Six Grader of the Year

Natalie and Mr Fife with her award 

Look at the surprised face! 

May 15 I got a call from Mr. Fife, Natalie's sixth grade teacher. He asked me if I was somewhere where Natalie wouldn't be able to overhear us speaking. I took my phone into the bedroom and said yes. Quickly, he told me that Natalie had been chosen to be the sixth grader of the year. During the call he listed off all the reasons they had picked her. Told me they still wanted to present her with a certificate, even if it couldn't be during the traditional graduation like a "normal" year (stupid COVID-19!)

Together we set a date for me to bring her to school to "get lunch" and he would be there with Mr Forrey and they would bring out her award and let her know.  

I asked her teachers to write her letters on why she was chosen and what they would remember about her. This is what I got back. 

Letter from Mr. Fife and Mr. Forrey (your 6th grade teachers)

Natalie, 

Well, the end of this year didn't go how any of us had hoped! And with report card comments being so short this time, I wanted to write you a letter that allowed me some more space to say what I truly wanted to say. 

You, Miss Natalie, are one of a kind! I don't know that I've ever met someone who worked harder and was more intent on improving every part of their education. I have had a lot of students in my 14 years as a youth leader and teacher, but I have not had a harder working student. This will take you SO FAR in your life! An here's the best part - no matter what struggle you were facing, no matter the assignment, n matter the task given, you approached it all with a smile on your face! It's amazing to see how much better you make everyone else's lives around you. The respect you have earned from other students and teachers is truly unmatched. You inspire ME to work harder every day. There were times where I just simply wanted to sit back, look at my phone for 10 to 15 minutes during lunch and just say "Ugh, I need a break!" Then, you'd walk in, sit down and get right to work and I'd think to myself... Wow, if Natalie can do this, so can I! 

You just keep on doing your thing. Your determination to do well on your assignments, your mindset to push yourself to do your best in everything that's in front of you, and the dignity and respect you treat everyone with has truly been an honor to be a part of. I know that you are going to do some great things in your life Natalie! Keep on being you, don't ever let anyone change you! You deserved this year's Sixth Grader of the Year award, no doubt about it! I am so happy to have had you in my class this year, and I really hope you will stay in touch as you get older and move into bigger and better things! Keep on working hard, keep on treating people the way you always do, and you will have the most amazing life! Thank you for letting me be a part of it Natalie! Have a fantastic summer and good luck in 7th grade. You are a superstar among rockstars! 

Your sixth grade teachers, 

Mr. Fife and Mr Forrey :)

Letter from Mrs G. (your 5th grade teacher)

Dear Natalie,

I heard you were named 6th Grader of the Year! That is so, so amazing, kiddo. You are so deserving. That title goes to kids who are kind to their very core, work hard, and help others. You embody all of those things. I remember from 5th grade the kindness you showed everyone, your infectious smile, and the hard work you put into every project. You were in 5th grade, and still are, an outstanding kid.

Thank you for being an up-stander, showing kindness and advocacy to those around you. Thank you for having a positive attitude, especially when it’s hard. Thank you for trying your best, even when the work is challenging. Some of my favorite moments in 5th grade were when you’d come up and read with me, one-on-one. You didn’t let the challenging texts stop you….and you and I got to have a little reading moment together. I looked forward to it every time we did novels.

I know the end of 6th grade didn’t go the way we wanted it to. I just bought my son a t-shirt (because he’s a senior this year) that says “Senior Year 2020- Worst. Ending. Ever.” and then has 1 out of 5 stars shaded in. I feel the same for you and your class. So many fun things cancelled and a terrible finish to your elementary school career. HOWEVER, we are blessed and lucky to be healthy, have each other, have food and shelter and parents with jobs. While it wasn’t the ending we wanted, our perspective and attitude helps shape how we handle it. I’ve always appreciated your positive attitude. Keep your chin up, kiddo.

Again, congratulations on a most-deserved recognition of 6th Grader of the Year. You rock my socks. Keep doing what you’re doing next year. Be good, do good, and seek out the good whenever possible. I will miss you like crazy. Please come visit your ol’ 5th grade teacher next year. I’m so proud of the young lady you are becoming and feel incredibly blessed to be a small part of your journey.

Much love,
Ms. G

Letter from Mrs F (school counselor) 

I am so happy your mom asked us to write a personal note to you since we can't honor you in person, in front of your friends, family and classmates. Actually all of your classmates ARE your friends. You are truly an amazing young lady who walks through this world being happy, kind, compassionate and forgiving to everyone in any situation. As the counselor of an elementary school, I have certainly seen my share of drama, tears, negative behavior, hurtful behavior and a lot in between. You are an individual who holds your head high and does not get involved in other's issues, unless it effects you in a hurtful way - and then you speak up (quietly). We need more Natalies in the world, for sure! :) I am so sorry you didn't get to go to EFT or celebrate the end of your years at Garfield. I will sadly not be able to be at school when Mr. Fife gives you your certificate but I am most definitely there in spirit, whistling and clapping :)! Congratulations - you made it easy this year to choose the most outstanding 6th grader. 

I will make sure you get your trophy and your picture will be put in the glass case on the 2nd floor, above the water fountain. You'll have to stop by with your mom and dad to see it next fall. East Jr. High is lucky to be getting you! 

Happy summer!

Mrs. F. 

Letter from Mr. DeForest (special education teacher, worked with Natalie for four years!) 

Dear Natalie, 

I feel sad I can not deliver this to you in person. I am very excited to congratulate you for being chosen sixth grade student of the year. I can't think of a more deserving student then you. 

There are many things I will miss about you as you leave Garfield. One, how hard you've worked, never gave up even when things were difficult and your smile on your face each day when you entered my classroom. Two, your willingness to assist other students in need with compassion and encouraging comments. And thirdly, your presences as a role model for other students. All these qualities will help you be successful all throughout your life, so continue to be the amazing person you are. As you move on to your next adventure, keep hold of your desire to learn and know you can achieve anything. I am so very proud to have been able to know you and witness the tremendous growth in your abilities. Always keep that Grizzly Pride

L. DeForest