Elev8 Student Leaders Meet with Senator Jacqueline Collins
Illinois State Senator Jacqueline Collins (c) meets students and administrators of Perspectives-Calumet Middle Academy, Marquette Elementary School, and Mikva Challenge at the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation (GADC).
Written by: Ben Levine
Students from Perspectives Middle Academy and Marquette Elementary School met with Illinois State Senator Jacqueline Collins (L-16) at the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation (GADC), to discuss their work in the Mikva Challenge Peace and Leadership Council.
These students also attended the US Department of Education’s Youth Summit in February in Washington DC and shared their experiences with Senator Collins, especially what they learned and observed, and key priorities to improve their school settings and academics.
Christian Johnson, an 8th grader at Perspectives, discussed how amazing it was to meet with other middle school students from Elev8 sites in Baltimore, New Mexico and Oakland. Christian talked about how despite there being so many problems afflicting students throughout this country, the work being done by Elev8 is helping him get the tools the achieve success and become better leader in his school.
Senator Collins (L-16) listens attentatively to students from Perspectives-Calumet Middle Academy and Marquette Elementary School.
Ernest Sanders
Similar sentiments were echoed by his fellow scholar Richlyn Whittaker. He talked about the importance of building communities both within schools and in the greater community to assure safety for students so that they can focus on their schoolwork.
Sandra Mondragon from Marquette Elementary talked about the importance of achieving President Barack Obama’s 2020 College Readiness goal. By participating in programs like Elev8, she believes that more students will have the opportunity to attend college and successfully complete a degree.
To these students, the Elev8 program has offered them a great deal of success. Examples include student participation (at their schools) in Mikva Challenge Peace and Leadership Council; playing on the football and basketball teams; and also serving on the A Disciplined Life Peace Justice council.
Senator Collins expresses her graditude and the significance of Perspectives and Marquette School's participation in US Department of Education’s Youth Summit.
Ernest Sanders
As the students noted earlier, Elev8 offers them an incredible opportunity to not only excel academically, but also increase their health and social well being.
At conclusion of the meeting, Senator Collins presented each student a congratulatory letter, thanking them for their dedicated work in helping improve their school's culture and academics.
" I am proud to have such talent and treasure in the community, and I know I am among many who appreciate your servant leadership, " said Senator Collins.
Click here to view pictures from the Washington, DC field trip.
Read the "teacher.gov" blog" with comments from Richlyn Whittaker about the Youth Summit.
Watch a clipping of the Youth Summit here.