Claude Huyck Celebrates: A’Siah Dampier Honored as J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week

The energy inside Claude Huyck Elementary was electric on September 25, 2025, as fifth grader A’Siah Dampier was honored as the J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week Award winner. Surrounded by classmates, educators, and community partners, A’Siah stood tall as the award recognized not only his academic success, but also his leadership, resilience, and commitment to uplifting those around him.

The J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week Award is no ordinary recognition. It was created to empower and celebrate young people who embody the values of Justice, Empowerment, Growth, Nurturing, and Advocacy (J.E.G.N.A.). Each week, a new student from kindergarten through college is spotlighted for excelling in academics, attendance, behavior, and leadership while serving as a positive influence in their school and community.

A Afternoon of Celebration

The ceremony followed the established award procedure: J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week Award Coordinator Keyron “Keyz” Kimbrough opened with a warm welcome and shared the purpose of the award. Then the Honorable Judge Tony Martinez delivered the formal recognition, reading the nomination submitted by A’Siah’s counselor, Cole Kill.

“A’Siah is kind and respectful. He is always ready to take on a challenge and there to support his classmates,” Kill wrote. “This year his class is going through a difficult time due to their teacher going on maternity leave. A’Siah is doing a fantastic job of adjusting to the change as well as successfully helping the substitute acclimate. His responsible actions and thoughtful responses show that he is actively engaged in creating a welcoming classroom culture and a successful school year.”

When asked how he felt about the award, A’Siah himself admitted, “I felt very thankful for it… I almost cried in the classroom because I saw [the award]. It made me very happy when I saw it.” His words reflected not only gratitude but also the depth of meaning this recognition carried for him.

Judge Martinez reflected on A’Siah’s maturity in the moment, sharing afterward, “This young man was the most well-mannered of any of the awardees from the past year. Everything went exceptionally well. His appreciation was heartfelt, and seeing his mother’s pride—she hugged him so deeply—was a reminder of the sacrifices families make to lift their children up.”

Principal Horton: Leadership and Motivation on Display

For Principal Michelle Horton, the presentation was a chance to spotlight not just one student, but the entire school community. “The atmosphere of the student being honored in front of his classmates was powerful,” she said. “The cheering and appreciation were great. You could see the other students asking themselves, ‘How can I be honored? What will it take for me to exhibit such leadership?’”

She emphasized how the recognition promotes inclusivity and motivation: “This program shows all our kids that leadership and effort are noticed. It motivates others to step up, and I think that’s invaluable.”

Voices from the School Community

Educators and community members echoed Principal Horton’s reflections. Classroom teacher Dolorez Castleberry, who also nominated A’Siah, noted simply, “It was meaningful. Recognitions like this encourage students to become better.”

Community partner Tory Anderson, the Kansas City Kansas Schools Foundation for Excellence Development Supervisor, was struck by A’Siah’s poise: “The student was so grateful and spoke so well. It really boosted his self-confidence.”

Coordinator Keyron Kimbrough added, “What stood out most to me was the student’s testimony. It was touching and showed how deeply this recognition resonated with him.”

Every small detail added depth to the afternoon. “When the reader helped coordinate the picture process, it became such a memorable moment,” Kimbrough shared.

More Than a Celebration

After Judge Martinez’s recognition, A’Siah received his award box and proudly revealed the contents. He and his nominator were gifted official 2025-26 J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week Award t-shirts, a FREE meal (A’Siah) & 15% off meal (Nominator) from The Big Fish Bar & Grill, and Sonic Drive-In FREE drink coupons. But the award goes beyond immediate celebration.

As part of the recognition, A’Siah and his nominator also received a Stockpile “Any Stock” gift card and the eBook From Teen to Millionaire: A Guide for Young Investors by Chris Dunlap of Nu Wall Street. These tools connect directly to the Jegna Klub’s Economic Independence Academy, where students, their families and their nominators participate in hands-on financial literacy workshops.

Judge Martinez summed it up best: “This isn’t just an award. It’s a launchpad for leadership, responsibility, and economic empowerment.”

Why It Matters

Recognition moments like this leave a lasting mark. Principal Horton rated the award’s influence a 5 out of 5, calling it “extremely strong” for student development. “It promotes inclusivity, leadership, and motivation. The way it operates right now is great,” she affirmed.

Counselor Cole Kill echoed this sentiment, describing the ceremony as full of “meaningful connections” and noting that the award fosters a sense of purpose and belonging for students.

How to Nominate a Student

The J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week Award is open to students from Kindergarten through college in Wyandotte County. Nominations can be made by any non-relative adult by going to www.thejegnaklub.org home page, click the Nominate Student of the Week, fill out Nomination Form and submit. Nominations must be submitted electronically every Friday by 3:00 pm.

Powered by Community Partnerships

The J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week Award program is made possible through community collaboration. The Jegna Klub thanks its partners: Kansas City Kansas Schools Foundation for Excellence, The Merc Co+op, Eastside Innovation, Sonic Drive-In, The Big Fish Bar & Grill, and Nu Wall Street for their support in uplifting youth and families across Wyandotte County.

#TogetherWeStand

Looking Ahead

For A’Siah, the award was more than a single day’s honor—it was a reflection of his leadership and his role in shaping the classroom environment. His heartfelt words—I felt very thankful for it… I almost cried in the classroom because I saw [the award]. It made me very happy when I saw it.”—captured the true spirit of what the Student of the Week recognition is all about.

As Principal Horton observed, “Moments like these don’t just honor one student. They inspire a whole school community.”

And as A’Siah stood with his award in hand, cheered on by his classmates, it was clear: the J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week Award is not just shaping futures—it’s building a legacy of leadership, resilience, and empowerment one student at a time.