It is my pleasure to nominate Braeden Helmkamp for THS Student of the Month. As English Department Chair and Braeden’s English 10 Honors teacher, I have observed him emerge as an impressive young man and quiet leader within our student body. His calm demeanor and humble nature set him apart and have earned him immense respect from his peers, teachers, coaches, and teammates.
His intellectual curiosity, thoughtful contributions, and strong work ethic have resulted in academic excellence. Braeden was always a solid performer in my English class, working hard in the rigorous class. He made significant contributions to our class discussions and showed steady growth throughout the year in analysis and student-led discussions. Maintaining a focus on Honors and Advanced Placement courses across all disciplines, Braeden continues to demonstrate an intrinsic motivation to challenge himself to meet his full potential; it is truly refreshing to witness his genuine interest in learning.
While attaining excellence with a challenging course load is important to Braeden, he dedicates a great deal of time and effort to service and athletics as well. Never one to seek the spotlight, he prefers to lead quietly by example. For example, he actively participates in Youth Traffic Safety, HOSA, STEAM team, Trinity Leadership Committee, and our bocce team. His extracurricular involvement and his desire to study kinesiology showcase his desire to contribute to the well-being of others. Moreover, his commitment to athletics reflects not only his physical prowess but his ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. As varsity football captain, he worked hard to foster a positive team environment; his commitment to discipline and sportsmanship will no doubt lead to his success in collegiate football. In all of his endeavors, Braeden possesses strong moral character and a deep sense of responsibility; his commitment to serving others aligns perfectly with the values upheld by the United States Military Academy, where he will be continuing his education and personal growth after high school.
Braeden demonstrates a rare combination of humility and intelligence, making him a standout student in any context, and he holds high expectations for himself in and out of the classroom, which is evident in the meticulous way he approaches any task. Above all, he is always positive, cooperative, and respectful as he seeks to reach his full potential to find success. Braeden’s talent, kindness, and achievements have made him a role model for our study body; therefore, he is worthy of the nomination for THS Student of the Month.
Nominated by Ms. Kristen Shaw.
