The Board of Directors of Kansas Next Step Inc. on Wednesday announced Star Students and Teacher of the Month for January.

This month’s Star K-8 Student of the Month is Roberto Macias, a second-grade student at Washington Elementary School. School staff cited Roberto’s work ethic and leadership in nominating him.

“He is extremely conscientious about his work and about being a good person. He is always smiling and making good choices about behavior. He is a mature leader who chooses not to participate in anything other than good!”

The Star High School Student of the Month is Kristina Herl, a senior at Hays High School.

In nominating Kristina, HHS Principal Martin Straub detailed her involvement in 4-H and, specifically, her Citizenship Project. Through this project, Kristina has “adopted” 100 deployed military servicemen and women to whom she is sending care packages and other mail. Her empathy and care for others was also noted in the nomination.

“Kristina not only loves people so well, but she invites others to do the same and her invitation to love is hard to turn down,” Straub said. “Her sincere concern for others and genuine interest in making people feel valued is easily recognized and it has influence our school community and culture in a positive way.”

The Star Teacher of the Month is USD 489 Title One Reading Teacher Laura Gaughan.

Gaughan has been recognized as a Master Teacher at Washington Elementary three times. Her work to inspire and motivate students who struggle with reading, and her work as an advocate for struggling students were highlighted in her nomination.

The three honorees each received a monetary prize along with a certificate of recognition.
Kansas Next Step is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting and facilitating the exploration of unique and exciting educational opportunities for motivated learners.