Conway School Leadership Awards

CAMP Care Members:

Hannah, Rehana, Zooey, Sadie, Eden, Everlin, Taylor, Keslynn, Abbie, Hazel, Hanna

CAMP Care (Cougars Advocating for Mental Health & Prevention) is a team that was developed and is led by Conway Middle School students. This group of 11 middle school students meets monthly to design and lead initiatives that promote mental health, physical wellness, and a strong sense of safety and belonging across the school community.

This year, students organized a Health & Wellness Community Fair connecting families with over 15 community partners and resources around mental and physical health. They led a schoolwide Teddy Bear Drive, collecting more than 110 comfort items for children in need, which were donated to local holiday support programs.

CAMP Care Club members actively elevate student voice by contributing to the Conway Wellness Committee, presenting to the School Board and supporting Children’s Mental Health Week. They organize activities, assemblies and guest speakers to bring awareness to their peers. Their leadership has made a meaningful and lasting impact on Conway student's well being and has connected families with community resources.

Staff Advisors: Sallie Miller and Tracie Mach

Willem is a true role model, exemplifying integrity, inclusivity, and leadership. At Conway, he consistently promotes respect and community spirit. One of his most significant contributions is founding a Dungeons & Dragons club during middle school lunch, ensuring it remains open to all, fostering friendships and inclusivity. His kindness, politeness, and respect towards peers and faculty set a positive example, encouraging others to be their best. Willem’s actions align with school values, uplifting the entire community with his presence. His commitment to doing the right thing and bringing people together makes him an invaluable part of the school.

Emily is a remarkable leader whose influence extends beyond her peers to the entire school district. As an 8th-grade student leader, she has played a key role in creating the yearbook, organizing dances, and planning spirit weeks. Her proactive nature sets her apart—she completes tasks efficiently and actively seeks more ways to contribute. Emily consistently upholds school values, demonstrating kindness, respect, and responsibility in all interactions. Her maturity and dedication inspire those around her, making her a true role model. Her exceptional commitment to improving the community makes her an invaluable assett.

Laura Fisher and Samantha Camera have engaged our 8th-grade students during the mental health unit, providing guidance on how to support peers, recognize warning signs, and adopt healthy coping strategies. Their presence helped foster open, compassionate discussions about mental wellness among students.

In addition to working directly with students, Laura and Samantha have also contributed to professional development for district staff. During our Mental Health PD Day, they led training sessions focused on identifying signs of mental health struggles and connecting students with appropriate support systems.

Their involvement extends to families as well. They have participated in our fall Wellness Committee Resource Fair, where they shared information about NAMI and the services it offers. At our Parent Information Nights for families of 5th through 8th graders, they offered insights to help caregivers support their children through transitions into middle and high school.

Laura and Samantha are approachable, highly engaging presenters who have significantly contributed to cultivating a school culture where students feel safe discussing mental health. Their efforts have helped lay the groundwork for a more supportive and inclusive environment for all.

Robert and Kris Desmarais (Sound Cedar) have been incredibly supportive of Conway School and it’s hard to put into words their kindness, generosity, and

love for our community, especially our school. They have been very generous & creative with their time, support, funds, and business resources. When there

is a need, they answer the call. They have helped with playground equipment, nature trail, soccer fields, book fair, library, auctions, holiday baskets & sports -

just to name a few. Recently donating materials and time to build work benches for our new greenhouse.

As a 6th grader Emily's leadership impacts the entire school district. She is on our student greeter team that gives new students a tour of the campus to help them feel comfortable and to lessen their anxiety. As part of our kindness and empathy focus, Emily has been an instrumental part of the team that spreads kindness throughout the school. She has been a leader on our student production team that creates videos for students on the virtues of kindness, empathy, and enhancing the school community. She has worked on our inclusiveness and kindness posters around the school to encourage students.

Sekara is a true role model, not only to her classmates, but to the entire school. Sekara's actions model what a true member of a community should look like. She always does the right thing and encourages others to be inclusive and to be respectful of their differences. During middle school lunch periods, Sekara often stays behind with the counselor to pick up the room and encourage others to be responsible for their environment and assist in the cleanup. She models our school wide behavior standards, friendly to others, polite and respectful. Sekara's kind words, actions, respectful attitude, and manners promote a positive image that encourages other students to be the best that they can be.

Steve and Janet Okerlund attended Conway School years ago. As a family they continue to sponsor and provide funding for a number of school programs as well as scholarships for Conway students who attend WSU. Over the years they helped to provide funds for: Our new STEM lab, special education, PE, Home Ec, and counseling programs. This year they provided funds to enhance our garden program through the purchase of supplies and the purchase of the Drum Fit Curriculum for our PE program. And, to support our outdoor classroom and garden program, they provided funding for 16 outdoor tables and additional gardening tools. Their continued support over many years has allowed Conway to provide additional opportunities for our students.

Irene and Maya inspire their peers through their leadership, involvement, and dedication. As active members of the leadership class, they have founded the Earth Club and take the lead in planning and organizing ASB activities. They are highly responsible, serve as role models, and actively promote inclusivity. Undeterred by setbacks, they view challenges as opportunities to engage their peers in new ways. Their deep commitment to the school drives them to create activities that foster a sense of unity and belonging. Respected and admired by both staff and students, they make a lasting impact on the school community.