Brayden Houle was surprised to learn he had been nominated as a Shining Star. The actions that earned him recognition from his teachers and classmates are not things he does for attention—they are simply things he believes need to be done.
“If someone else isn’t doing it, then you should,” Brayden, a Grade 6 student at North Star Elementary School in Cold Lake, says humbly.
Teacher Jessie Banks describes Brayden as a student who consistently steps up to support others, whether it’s his peers or the staff at school.
“Just last week he noticed that another student in the class was upset,” she explained. “He quietly went over and said ‘If you need to talk, I’m here,” and helped him out.”
Brayden’s leadership extends beyond small moments. Last year, he volunteered to emcee school assemblies—a task that pushed him out of his comfort zone.
“This was a challenge that he chose to face head-on,” said teacher Jessica Gunn. “He completely rocked it and was so proud of himself.”
Brayden admits it wasn’t easy at first
“I was nervous. It was scary at first, but practicing helped,” he said. “I pretended that no one was there, and that made it easier.”
His efforts paid off, inspiring not only himself, but those around him.
Brayden’s leadership doesn’t stop in the classroom. Gunn notes that he actively encourages his peers to make good choices during recess and class time.
“He is a safe big buddy to our younger students and is always standing up for them at recess,” she explained.
In addition to being a positive role model, Brayden takes pride in his schoolwork and regularly lends a hand with daily tasks, such as returning the lunch cart almost every day.
“Brayden is determined, kind, and quietly leads by example,” Banks said. “He embodies what it means to be a leader without seeking recognition for it.”
For all these reasons and more, Brayden Houle is the Northern Lights Public Schools Shining Star for December. Each month during the 2024-2025 school year, NLPS celebrates students who make a positive impact on their school and community.