September Students of the Month: Lyla Lam and Donavon Mattis

Bishop Kenny High School is proud to recognize seniors Lyla Lam and Donavon Mattis as the September Students of the Month for their outstanding examples of friendship, kindness and humility. Through their involvement, service and genuine care for others, both students embody the spirit of what it means to be a Crusader.

For Donavon, building friendships begins with making sure everyone feels welcome. A member of the varsity football team since his freshman year and a member of the weightlifting team, Donavon has found that some of the most meaningful moments happen when teammates look out for one another. Reflecting on his own experience as a freshman, he shared, “I try to help the freshman and sophomore players feel welcome on the team and reach out to them to make sure they are engaging with the older players. When I started playing as a freshman, a few players did the same for me and it made a huge impact on me, and I want to help others the same way.”

Along with his commitment to athletics, Donavon maintains a strong academic schedule and has developed a passion for technology and programming. He also maintains a rigorous academic schedule and is a member of English, Science, Spanish and National Honor Societies.

He hopes to continue playing football at the collegiate level while pursuing a degree in computer science. For Donavon, this recognition is a meaningful reminder of the impact that a simple act of kindness can have on someone else.

Lyla is equally committed to making those around her feel included and connected. A student ambassador and member of the basketball sideline cheerleading team, Lyla is involved in a wide range of activities and organizations, including Anchor Club, Campus Ministry, History Club and Spanish Club. She also maintains a rigorous academic schedule and is a member of Mu Alpha Theta, English, Rho Kappa, Science, Spanish and National Honor Societies.

Her commitment to serving others extends beyond the classroom and extracurricular activities. Lyla lives out her faith as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and through her involvement with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. She believes that kindness often comes through the everyday choices we make to include others. “It’s the small things that are important, and I try to include others during the school day in classes, at lunch and in meetings around campus to bond over our common interests,” she shared.

This recognition is especially meaningful to Lyla, whose older brother, Jayce ’24, was also honored as a Student of the Month for Friendship during his time at Bishop Kenny. Looking ahead, Lyla hopes to attend a college in Florida and is still deciding what she would like to study.

Through their friendship, service and thoughtful attention to those around them, Lyla and Donavon remind the Bishop Kenny community that kindness does not have to be extraordinary to make a difference. Often, it is the small gestures of welcome, encouragement and inclusion that leave the greatest impact.

Congratulations to Lyla Lam and Donavon Mattis, our September Students of the Month!