Kaevon was nominated by his Physics teacher and baseball coach. As a freshman Kaevon showed great potential in the classroom and on the baseball field, but also displayed an attitude and stubbornness that was difficult to harness. When Kaevon was unsuccessful he would display anger and combat those willing to help.
Through finding a solid set of mentors, Kaevon was able turn his attitude around. Kaevon now mentors others and volunteers his time through many community service events. He was able to turn himself around to be successful in both the classroom and on the baseball field. Kaevon is attending Shippensburg University and plans to study Computer Engineering.
Cory was nominated by the guidance office. Cory transferred from CD East to CD his freshman year. In his first two years Cory demonstrated high levels of tardiness, absences and discipline issues. His academics were also very poor. During Cory’s Junior and Senior years Cory discovered his passion for the fin arts. He developed positive relationships with administrators and staff and turned around his absence record, discipline issues and academics. Cory is currently pursuing a Fine Arts degree at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia, PA.
NyAna plans to attend Penn State to pursue a degree in Psychology. Her therapist, who she started seeing shortly after her epilepsy diagnosis, inspired her to ultimately want to be a therapist. Congratulations to NyAna on both her achievements and being over a year seizure-free!
Thalia was nominated by her guidance counselor who recognized a long history of poor behavior, school attendance and grades. She often engaged students in verbal and physical altercations and exhibited defiant behavior towards staff and administrators. She ended up in the alternative education program due to her continued issues.
In alternative education, Thalia slowly began to change. Thalia improved her attendance and her grades as she recognized she could be successful. Her senior year Thalia improved her attitude and, most notably, her grades. Thalia graduated achieving honor roll and is enrolled in Shippensburg University to major in Criminal Justice in hopes of pursuing a career as a juvenile probation officer.
Lisa was nominated by her ESL teacher. Lisa moved to the United States from Cambodia in 2016. Her English proficiency was limited and she and her brother were introduced to a brand new country, community and school. All of Lisa’s interactions with peer, staff and teachers had to be in English. Despite all of these challenges, Lisa had a wonderful attitude and incredible work ethic. Sadly, later in the school year, Lisa’s father became gravely ill and was hospitalized in Philadelphia and put on life support. Lisa traveled back and forth from Philadelphia to Harrisburg each week to be by her father’s side. Despite her setbacks, Lisa worked hard at learning English. In less than one year, Lisa improved her Lexile score by over 300 points which is rare growth for such a short period. Lisa maintained over a 90% GPA and was on distinguished honor roll. Lisa’s commitment to academic growth and achievement was particularly remarkable as she balanced it with a variety of school service activities including Environmental Club, Red Cross and being a student aide. Lisa’s dream is to attend Temple University and pursue a four year degree.
Ollie had to make a decision regarding the trajectory of his life: was he going to let his situation define him as a person or was he going to make something of himself? Since he moved to Hershey, a new place where no one knew him or what had happened to his family, he decided to start over. He sought out a Boy Scout troop and rejoined. He has become an Eagle Scout and a mentor to younger scouts. Additionally, he enrolled in music classes and became a member of the band. As a result, he has become passionate about music and feels as if he has found a family within his group of band friends. Ollie is enrolled in Honors and AP courses, is a member of the National Honor Society, and is this month’s male recipient of Hershey High School’s Student of the Month.
Ollie plans to attend Bucknell University this fall followed by law school where he will aspire to be a judge one day. Congratulations, Ollie!
MJS ACHIEVEMENT FOUNDATION
The MJS Achievement Foundation’s mission is to provide economic assistance to high school students who are attempting to become productive, self-sufficient members of society.
