By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
With his beaming grin, Wyoming High School junior Iyan Weidman-Gomez looked around the school gym trying to guess who might be the next Alpha Wolf 11 Champions of Character Award recipient to be announced.
He would, according to those who described him, do what he always does, be one of the first to jump up to congratulate his schoolmate. Except this time, it was his classmates congratulating Iyan.
Iyan was one of six students announced on Friday, Dec. 6, as the Wyoming High School’s fall Alpha Wolf 11 Champions of Character Award recipients. Started in 2014, every fall and spring semester, the Wyoming High School students and staff honor six exemplary students with the Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character Award — two sophomores, two juniors and two seniors.
These students are recognized not for their academic or athletic achievements but for treating others by “being kind, compassionate, and gracious” –which according to students and staff is Iyan Weideman-Gomez.
“He embodies everything an alpha wolf is about,” said the Alpha Wolf recognition team. “He is not the smartest kid. He is not the most athletic. Not the most popular but I can guarantee you he is the most compassionate, gracious and kind student who goes to Wyoming High School. He walks the halls with an undying light that is strong enough to brighten any kid’s day.”
It is for students like Iyan that high school teacher John Doyle wanted to bring the Alpha Wolf program to Wyoming five years ago. With a full high school gym that included school officials such as Superintendent Craig Hoekstra, and City of Wyoming officials such as Mayor Jack Poll, City Manager Curtis Holt, and Public Safety Chief Kim Koster, Doyle told how he was inspired by Grandville Middle School’s “Be An 11” program, which was started by Grandville Middle School physical education instructor Michael Lapciuk. Lapciuk said he wanted to change the culture at the school by promoting the students who were doing positive things. The Grandville program was later dedicated to Grandville’s fallen student-athlete Ryan Fischer, who according to Lapciuk set the bar on “what it meant to be an 11.” Doyle attended the program when his son Ian received the award.
“It was because of a seventh grader [Ian Doyle] who won this award who impacted at that time, a 40-year-old, to change his ways to make things different in his life,” Doyle said. “That’s me. We are all vulnerable. We all make mistakes. We might be that person we used to be but we certainly have the vision, that light forward to think ‘I can make a difference too.’”
According to peers and teachers these following six high school students made a difference whether anyone noticed or not, which is why they are more than ten, they are an Alpha Wolf 11.
Sophomore Alpha Wolf 11 Recipients
Aidan Curtis
A peer nominated Aidan Curtis not because how kind he was, but how kind he is with everyone he has interacted with. In fact, about every reference about Aiden was that he was “kind” and “had kindness to others.”
According to his peers, simply put, he is helpful and generous to others along with being compassionate and putting the needs of the group over himself.
Victoria “Tory Rose” Pulaski
For many, it is somewhat a mystery how the big personality of Tory Rose fits inside this Alpha Wolf. She is always adding new members to her family, sharing their joys and sorrows. She believes, according to her peers, that a community and family are stronger together and aims at making a stronger wolf pack.
Tory Rose, who according to the letters submitted, radiates postive energy. She participates in the school choir and does a lot of volunteer work.
“I love her,” wrote one student in their nomination letter.
Junior Alpha Wolf 11 Recipients
Iyan Weidman-Gomez
“What do you say about this guy?” read the Alpha Wolf presentation team. “His classmates love him. He is not the captain of the football team. He is not the president of any clubs. He is not the drum major of the band. He is something more important. He is kind.”
From holding doors for others to helping clean up a classroom, Iyan is known not for doing things to impress, but out of kindness.
“I am voting for him because of the amazing person he is,” wrote one student. “Everytime I walk into the classroom, he greets me with a smile and a hello.”
Nichole Stark
When talking about Nichole Stark, the word positive showed up over and over again from the nominations for her to receive the Alpha Wolf 11 award.
A National Honor Society member, Nichole volunteers to help other with homework. She is extremely friendly and does not exclude anyone but creates a sense of belonging for others in the school, students wrote.
Both staff and students stated she demonstrates the three Alpha Wolf characteristics of kindness, compassion, and graciousness throughout the school day and in her community.
Senior Alpha Wolf 11 Recipients
Henry Nguyen
“I’m baffled that he hasn’t won this award yet,” wrote one student. A situation that was rectified on Friday when Henry Nguyen was named the first of two senior Alpha Wolf recipients.
According to students and staff, Henry radiates positive energy. Described as a kind and gentle soul, Henry does what he thinks is best. This was demonstrated when he tried out for a new sport only to break his arm after joining the team. His character and determination as he faced unexpected pain kept him going as he contributed to the team. His coach stated that he loves to serve others and his integrity, character, and selflessness are incredible.
Kyle Ratliff
Genuine, real, authentic, these were just some of the words to describe senior Kyle Ratliff.
“I don’t know him that well but I once had a conversation with him and from what I see he is an amazing person,” wrote one student in a nomination letter. “He is really helpful and always encouraging others.”
According to staff, Kyle is always kind with positive words for everyone he meets. He is the type of person who makes a student better inside and out.
“Bottomline,” according to the Alpha Wolf presentation team, “this student cares. Period.”
Several students received You Make a Difference awards:
Sophomores – Sarah Slachter & Amaru Pegues
Juniors – Josh Anstey & Lucia Cerda Martinez
Seniors – Jaznay Lora & Brandon Walker
