Celebrating Excellence

In honor of Black History month, I’ve decided to spotlight individuals here at Waukee High. It’s important to be able to express African-Americans’ good work and recognize their work. 

Multi-talented Senior Kira Canada is involved with iJAG, the National Honor Society, Girls Varsity basketball, and the Student Improvement Advisory Committee here. 

When asked what her biggest achievements were, Kira quoted, “Being elected as the first-ever National President-Elect for Jobs for America’s Graduates, National Career Association officer team, being selected as one of thirteen girls to serve on the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and receiving academic recognition from DMACC and Abraham Lincoln High School. 

As we can see, Kira has done significant work and is highly dedicated. Canada will continue her work, as she hopes to get accepted into one of her top colleges and begin her college journey. As a senior, Kira has accomplished many astonishing things. Now, what will she be doing in the future? Canada stated, “In the future I see myself being a criminal defense attorney and speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves. Even if I do not end up pursuing a career of being an attorney, I want to use my gifts and talents to help those who are less fortunate. I believe my duty on this Earth is to serve others and I want people to remember me as someone who changed lives.” Kira will go on in life caring for many. We are blessed to have such a thoughtful soul here in Waukee, who will pursue astonishing work in life. 

A skilled sophomore, Victor Njane is a part of soccer, track, cross country, marching band, and student council. Victor ran for student council so he could be a leader that people looked up to. Njane quoted that his  biggest achievements were “Being the president of the sophomore student council and being captain of the cross country team.” Victor shows great leadership skills as he is a person that is seen as an innovator. Njane hopes for Waukee to be more inclusive. Allowing all people to be included and feel welcomed here. It’s good to see him involved in many aspects of the school and trying to make the school a better place. In the future, Victor hopes to go the route of computer science or engineering. We hope that Victor continues his notable work to make our school a better place. 

Officer Dace, our school resource officer here to serve and protect us. Dace took a Police ride along and knew that was something he’d want to do. He wanted to do something that he would enjoy. Officer Dace quotes, “I have always liked helping and mentoring people. I think the most rewarding thing about being a police officer is being able to help people in their time of need.” Police Officers have a lot of positive effects on people’s lives. Dace enjoys how as a School Resource Officer (SRO) he gets to mentor and help students daily. “As an SRO I am a little bit of everything. I mentor and counsel students and lastly, I am a cop.” We are so grateful to have an individual here at Waukee that loves listening to students’ issues and showing us a new perspective on them, and how to resolve them.  

We can focus on African-Americans this month, and celebrate the contribution of those doing well. All around, we have a great number of people doing important work here to make Waukee a safe and enjoyable space.