February C.A.K.E. Award Recipients Announced

The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 February C.A.K.E. Award, which stands for Character, Attitude, Kindness, and Encouragement, has been awarded to two outstanding learners. Congratulations to River McGregor and Cash Gugleman. River is a 5th-grade learner attending Gate City Elementary, and Cash is an 8th-grade learner attending Irving Middle School.

River was nominated by his teachers, Ms. Kallie Lopez. In her nomination letter Ms. Lopez wrote, “River is truly one of the most thoughtful and deep thinkers I have ever met. I learn a lot from my students, just as much and probably even more than I teach them, but I have learned a tremendous amount from River. We often do a ‘tell them why they're awesome’ day in class. What I mean by this is I randomly pull a name stick for each student and they then have to write that student a note to tell them why they are awesome. When we are done, they stand up and read aloud to the class and to that student why they are awesome. When River reads his note about the student I gave him, I have never ever heard something more beautiful and profound. For example, he wrote this to one of his classmates: ‘Dear ____________ I wish I could put every reason why you're terrific on one sticky note. (there are too many reasons.) But I can say this you are truly remarkable. Someone as terrific as you comes once in a lifetime... Thank you ____ I'm so glad you're in my class. Continue to be awesome buddy!’ Who wouldn't want a note like that?! He goes above and beyond to make his classmates, and anyone he meets, feel special and seen. We all can learn a lot from River and I am so thankful I've gotten to be a part of his journey this year! His future is so tremendously bright!”

Cash was nominated by, Mr. Sean Andersen. In his nomination letter, Mr. Andersen wrote, “Cash consistently demonstrates an exceptional attitude toward learning and a genuine commitment to supporting those around him. Each day this year he has arrived at school with a positive attitude. His enthusiasm for learning is contagious, and he actively seeks out ways to inspire and uplift his classmates. What truly sets Cash apart is his unwavering kindness and empathy. Whenever a classmate is struggling, he is always the first to step in with encouragement and support. His willingness to go above and beyond to create a classroom where all his classmates can feel welcome and supported is truly amazing.”

River and Cash were recognized at the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Our Partner for this award, Johnson Family McDonald's, provides each learner and their nominators with a gift card, along with $50 to purchase books for the school’s media center in the recipients’ names.

PCSD 25 believes a safe, supportive, caring and respectful environment is critical to student learning. The District Education Foundation, in partnership with McDonald’s, supports the Learner-of-the-Month C.A.K.E. Award to recognize students who show great character. The district recognizes one elementary learner and one secondary learner from October through May. Nominations for the C.A.K.E. Award are submitted by a teacher who has observed the nominee’s behavior, and are approved by the school’s
principal.