The Federal Way Mirror Scholar of the Month for March is Elsa Encinas, a first grader from Sunnycrest Elementary School.

Elsa was nominated by principal Shana Watkins.

On a daily basis, Elsa is always willing to offer a helping hand to her classmates, Watkins said in her nomination.

“She is patient and kind towards others and I can see that when she is helping her peers read and write,” Watkins wrote. “Elsa chooses to help other students read without being asked to do so.”

Whether it is helping a student get clarification during direct instruction or helping others with work once she has completed her own, Elsa supports her fellow Sunnycrest scholars.

“I go over there and I say that it’s OK you can just try another time and the teacher can help you,” Elsa said.

Elsa also goes above and beyond in her own classroom work, Watkins said. She challenges herself by doing more than what is asked.

She is responsible for her own learning by asking questions, asking for clarification and help when she needs it, Watkins said. Elsa works independently once she is finished with a task.

Elsa consistently participates in class, using kind and encouraging words to all of her peers.

She is supportive of others and respects their points of view. She is a leader in the class and a great example for all of Sunnycrest’s first graders, Watkins noted.

“It makes me happy and excited because this is my first time,” Elsa said about her Scholar of the Month nomination.

By earning this nomination, Elsa has achieved all of the criteria for Scholar of the Month including perfect attendance, having a GPA of 3.0 or better and demonstrating positive and productive behaviors in school.