At Camas High School (CHS), staff are showing students kindness throughout the day, whether it is a morning wave or encouragement during a stressful situation. Several staff members across CHS contribute to this positive environment to help make the school feel more welcoming for everyone.
For senior Jenna Al-Salti, that kindness is especially visible behind the concessions stand. Lisa Schnieder and Sean Tamura, who both volunteer their time during school sports events, create an environment that helps students feel supported even in new situations while also allowing students to gain job experience and raise money for their activities.
“Ms. Schnieder is very positive and motivational,” Al-Salti said. “She always makes it feel like a sunny day.”
During Al-Salti’s first time working a large concessions event, she felt nervous stepping into an unfamiliar role, but Schnieder’s help quickly changed that.
“She really helped me feel comfortable and understand any tasks I needed to do,” Al-Salti said. “She answered my questions and didn’t make me feel scared.”
Both Schnieder and Tamura’s willingness to encourage students outside of school stood out to Al-Salti, along with many other CHS staff and students.
“It shows a lot of school spirit,” Al-Salti said. “It really helps make the school a close-knit community.”
Kindness at CHS begins even before students enter the building. Crossing guard Kisha Swafford-Gayhart makes it a priority to acknowledge every student she sees, whether driving or walking, understanding that even a small gesture like a wave and a smile can have a big impact on someone’s day.
“When you’re waving at people, you never know what that person may be going through,” Swafford-Gayhart said. “Seeing somebody smile at them, you never know what that might do.”
Inside the school, that same sense of kindness continues in the lunchroom, where Krista Lane consistently makes students feel recognized and appreciated. Lane hands out candy every Friday and also remembers students’ names at the checkout line.
“I love Ms. Krista. She is always super kind, and she smiles at everybody,” senior Kaitlin Zeamer said. “She remembers my name and always tells me to have a good weekend.”
Rebecca Mason, a learning center staff member, also shows kindness to the students around her. By setting up music on Fridays and questions on a board outside the Learning Center, Mason can impact many students on a more personal level.
“She not only does her job well, but she does it while being like a mother to students,” senior Carlos Del-Puerto said. “She kind of makes it like a home away from home.”
According to Del-Puerto, Mason creates a space where students feel comfortable talking, joking, and asking for help when they need it.
“You can’t ask for more than that from a teacher,” Del-Puerto said.
From concession stands to crosswalks to the lunchroom, these staff members play an important role in shaping the positive vibes at CHS. Through small, everyday actions, staff continue to show kindness in addition to their CHS spirit.
