Student Spotlight

How do you spell success? D-A-L-O-N! Bennett Kew Academy 8th grader Dalon Taylor is the 2026 IUSD district wide spelling bee winner for 8th grade. Not by coincidence, he also won the district wide spelling bee in 5th grade. This straight A student has big dreams of becoming an NFL athlete because he enjoys watching, playing, and competing in sports. He is also a self-proclaimed “numbers guy” who loves math, so he is also interested in a career in finance. He currently plays baseball, just to expand his horizons and diversify his experience as an athlete. His dream college is USC, Ohio State, or LSU, because of their competitive football programs. Additionally, Dalon has received multiple awards over the years for being a districtwide champion in baseball.

Jayden Harmon has a winning spirit- on and off the field! Jayden is a receiver for the IHS football team and has dreams of playing in the NFL. He also plays for the IHS basketball team and runs track for IHS, where he received the MVP award for his dedication to the track team and his passion for athletics

LaTijera 8th grader Jaice Bent is fighting for a better future! His teacher describes him as an exceptional student whose curiosity, work ethic, and positive attitude consistently set him apart from his peers. Jaice aspires to become a professional boxer, but would also like to become a software engineer that builds computers and computer programs. His dream colleges are Yale, Harvard, or Stanford, where he wants to study engineering. Jaice has been boxing since age 3 and has been trained by his father who is a former boxer and professional trainer. Jaice has participated in boxing tournaments since age 7, and is currently undefeated in his weight category (junior lightweight)! Jaice says that being able to protect his future wife and family motivates him to become a boxer, not only the fame and fortune that can come with a successful boxing career.