Kingman Unified honors students with perfect statewide scores; Be Kind student leaders report back from youth conference

The Kingman Unified School District board on Nov. 13 recognized dozens of students who earned perfect scores on Arizona statewide assessments last school year and then heard a student-led presentation about mental-health and anti-bullying work from a youth conference.

Dr. Dortner introduced Liz Albin, the district’s director of curriculum and assessment, who presented certificates and invited board members to pose for photographs with the students. Albin said the perfect scores reflect “consistent effort, perseverance, and a true commitment to excellence,” and praised teachers and families for their support.

Students from Surbat — identifying themselves as the 'Charging Rams' or the 'Be Kind crew' — described their experience at the Speak Up, Stand Up and Save a Life conference and read a mission statement focused on leadership and kindness. Several students spoke directly to trustees about calming strategies and how to recognize signs of depression, grief, abuse and bullying. One student said the conference taught techniques for “how to calm down” and how to tell an adult when a peer is struggling.

School counselor Melinda Polley accompanied the students and described the student leadership group’s plan to meet monthly and to bring what they learned back to campus through peer-led activities. Trustees praised the presentations, saying the in-school leadership and prevention work will be continued throughout the year.

The recognition and student presentation occurred early in the board’s agenda and were followed by an annual facilities report and routine business actions. The district invited families and the community to view certificates and a YouTube recording, and Albin encouraged parents to celebrate the students’ accomplishments.