Month, Zylstra was chosen as a “Cats Leader” this year which is a mentor program that helps to welcome incoming 6th graders to the school.
Kerry Abbott, athletic director and basketball coach, describes Zylstra a little further, “Tizzie is a unique individual. Her sparkly personality and attitude, combined with being highly skilled and possessing a tremendous work ethic are the attributes which make her the perfect teammate.”
Kagawa is an eighth grader from Mattson Middle School in Covington, Wa. Kagawa leads Mattson’s football team by example, by working hard on and off the field. He is the type of player willing to make sacrifices that will ultimately benefit his team – like playing out of position due to team injuries and eligibility issues. These types of selfless acts are the reason he has earned respect and admiration from his teammates and coaches.
Beyond inspiring his football team, Kagawa inspires his classmates during school hours by working as a peer-buddy with a disabled classmate in PE. Although this may mean Kagawa misses out on some class activities, he does so with a smile on his face, saying “It’s all good, I’m glad to help.”
Patrick Henderson, Kagawa’s football coach noted, “Kahiau is going to be very successful in the future, and make those around him better. His attitude, work ethic, and value system are what make a champion.”
The students will be featured on the Activities Matter and the Middle Level websites. The monthly campaign is dedicated to highlighting two middle school students that demonstrate the core principles of the program: honor, sportsmanship, courage, respect, and citizenship.