Kiwanis Student of the Month June 2025: Caden Walcker

Recent Ferndale High School graduate Caden Walcker made mentorship a major focus of his time at FHS. He was involved not only in the high school leadership program, but also met regularly with younger students at Horizon Middle School and Custer Elementary School through Be The One. This school year, he earned a FHS Pride Award due to his work with the latter organization.

“I am very proud of the work I’ve done as a leadership mentor,” Walcker said. “I’ve learned and grown with these kids and watched as they put my lessons into real-life practice.”

One reason why providing guidance to younger students is a priority for Walcker is because he believes there is a “loneliness epidemic” happening today.

“Way too many kids and adults feel like they have no one to talk to, and I’ve unfortunately had to witness the impacts of this issue,” said Walcker. “I suggest creating an online link where people can name-drop others they are concerned about (or even themselves), and it would go to counselors.”

During his time at FHS, Walcker helped in Unified Soccer, where students of all genders and abilities share the field to compete against local schools. He also played rugby for a couple years and worked at Edaleen Dairy, where he earned a “Cow-worker of the Month” award.

This fall, Walcker plans to attend Washington State University to pursue a degree in biology. During his time home from Pullman, he plans to keep volunteering at his church’s youth group and in his mom’s classroom at Cascadia Elementary School. His eventual plan is to attend medical or physical assistant school and become an orthopedist.

Walcker said the most influential person in his life is his dad, who instilled in him the importance of hard work and discipline.

“He taught me to always give it one more day every day,” he said. “He pushes me to achieve success and helps me work through failures.”