For Cadence Kissel, volunteering in a Grade 4 classroom isn’t just about helping out—it’s a way to connect with younger students and share her love for learning and creativity.
“Cadence helps me with organizing, cleaning, and supporting students in any way she can,” said teacher Tara Severin. “My Grade 4’s have benefitted greatly from having Cadence mentor them on positive school culture.”
Cadence initially chose to volunteer because her sister was in Mrs. Severin’s class and she admired the teacher’s approach to engaging with students. What she didn’t expect was to be seen as a role model herself.
“I wasn’t intending to be a positive role model. If anything, the students were positive role models for me,” Cadence shared “The way they showed friendship to each other and interacted with each other was inspiring.”
One of the classroom highlights was when Cadence taught the students how to draw dinosaurs, combining her passion for art with her desire to engage the students.
“I love drawing dinosaurs and they would ask for drawings all the time,” Cadence said. “I helped out during art class and taught them how to draw dinosaurs. It was fun to be able to do that with them, since I don’t get many opportunities to do art in high school.”
In addition to art, Cadence helped with science and math activities and volunteered in the classroom at lunch and recess.
This year, Cadence is returning to Mrs. Severin’s classroom, volunteering and getting to know a new group of Grade 4 students.
While she doesn’t see teaching as her future career, Cadence values the opportunity to give back to the school community that she loves.
“The people, the environment, the teachers - I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else,” she said.
Cadence Kissel is the Northern Lights Public Schools Student Shining Star for October. Each month during the 2024-2025 school year, NLPS is featuring different Shining Stars and celebrating their contributions and accomplishments.