When it comes to school spirit, Kade Sandoval stands out from the other H.D. Hilley Elementary School Mustangs.
From rooting for her peers as a cheerleader to working on an anti-cyberbullying app, Kade has stepped outside her comfort zone to try new things and enhance her school experience.
“I wouldn't know which (activity) I like best,” said Kade, a fifth grader and straight A student. “I enjoy everything. It feels amazing because (H.D. Hilley) gives you many opportunities to learn and see what you're good at.”
In recognition of her outstanding accomplishments, Kade was selected to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the Socorro ISD’s Board of Trustees regular meeting in November.
Since starting Pre-K at H.D. Hilley, Kade always had a reputation for being a good student. Still, her fourth-grade teacher, Alfred Hernandez, said she began to flourish last year. With a little encouragement, Kade competed at Destination Imagination, UIL Ready Writing, and the Math Bee, all of which boosted her confidence. Her success culminated in the Principal's Award for being the school’s top fourth-grade student.
“Anything she wanted to try or do, I was like, ‘Let's do it!’” Hernandez said. “She joined almost every club we have here at this school, and she'd do it without complaining; she did it with a smile and to the best of her abilities. She did stand out every time she did anything.”
Kade stood out at the district’s elementary science fair this fall. Her project on music’s effect on concentration won first place at her school. She is also developing an app to prevent cyberbullying in gaming in her school’s robotics club. She hopes the app will protect kids from online harassment.
“Many kids now play games online or a lot on social media, but there are people (that can) take advantage of this because you don't know who else is on the screen,” Kade said. “With the app, if somebody's bullying you or telling you things, you can report it, and also you can learn about cyberbullying and what things to do (to prevent it).”
For Kade, helping students feel welcomed at school has always been a priority. Her cheerleading and writing experience came in handy when she was picked to be mistress of ceremonies for H.D. Hilley’s first talent show in November. Not only did Kade write her script for the show, but she also pumped up the audience, introducing the show’s talented performers.
“She works well with others, and she doesn't look down upon anybody,” Hernandez said. “If she sees somebody struggling, she doesn't put them down; on the other hand, she helps them, so that's really good of her.”
School Counselor Carmen Bebon said students, especially the younger ones, look up to Kade, and teachers use her work as an example of a job well done.
“She's grown to be a very strong leader here on our campus,” Bebon said. “She's a very good role model to the other students that are here.”
Kade said her achievements have been made possible because of the school's teachers, clubs, and extracurricular activities. She was grateful to Bebon and H.D. Hilley Principal Darlene Hernandez for providing her and her fellow Mustangs with opportunities to shine in and out of the classroom.
“We’re in a learning environment and you can just express yourself by doing different things,” said Kade, who is also a Latino Literacy Project scholar.
Kade is looking forward to attending Salvador H. Sanchez Middle School next year. She has her sights on becoming a criminologist when she grows up.
“She's thinking ahead of when she goes to college and what she wants to be when she goes to college,” Hernandez said. “She's got some goals set for her. She will be very productive in this society.”