By: Cali McPeak & Garret Davis
A welcoming environment at a school is important because it sets the tone for everything else. When students walk through the doors and feel safe, seen, and valued, then they value our school more. It also makes students more willing to ask for help and bounce back from mistakes. It lowers anxiety and helps kids focus on learning instead of fitting in. For staff, a welcoming culture means better teamwork and stronger relationships with students. Schools aren’t just buildings, but they are communities as well. When that community feels welcoming, students show up, engage, and support each other.
Devyn Miller has made a real positive impact at Southeast High School through the way he shows up for others every day. Whether he’s helping a classmate or leading by example, Miller brings an energy that makes Southeast feel more connected. Miller is involved in baseball and basketball, and hopes to be involved in the link crew this coming year. His teachers and coaches both know they can count on him to do the right thing, as he focuses on “maintaining a positive mindset and not letting the bad situations get the worst of me”. He doesn’t just focus on his own success, he lifts up the people around him. That kind of leadership and kindness is what strengthens a school community, and Southeast is better because Miller is part of it.
Monica Kiskadden has a powerful positive impact at Southeast High School through her dedication to students both in and out of the classroom. She creates a space where students feel safe asking questions, taking risks, and growing because they know she genuinely cares about them as people, not just grades. Whether she’s staying after school to coach cross country or track , cheering at games and events, or finding new ways to make lessons engaging, Kiskadden shows up with energy and heart every day. Her encouragement helps students believe in themselves, and her high expectations push them to reach further than they thought they could. Southeast is stronger because of the trust, respect, and sense of community she builds.
Together, Miller and Kiskadden show what makes Southeast High School special. Miller leads with kindness and lifts up his peers, while Kiskadden builds trust and confidence in her classroom every day. Their positive impacts remind us that schools thrive when people feel supported and valued. An uplifting environment isn’t just “nice to have” it’s what helps students take chances, teachers stay inspired, and the whole community grows stronger together. When we celebrate people like Miller and Kiskadden, we set the tone for a school where everyone can succeed.
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