January 2016
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WIAA Names Ellensburg’s Allison and Kent’s Hansen as Give Me 5 Star Students of the Month
1/19/2016
RENTON, WA - The WIAA is pleased to announce Morgan Middle School’s Gillian Allison and Meridian Middle School’s Wyatt Hansen as the December “Give Me 5” Star Students of the Month.
 Allison, an eighth grader at Morgan Middle School in Ellensburg, is an extremely committed and talented member of the school’s dance program. She was nominated by her coach, Samantha Grover for her hard work, courage, and commitment to improve. Allison’s fun personality and willingness to serve motivates her fellow dancers and classmates.
Morgan Middle School’s dance program recently choreographed an anti-bullying routine. Allison utilized her talents to overcome her own experiences with bullying and inspired her peers to do the same.
“She was courageous by putting a word used to bully her on paper, holding it up to her peers and ripping it in half,” Grover said. “She was respectful and hardworking throughout the season. Her character is something that others always look up to.”
Wyatt Hansen is an eighth grader at Meridian Middle School and a standout football player. The Kent native also participates on the school’s wrestling and baseball teams. His talents extend beyond athletics as he is a member of the jazz band. In addition, Hansen is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, and an active member of the children’s ministry at his church. He was nominated by his teacher, Adam Greve for his exceptional leadership and helpfulness to younger athletes on his teams.
 Hansen suffered some substantial injuries this last football season that kept him off the field, but he remained optimistic. Even though he could not participate, he came to every game and practice to serve his team in whatever capacity he could. He overcame adversity and exhibited true selflessness.
“These seem like small things, but for a student to personally see to it that the younger kids feel welcome is not something many older kids at the middle level would have the courage to do,” said Greve.
The students will be featured on the Activities Matter website and the Middle Level website. 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.
The Activities Matter website was launched at the beginning of the 2015 school year and is designed to be a resource for member schools and their communities to support the case for interscholastic sports and activities. Activities Matter consolidates a variety of dynamic resources, programs, and original content to highlight the long-term benefits associated with student participation in sports and activities.
To nominate a student for the “Give Me 5 Star Student of the Month” please log into “MyWIAA” and click on the “Give Me 5 Star Student of the Month Nomination” link under “Forms.”
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