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Emily Loseke and Kanyon Held Named as Final “Students of the Month”

June 01, 2021

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By: Leigh High School Journalism Staff

Throughout the school year there have been many deserving “Students of the Month” at Leigh High School, and the final month of the year was no exception. 

To win this award, students in grades 7-12 are nominated by their teachers, and they can be nominated for any reason, not just high academic scores.  There are usually 5-10 nominations, and then the teachers vote on the nominations each month to choose two winners.  No student can win the award more than one time throughout the school year.  With 100 students 7-12, the award is a very prestigious honor!

The two outstanding students for the final month of the year were senior Emily Loseke and junior Kanyon Held.

The first student of the month is Emily Loseke.

Emily is the daughter of Ben and Pam Loseke. Her grandparents are Rick and Judy Loseke of Leigh and Joe and Sylvia Moody of Ainsworth.

Emily is highly involved in school activities. She enjoys participating in basketball, track and field, FCCLA, FBLA, One-Act, journalism, yearbook, speech, and National Honor Society. She is also President of the Leigh Youth Advisory Committee and involved in 4-H.  Her favorite subjects in school are English and art.

Outside of school, Emily’s favorite hobbies are hanging out with friends and family, 4-H, writing, running, and serving her community and church.

With recently graduating high school, Emily plans to attend Concordia University in Seward this fall as a part of the Luke’s Honor Scholar program majoring in Christian Education.  She will also run track and field at Concordia. 

“I have won this award in the past, and the honor has always meant a lot to me, but it means even more my senior year,” Loseke said. “I’ve always wanted to leave a positive impact on those around me, and I truly believe I’ve done that in high school and will continue to do that in the future.  I wouldn’t be where I am today without those around me supporting me, so this honor is really a testament to all the people who have helped make me the person I am today.  I am so thankful for their continued support.” 

Here is what Emily’s teachers had to say about her:

--“Emily’s kindness and work ethic radiates to our students and staff.  Her BeKind movement has created a positive atmosphere at school and generated positive leadership for students.  Emily is an excellent role model in the classroom, sports, and student organizations.”

--“Emily is such a unique and talented student who is so deserving of recognition.  She excels in the classroom and her extracurricular activities, but it is her positivity, character, work ethic, selflessness, and the general way she treats others that set her apart and make her a leader.  She has been a positive light in our school, and we will greatly miss her next year.”

The second student of the month is junior Kanyon Held.

Kanyon is the son of Kip and Kamin Held.  He is the grandson of Dennis and Linda Hillen of Creston and the late Bob Held and Lorraine Held, who resides at Meridian Gardens in Columbus. 

Kanyon’s favorite class is ag. He is also involved in many extracurriculars, including football, basketball, One-Act, FFA, FBLA, and Youth Advisory Committee. 

Outside of the classroom, Kanyon’s favorite hobbies are hunting and hanging out with his friends.

After high school Kanyon is undecided on which college he will attend, but he knows he will attend a four-year school and earn a degree in Engineering or Construction Management.

“I feel like I work pretty hard in school, so I appreciate my teachers noticing that and nominating me for the award,” Held said.  

            Here is what Kanyon’s teachers had to say about him:

            --“Kanyon has really matured and become a leader in our school this year.  He seems to have found his place and has grown into a really fun kid to be around and have in class.”

            --“Kanyon is extremely deserving of this award.  He has a high work ethic, and he excels academically and in activities.  He was a leader in the One-Act play earlier this year and received numerous awards.  He has really demonstrated growth in maturity in the past couple years, and will undoubtedly be a positive leader in the school as a senior next year.  He is also very devoted to his community, serving as an officer for multiple organizations like FFA and Youth Advisory Committee.” 

            Emily and Kanyon join the rest of the 2020-2021 winners, including Cassidy Hoffman, Trevor Zulkoski, Kyleigh Rayback, Cortlynn Cadwallader, Kevin Becerril, Kennedy Settje, Natalie Brabec, Madison Noonan, Dee Rivera, Leah Pinkston, Izabel Hollatz, Sofia Hake, and Kyle McMullin.

            Congratulations to all these deserving winners!