Gavyn had no interest in doing well, was defiant and enjoyed being the class clown. He was didn’t always make the best choices as he was in school for one reason – to socialize. In 11th grade Sasha was not happy to see Gavyn had been scheduled for her Family Dynamics class. His schedule got changed and Sasha did not see him much again until his Senior year. He is now in her Family Dynamics class and a different person.
He is motivated and interested and never leaves class without wishing Sasha a good day. Since his 10th grade year, Gavyn has apologized to Sasha for his poor behavior and decisions. Gavyn will be attending Harrisburg Area Community College in the fall with a focus on his general education credits as he is not 100% sure what he wants to do in the future. Congratulations, Gavyn!
In 2013 NyAna started to suffer seizures and was diagnosed with epilepsy. Her seizures caused her to suffer from short-term memory loss. She also had difficulty converting new information into long-term memory. NyAna says the day she started having seizures changed her life. NyAna had to miss several months of school and had to work twice as hard to complete simple tasks that were once easy for her. Instead of giving up, NyAna chose to work hard to overcome her challenges. She keeps a notebook each day full of notes to help her remember instructions, assignments, due dates etc. NyAna never turns in an assignment late. She does not expect special treatment and is not afraid to ask questions or ask to have directions re-explained. NyAna knows how to advocate for herself and she is a leader among her peers. Teagan says, “This young woman is the most determined, responsible learner I have ever had the privilege to teach and she has twice as many reasons not to be.” Teagan also notes, “NyAna is determined to walk that stage in June and not only graduate, but graduate on honor roll! she has been the student of the month for several different teachers this year because she puts forth so much extra effort. She has a heart of gold and truly deserves this scholarship.”
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!
Hunter was consistently making bad choices in middle school and in the beginning of his high school years. He thought school was a joke; always in trouble for minor infractions. Knowing this, other students would dare Hunter to act inappropriately, and he did. He was heading down the wrong path.
Hunter is a talented musician and has been encouraged since elementary school to use his talent. At first, he was too cool for music, but then started playing guitar. He was nervous in front of other because he didn’t know how to handle the positive comments. Throughout Hunter’s junior and senior years, his confidence soared. He began to practice guitar, write his own songs, do recordings of his work and perform publicly. Not only did Hunter find success in his music in high school, his grades improved tremendously and accomplished very good SAT scores. Hunter has earned respect from other students, teachers and his school community.
Hunter would like to pursue the Music Business career to develop his writing and recording skills. He has been accepted to Millersville University and Lebanon Valley College and is currently still deciding which one he will choose! Congratulations, Hunter!
Prior to moving to Hershey, PA, Ollie lived in an up-scale suburb of Pittsburgh. In 2012, Ollie’s world came crashing down when his family was held at gunpoint by a man demanding drug money. Two weeks later, a close family member was arrested and Ollie’s family lost everything – their home, their “friends,” and their possessions. To escape from Pittsburgh, they moved to Hershey where Ollie’s grandfather lived. Ollie, his mother, and 4 siblings had to start a brand new life. Ollie began to withdraw from everyone and everything he had once cherished. His grades dropped and he even quit Boy Scouts, an activity he loved. Ollie has stated that this was the most devastating event of his life.
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!
Nazeir has faced some significant challenges throughout his high school career. He was raised by a single mother who worked hard to make up for the absence of his father. Nazier also watched many friends and classmates choose the streets and, in turn, be incarcerated. However, the most impactful was the shooting death of his little brother. After the loss of his brother, Nazeir’s grades started to decline and he no longer had the motivation on interest to do anything. His GPA went from a 2.75 to a .78. He completely stopped going to football practice and missed a lot of school because he did not want to face talking to his friends and peers about the loss of his brother. Throughout it all his mother was his number one advocate and supporter. She quickly got him the assistance he needed to support his grieving process.
On top of his brother’s passing, Nazeir also faced his own personal trials that led him to be detaind. This experience, although not a great one, allowed him to focus and recommit to his personal goals. Through the support of his mother and his positive friends he was encouraged to never give in to the negativity again. Afterwards, Nazeir began going to school more consistently. He started going to football again and opening up to his friends. As his attitude improved so did his grades. Nazeir’s GPA went from a .78 to a 2.2. Despite all the obstacles, he is still committed to make a positive impact on his community and ultimately society.
Nazeir will be attending Lock Haven University in the fall of 2018 to major in Psychology. He plans to be come a therapist and eventually a psychiatrist so that he can assist the youth in his community and help them deal with the pain and struggles they are faced with – just as he did. Congratulations, Nazeir!
Due to three consecutive concussions, Gwen had to end her volleyball career. The concussions altered her life. She struggled with light sensitivity and debilitating pain, causing her to miss a lot of school and complete some courses online. The concussions presented Gwen with many challenges that caused her to struggle physically, emotionally and academically. However, Gwen persisted and pushed herself to recover. Gwen’s injuries forced her to alter her learning style to be successful in school. Gwen will need to continue to advocate for herself the rest of her life. All said, Gwen is still always smiling and happy! Gwen continues to be involved in school athletics through being a trainer for both boys and girls volleyball. Farren Schmidt states, “Gwen is a delightful young woman who is a pleasure to be around. She even shaved her head for Mini-THON!”
Gwen plans to start her education at Harrisburg Area Community College before transferring to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education or Nursing with a focus in pediatrics. Congratulations, Gwen!
Brittney began battling an eating disorder when she was a freshman in high school. It continued until approximately mid-year of her sophomore year. Brittney spent some time in a treatment facility. She also utilized counselors, therapists, and a 504 plan on her return to school. Tracey, Brittney’s English teacher and Student Council Advisor had many wonderful things to say about her, including:
“Brittney is a student who tries hard and is persistent. Good grades to not come easy to her. She must study a lot an complete extra credit. Despite struggling in Honors English 11, Brittney decided she wanted to take AP English to further challenge herself.”
“Brittney oversaw the very first community vendor and craft show for student council this year and is in charge of many other community service events.”
“Brittney exudes positive attitude, leadership and positive choices…The qualities I look for in a role model for my own kids are people who are positive, make good choices rather than falling prey to peer pressure, and build their own priorities on being a good and kind human being rather than being petty and materialistic.
“In short, I remember a girl who walked into my classroom in 10th grade scared, reserved, and looking nothing more than bones, and today I see a young woman who is confident, healthy, and vibrant.”
Brittney plans to attend Harrisburg Area Community College in the fall to pursue a degree in nursing. Eventually she plans to become a nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Congratulations, Brittney!
Jayshun, known as “Bear” by friends, has overcome many challenges and obstacles throughout his years at Steelton. His grades have not always been on point and his determination has not always been what it has become. He has matured immensely and he has accepted responsibility in this process. Jayshun’s attitude has transformed and his strengths have evolved throughout his years in high school.
Jayshun has always taken pride in being a Roller. He has also always been a loving son. His parents are great people who have loved him through his challenges. His mom got very sick and Jayshun became a staple in helping her through the rough times. I believe this was a huge part in what helped Jayshun mature and focus on his strengths, goals and aspirations.
Jayshun is a phenomenal athlete, but more importantly, he is a leader both on and off the football field.
Chrisan notes, “It has been a privilege and honor watching Jasyhun become the young man he has become today. I look forward to the possibilities ahead for him. He is a kind and generous person with an amazing heart. He is always willing to help anyone at any time. Academics have not always come easy for him. His determination to want better for himself has allowed him to work hard and have brought him here today.”
Jayshun plans to attend college after graduation. He would like to study business while also continuing his football career. Congratulations, Jayshun.
Darnell had been labeled as a troublemaker all his life until a professional diagnosis of autism came into play. To compensate for the missing years of focusing on goals, Darnell had to adjust his path. Darnell had to endure the difficulties of his diagnosis as well as the reputation of his past. He found focus in a passion for fashion design. He worked very hard to prove his worth with his new found crafts.
Richard says of Darnell, “he is the exact example of a “turnaround” student He has grown exponentially in the two years he has been in the fashion design program. From class clown to a young man with high aspirations.”
Darnell plans to attend Fashion Design College. Congratulations, Darnell!
Jan Carlos is interested in theater film. He will start at Harrisburg Area Community College in the fall for two years and then continue his education and a four year school. Congratulations, Jan Carlos!
Adding to his struggles, Nick’s mother died from breast cancer when he was young, but Nick decided to make himself and his education a priority.
Nick plans on pursing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Congratulations, Nick!
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.
