Leilani Doyle was recognized at the Feb. 24 Board of Education meeting for being the latest recipient of Wildcat Recognition.

Eugene Brooks Intermediate School Principal Jennifer Hengen presented Doyle at the meeting with the certificate for Wildcat Recognition, a new districtwide initiative to honor students for going above and beyond in the school community.

“It was much appreciated and it caught me off guard,” Doyle said of the words Hengen used in presenting her the award.

Hengen added, “Having known Leilani since her elementary school years, it has been a pleasure watching her grown into a polite and responsible young lady. She has such strong leadership skills and I can always count on her to do the right thing. Leilani advocates for herself and for others when necessary.”

Doyle was nominated for the award by a team of seventh grade teachers.

“She is always respectful and willing to help others,” said science teacher Christine Gillette. “Leilani brings positivity to the classroom on a daily basis and is truly a pleasure to have as a student.”

Doyle said she’s taken an initiative this year to become acquainted with more of her classmates as she continues building her strong leadership skills.

“There is a certain level of leadership skills that can bring you to different places in careers, where you live, what your life looks like, and the people you surround yourself with,” she said. “If you have good leadership skills, you can not only stand up for yourself, but can lead certain people in the correct direction.”

Doyle enjoys math and science.

“It’s a great group of people. They’re all equally good people,” she said of her math and science classmates.

The athletic department during the current school year also recognized Doyle as the volleyball player was named the female athlete of the fall season for modified sports. She is planning to run outdoor track and field in the spring.