By Sondra Barr

Photos courtesy of Boulder Creek Elementary

Boulder Creek Elementary School isn’t just about top grades—it’s a place where students grow into leaders who make a real difference in their community. For the second year in a row, Boulder Creek has earned the highest letter grade in the state, and the students here aren’t stopping at academic success. From organizing food drives to dreaming up new ways to give back, these kids prove that kindness and leadership go hand in hand.

Eleven-year-old Adin Muslim, a sixth grader and the school’s student council vice president, believes the school’s PAWS program plays a big role in their success. “It encourages us to be polite, accountable, wise, and safe,” Adin says. “That helps us stay on track, improve our grades, and keep a positive mindset.” Adin’s favorite subject is math, which he loves for its universal usefulness and the joy it brings him.

Fifth-grader Scarlett Harmon, 10, also loves math and says her family even turns it into a game when they eat out. “We try to guess the bill, including tax,” Scarlett shares with a laugh. “It’s great practice, and math is such a useful skill in life.”

What sets Boulder Creek apart isn’t just its academics—it’s the way the school fosters leadership and a sense of responsibility. Twelve-year-old Luke Saigh, a sixth grader and the student council president, says joining StuCo gave him the chance to inspire others. “I wanted to be a leader and a role model for younger kids,” Luke says. “Being on StuCo lets me present new ideas to teachers and get more involved in the community.”

One of the student council’s biggest projects is the annual holiday food drive. Each year, they collect donations for the Paradise Valley Community Food Bank, which supports families in need within the school district. “It’s so important because it helps people who are less fortunate,” Adin says. Scarlett agrees, adding, “The food drive takes stress off families during the holidays.”

For Luke, packing up the donations is one of the most memorable parts of the experience. “We worked as a team for a good cause, and hearing stories from the food bank staff made me realize how important this is,” he says. Scarlett lights up when she describes seeing the halls lined with donations. “Every day, the lines of food get longer and longer. It’s amazing to see how much everyone gives,” she says.

The student council gets creative to encourage participation, offering prizes like popsicle and pizza parties for the top-donating classes. “We brainstorm ideas as a team based on what’s worked before,” Adin explains. “It’s always a group effort.”

While the food drive is a highlight, these students are already planning future projects. Scarlett envisions a pet supply drive for local shelters and a sock drive to help the homeless. Luke suggests a backpack drive filled with school supplies for children in foster care or homeless shelters. “It’s about making sure every kid feels supported,” he says.

Giving back isn’t just something they do—it’s something they feel. “When I help others, it’s like a spark inside me,” Luke says. “It motivates me to be a better, kinder person.” Scarlett adds, “When I know someone else feels good because of what we did, it makes me feel good, too.”

For Adin, the impact of these projects is deeply personal. “I feel so proud knowing I’m helping my community,” he says.

The lessons these students are learning go beyond the classroom. Adin dreams of becoming a soccer player and says being on StuCo is helping him become a better leader, both on and off the field. Scarlett hopes to one day run her own animal rescue, a goal she’s already working toward by building her leadership skills. Luke has two big dreams: playing Major League Baseball or becoming a lawyer. “StuCo teaches me teamwork and how to lead, whether it’s on the field or in the courtroom,” he says.

At Boulder Creek Elementary, success isn’t just about grades—it’s about building character, lifting others up, and creating a better community. “I love this school,” Scarlett says. “Everyone works together to make a difference, and that’s what makes Boulder Creek so special.”

With students like Adin, Scarlett, and Luke leading the way, it’s clear that Boulder Creek isn’t just shaping minds—it’s shaping futures.