Branam is a seventh grader from Pioneer Middle School in Wenatchee, Wash. She is currently the captain of the volleyball team as well as a participant in both basketball and track at PMS. A leader through action, integrity and dedication, much of Branam’s energy this year has gone to supporting a teammate who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.

 After hearing about her teammate’s diagnosis, Branam rallied her teammates in creating hair ties, posters, t-shirts, letters and stickers to wear during games and to send to her teammate while in recovery.
 
“While seeking to better others, she also seeks to better herself,” said coach Rachel Zolinski. “Irelyn is one of the few players who will ask a coach, ‘What can I do to improve?’”

“Whether in her classes or on the court, she makes everyone around her better. She can help build her classmates up when doing group work and she can make every player on her volleyball team feel supported and confident in their own abilities and skill levels.”

Branam is described as honorable and respectful, thanking coaches and assuming the best in her opponents and referees.  She recognizes the hard work of her teammates and sets a good example herself by never cutting corners in practice.

“What sets an athlete apart, however, is not what she does on the court in view of the public, but what she does when she thinks no one is watching.” Zolinski explained.

“This is what makes Irelyn Branam a true student-athlete.”

Anderson is an eighth grader at Stanwood Middle School in Stanwood, Wash. This year he has participated in both cross country and basketball, as well as servicing the community by picking up garbage, spreading bark at city parks and weeding the flower beds at the “Welcome to Stanwood” sign.

“Kaden is the first to help an opponent up off the floor, or shaking everyone’s hand after a hard fought battle,” said coach and school counselor, George Zeigen.

“He also demonstrates the necessary courage to tell his teammates to work harder, listen closer and play fairly. I truly wish I had a whole team of Kaden Andersons.”

Not only does Anderson display these qualities on the court, they are visible in the classroom as well.

“Helping others in the classroom and on the basketball court are daily occurrences for Kaden,” Zeigen said.

“The amount of thoughtfulness and kindness are always difficult to measure in people, but Kaden’s cup is full on a daily basis and he shares it without a second thought.”

The students will be featured on the Activities Matter and the Middle Level websites. The monthly campaign is dedicated to highlighting two middle school students that demonstrate the core principles of the program: honor, sportsmanship, courage, respect, and citizenship.