Windward High School Student Taegla Kaufman is Kiwanis Student of the Month

Taegla Kaufman, a junior at Windward High, has been recognized as Ferndale Kiwanis Student of the Month for May. Taegla was recognized for her academic success, participation in school activities and events, and involvement in her community.

Taegla has been on the honor roll each semester of high school. Currently, she has a 3.8 grade point average. She has been recognized by Windward teachers as Student of the Month for the past three years. Windward Teacher Evan Ritchie says, "Teagla distinguishes herself as a person who is intrinsically motivated. She is driven to pursue those things that are important to her."

Taegla has a passion for reading and writing. She credits Teacher Vale Hartley (grades 3-6) with helping her through her challenges with reading. Under Ms. Hartley's guidance, Taegla was able to improve academically and socially. "I have dyslexia, so reading and writing was a lot more challenging for me than other students. With Mrs. Hartley's help over three years, I was able to understand instructions given to me and was able to improve academically and socially. Mrs. Hartley taught me to read through my dyslexia," said Taegla.

Being involved in her school and community is a priority for Taegla. Her involvement has included: We Are Active Club, Anime Club, Writers Club, Drama Club, Read Across America Day, Campus Clean-up, Garden Project and Service-Learning Projects.

Of particular importance to Taegla is helping teens who are going through foster care. She and her service-learning group organized a silent auction this past April which raised over $600 for Secret Harbor—Safe Places to Succeed. Secret Harbor helps youth and families navigate through foster care programs. The event that drew an estimated 100 people was held during coffee hour at Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship.

Following graduation from high school in the spring of 2019, Taegla plans to attend a four-year college to study biology, genetics or Japanese. Also, she would like to do an international exchange in Japan for a year.

Congratulations, Taegla!

Thank you to Ferndale Kiwanis for supporting our students. We appreciate our partnership with you.

Pictured l to r: Windward High Teacher Evan Ritchie, Ferndale Kiwanis President Greg Kendall; Taegla Kaufman, Justin and Janell Kaufman (Taegla's father and mother), and Kiwanis Member Roger Quiggle

For more information:
Windward High School Principal Kim Hawes, 360.383.9289, kim.hawes@ferndalesd.org
Director of Communications Tammy Bengen, 360.383.9207, tammy.bengen@ferndalesd.org