Written by: Seth Gordon
In baseball, a five-tool player is one who can hit for power, hit for average, run, field and throw.
It’s the sport’s designation for the players who can do it all and that’s how Mountain View Middle School teacher Andrew Gallagher likes to describe eighth-grade student Madison Korkeakoski.
There are many kids her age who are strong students. There are also many who are polite, athletic or caring. There are perhaps even a few who demonstrate several or all of those qualities, but there is something else that sets Madison apart.
“She has a very even-keeled demeanor and is just very aware of her surroundings and it’s very rare to have all those things,” Gallagher says. “You don’t get that with middle school students.”
Madison is also quite driven for her age, as she’s already focused on attending college and specifically studying abroad. She’s been particularly inspired by a cousin at New York University who frequently writes about her travel experiences on social media.
A high level of self-motivation and the presence of numerous role models in her life, like the grandmother who imparted her love of reading, have fueled her drive to succeed in a wide variety of areas.
“I look up to a lot of people, like my cousin, in my life that show how committed to themselves they are and I feel that I should do that, too,” she says.
Madison credits elementary school teacher Victoria Acosta for helping ignite her own ambition. Since then, she’s found that being vocal about a goal is a powerful motivator.
“She really pushed me to do my best in everything,” Madison says. “Even though I’m not the best or the smartest, I still want to see myself grow. When I say things like that I want to go to college or study abroad, I try to work really hard to get to those points in life. When I do that, I commit.”
That focus and dedication is quite apparent in the classroom, as Gallagher describes Madison as a model student.
“She very smart,” Gallagher says. “She’s dedicated academically and just a great person to be around. She’s great at having conversations. She’s very helpful. I see her help kids when she sees them not doing something right or that they might need help.”
Madison’s work ethic has also served her well in sports, where she has excelled as a shortstop in softball, as well as a goalie and midfielder in soccer.
Newberg Ambush softball coach Michelle Evans says Madison’s temperament has also made her a great player to coach and an outstanding teammate.
“She’s always smiling, always working hard,” Evans says. “She just brings a great attitude to the team. I think attitude, in either direction, can be contagious and the fact that she brings that positive attitude to the table is something that benefits the team.”
In addition to being an avid reader, Madison engages her imagination and creative side through art. Experimenting through the years with various forms, she has developed an affinity for watercolor painting.
“In a weird sense, it’s a little more free because if you paint with acrylic paint, it’s a lot thicker, you’re restricted to only doing that line,” she says. “You can’t really make it bleed and go everywhere. You can’t spread the color and I really enjoy that.”
Madison has considered pursuing a wide variety of careers, from veterinarian to forensic scientist, but at her age, it’s not surprising that she hasn’t figured out yet exactly what she wants to pursue.
Just about everyone who knows her, though, is confident big things are in store for her no matter what direction she takes.
“When students are this focused at 14 years old, that generally portends well for the future,” Gallagher says.
