Influencer of the Week: Madelynn Valley, Foundation Academy

Madelynn Valley is the patrol captain at the Foundation Academy. Valley supervises the patrols and helps them when they need it. Her patrol duties include walking the preschoolers to their classrooms, putting up and taking down the flags each day, and helping students out of their cars in the morning. She recently was nominated for national Patroller of the Year. 

What brought you to your school? 

My mom is a teacher at the Plant Street campus. 

What do you love most about your school?

I’ve made some great friends, and I learn more about God every day. All the teachers are nice, and I like switching classes this year for math. 

What is your motivation?

I like to follow the rules and do my best in everything. I like Colossians 3:23 because it says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” 

What is the most rewarding part of your job as patrol captain?

I’m a perfectionist, and I like watching the other patrols do their best. We all like walking the preschoolers to their classrooms in the morning. 

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I love to play volleyball. If I’m not practicing with my team or playing a game, I’m in the yard playing with my sister, dad and neighbor. 

Who is your favorite teacher in school? Why?

I like Mrs. Brazil, because she tells really interesting stories. She’s also nice! 

What do you want to be when you grow up? Why? 

I want to be an author. I like telling stories, and I’ve been writing books since I was 4 years old. Once in second grade, I took a writing course that was college level with SIG, which stands for Summer Institute for the Gifted.

What is your favorite book and why? 

This is a tough question, because I love reading. I’ve read “Matilda” by Roald Dahl probably 20 times. I also like “The Candymakers” by Wendy Mass and the “Land of Stories” series. I read close to a book a day! 

What are your hobbies? 

I like playing volleyball, reading, and all kinds of arts and crafts. I recently started making little charms out of clay. I also like cooking and playing outside. 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? 

I would like to fly, but I’m not sure why. 

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? 

I listen to the Z 88.3 radio station. 

What is your go-to lunch? Any favorite snacks or special treats? 

I like cheeseburgers with pickles and also just dill pickles as a snack. I also like going and getting ice cream once a week with my family. 

What is your favorite holiday and why? 

I like Christmas, because we celebrate when Jesus was born, and I also get presents. 

Who is your best friend and why? 

My little sister, Harper, is my best friend. We sometimes fight, but I love her a lot. Whenever I’m having a bad day, she makes me feel better. 

What are your extracurricular activities? Have you won any accolades or honors? 

Besides playing on two volleyball teams, I am also in the National Elementary Honor Society. I won first place in last year’s spelling bee, and I’ve won second place the past two years in the Math Olympics. I’ve also been an academic scholar each year I’ve been at FA. 

What does it mean to be nominated for national Patroller of the Year? 

Honestly, I was pretty surprised. One reason Coach Pilz nominated me was because I was seen taking down the flags in the pouring rain all by myself. I knew the flags shouldn’t stay up overnight, and it would bother me knowing I didn’t do my job. So I made my mom pull over, and I jumped out of her car. My sister did end up coming to help me. There are a lot of great patrols at FA, and I’m proud to serve alongside them.

REPORT CARD

Position: Patrol captain 

Time at school: Three years