Placing a spotlight on good deeds

The schools in Hanna have begun a new program which aims to recognize students who may typically go unnoticed.

The staff of Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) High School and Hanna Elementary School are working together to select one student from each school and spotlight them. A student doesn't have to be strong academically or a star athlete to qualify for selection. What the schools were looking for in the selection was a person who was kind and helpful to others without looking for any reward. A student who would carry books of a person who broke their leg without being asked.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) teacher Kaitlyn Larson nominated senior Corbin Williams for the honor at the high school this month.

"I nominated Corbin because he is always around the school, always helpful and polite," Larson said. "You probably won't see his name mentioned in a sport, but he excels in helping with FFA and his classes. He is an excellent example of what we consider a good HEM student."

Williams is the treasurer for FFA and is a part of FCCLA (Family,Career, Community, Leaders of America). He was also one of two students tapped to advise the Carbon County School District No. 2 Board of Trustees on its selection of a principal for HEM following the departure of Steve Priest earlier in the school year.

Larson noticed him sitting next to students who were having difficulty with a subject and helping them.

"I started having him sit next to students who needed extra guidance and he was always willing to give it," Larson said. "When we had STEM day with all the University of Wyoming students giving presentations, Corbin did a presentation on building terrariums for our students to help make the day a success."

Williams said he enjoys helping students understand what he knows.

"Seeing younger students in STEM get excited about what I am showing and explaining just feels good," Williams said. "I like to do it."

He attributes his nature to helping others to his family and living on a ranch.

"Growing up on a ranch gave me a work ethic, and I learned being helpful with little things which make a difference to my family," Williams said. "From them, I learned by doing a little kindness, it can spread and it helps others in their life. Kindness is something everyone can do." 

Williams said he enjoys a class not so much for its subject matter, but because of who is teaching it.

"Teachers who want you to learn and teach in a way that helps you learn and makes it enjoyable,  I enjoy classes," Williams said. "Classes I don't enjoy as well are the ones where the teacher seems to teach because it is their job. I don't mean to say they are not good, but a student can tell when a teacher really enjoys their job. Those are my favorite classes to attend because they are fun and educational."

Williams enjoys ranching and can see it in his future. He has a desire to learn more about business too. 

"It enthralls me how entrepreneurs can start something from an idea and give a service to people," Williams said. "I like tech a lot and find it fascinating how there can be creation of something that makes money because of someone's understanding that wasn't thought of before."

His ranching experience is utilized.

Williams has been learning about judging livestock in the FFA since he was in the 7th grade.

"I do judging for the State FFA in Cheyenne," Williams said. "I do cows, lambs, pigs and goats. You have to understand the different classes and be able to explain why you placed them the way you did."

Williams admits to being surprised he was picked to be spotlighted by the school.

"I try to be helpful and try to be nice, but I don't know if people see it," Williams said. "I guess the school did."

"He is a great example of what HEM has as students," Larson concluded. "We are proud of him.

Hanna Elementary also spotlighted one of their students, 6th grader Keaton Tylka. His teacher, 6th grade teacher Jackie Jones explained why Tylka was picked for the honor out of all the students.

"Keaton just really exemplifies what we are trying to do at HES with kindness," Jones said. "He gets to school every morning with his stepmom, Kaylee Tyka, who works as an aide in our building. It doesn't matter where I am at, classroom, hallway, someplace else in the building, Keaton makes it a point to find me and tell me 'Good Morning'; every single morning."

Jones said it is a great way for her to start her day.

"To be honest, on those few days that Keaton has missed, there is a piece of my morning routine that seems lost," Jones said. "And it isn't just me he shows kindness."

Jones gave an example.

"There was a young man who was not placed on the honor roll," Jones said. "I did not find out until later that Keaton gave this young man his honor roll certificate. He scratched his name out and put this student's name in its place, just because his friend was upset. No one knew about it except the boys. His generosity can't be denied. This is something that will carry on later in life and it is a good thing." 

Tylka was surprised he was chosen but very happy.

"It feels great to be chosen," Tylka said. "I help people because it gives me a little twinkle in the heart that makes me think I am going to help this person because they are down on themselves. Maybe I can make it better for them."

Keaton enjoys his routine of saying good morning to his teacher.

"My day starts good because I get to say good morning to her," Tyka said. "It makes me feel happy to start off the day this way."

Jones smiled when she heard him say those words. 

"I don't think Keaton knows how important he is to his class, to me and the school," Jones said. "He is a good example to others and that is why he was spotlighted."