Emblematic of the Kiwanis’ desire to help children, the group’s motto is “Serving the Children of the World.”   

Evidence of that desire hit a little closer to home last week when members of the Libby Chapter of the Kiwanis — the Kootenai Kiwanis — recognized the “Terrific Kids” at Kootenai Valley Christian School.

“Terrific Kids is a part of the Kiwanis family and in Libby is sponsored by Kootenai Kiwanis,” said Pam Peppinger of the local Kiwanis.

“Terrific Kids is a student-recognition program that promotes character development, self-esteem and perseverance.  Students work with their teacher to establish goals to improve behavior, peer relationships, attendance or school work,” she said.

The program works like this: Students who achieve their goals after a specified time are recognized as Terrific Kids. The program provides teachers with a tool to reward students who may otherwise go unnoticed. 

Students focus on learning and practicing good character. This improves behavior in the classroom, on the school grounds and at home. The students received a certificate, pin and a sticker upon completion.

Last Friday was Terrific Kids graduation day at the school, and students were presented with the items stating their achievement.

The following students were recognized as Terrific Kids:

Kindergarten: Justice Garcia, Jayden Bower, Savanah Lucas, Izack Howe, Hannah Wolfe, Kayla Hoff, Jace DeShazer, Matthew Haines, Tyler Andersen.

First grade: James Warner, Katelyn Schmitt, Landyn Kendall, Steven Hilliard and Thomas Roark.

Second grade: Hunter Bower, Nick Stoick, Anna Marie Kebschull, Hannah Schertel.

Third grade: Skye Anderson, Bethany Thomas, Aleah Ford, Carlos DeAlavardo, Yeshara Robertson.

Fourth grade: Tanner Marshall, Emily Walters, Cyrus Sweedman.

Sixth grade: Tyler Lucas, Laurynn Lauer.

Seventh grade: Kenzie Wolfe, Niklaus Neumann.

Eighth grade: McKenzie Cosgriff, Hadassah Miller.