Students present to community business leaders
While the ultimate recognition – receiving their high school
diploma – is still a few weeks away for students at the Simon Youth Middle
College High School Academy at Northgate Mall in Seattle, Washington, a group
of them were recently recognized as honored guests at a joint meeting of the
area’s Chambers of Commerce.
diploma – is still a few weeks away for students at the Simon Youth Middle
College High School Academy at Northgate Mall in Seattle, Washington, a group
of them were recently recognized as honored guests at a joint meeting of the
area’s Chambers of Commerce.
Students attended the monthly luncheon of the Northgate and
Lake City Chambers of Commerce on April 18, 2012.
Lake City Chambers of Commerce on April 18, 2012.
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| Academy students and teachers at the Chambers meeting |
Five students, Luis Ruiz, Salenna Green, Era Budhathoki, Naz
Uddin, and Luke Walker, took to the microphone to share their stories of
perseverance in their quest to complete high school in the non-traditional
environment provided by their Academy, which is supported in partnership
between Simon Youth Foundation and Seattle Public Schools.
Uddin, and Luke Walker, took to the microphone to share their stories of
perseverance in their quest to complete high school in the non-traditional
environment provided by their Academy, which is supported in partnership
between Simon Youth Foundation and Seattle Public Schools.
“The Academy gives us so many unique learning opportunities.
Speaking to the Chamber of Commerce leaders inspired all of us to see ourselves
there in the future,” Luke Walker says. “My school experiences have given me
the sweet taste of success and motivate me to aim higher.”
Speaking to the Chamber of Commerce leaders inspired all of us to see ourselves
there in the future,” Luke Walker says. “My school experiences have given me
the sweet taste of success and motivate me to aim higher.”
The visit to the chambers was organized by Northgate Mall
Manager Matt Bourassa, who also is the Treasure of the Northgate Chamber of
Commerce.
Manager Matt Bourassa, who also is the Treasure of the Northgate Chamber of
Commerce.
“It is important for the business leaders in the community
to know about the great work happening at the Simon Youth
Academy at Northgate
Mall,” Bourassa says. “The school finds its success through the great
partnership between SYF, Seattle
Public Schools and
Northgate Mall, and we want to energize other companies and organization to
become active partners to drive even greater success and opportunities for the
students.”
to know about the great work happening at the Simon Youth
Academy at Northgate
Mall,” Bourassa says. “The school finds its success through the great
partnership between SYF, Seattle
Public Schools and
Northgate Mall, and we want to energize other companies and organization to
become active partners to drive even greater success and opportunities for the
students.”
Teacher honored for conflict resolution curriculum
The Academy’s students aren’t the only ones earning the
accolades. The school’s lead teacher, Beth Brunton, received a Peace Education
Award from the Abe Keller Peace Education Fund on May 1, 2012.
accolades. The school’s lead teacher, Beth Brunton, received a Peace Education
Award from the Abe Keller Peace Education Fund on May 1, 2012.
Brunton earned the award for her classroom focus on
non-violent communication and instruction of conflict resolution skills. The
award came with a $500 stipend.
non-violent communication and instruction of conflict resolution skills. The
award came with a $500 stipend.
“So many of our students come from challenging and troubled
backgrounds, and conflict resolution skills become an important tool for them
as they confront their personal challenges and seek success,” Brunton says.
backgrounds, and conflict resolution skills become an important tool for them
as they confront their personal challenges and seek success,” Brunton says.
