Meet Ariel: Stepping Up With Us!
Welcome back to the POP QUIZ! This is a regular, yet totally unexpected, feature where we ask students, parents, staff, our friends, and partners to answer a few questions about what they are learning, reading, and thinking about.
Today we feature Ariel, an incoming 9th grader at Loy Norrix High School. A Kalamazoo native, Ariel attended Woods Lake Elementary School and Milwood Magnet School: A Center for Math, Science, and Technology.
Ariel is excited to join as the student ambassador for our 2024 Walking With Purpose initiative. Walking With Purpose is a month-long challenge to walk, as a community, a total of 12,000 miles to raise awareness and funds for the mission of CIS: to empower students to success. During October, hundreds of walkers work together to meet the 12,000-mile goal and fundraise to support CIS of Kalamazoo. In her ambassador role, Ariel will help keep our mission front and center and help cheer us on along the way.
Be sure to join our Walking With Purpose this October to hear more from Ariel. In the meantime, we met up with Ariel during our CIS ThinkSummer! program for a special Pop Quiz. Alright, Ariel, pencil out, eyes on your own paper. Good luck.
Pop Quiz
What is your fondest memory of a CIS site coordinator?
It was actually pretty recent. On the last day in middle school, I received a really nice farewell bag. It was very touching.
Could you describe CIS in one word?
Supportive. Whenever I tell them something or need something, they will immediately try to find ways to help.
What is one of your favorite personal traits?
I am very nice and energetic. I like to support and stand up for others.
What is your favorite school subject?
English, I am a book worm. Currently I am reading “Look Both Ways.” By Jason Reynolds. I have read it maybe 5 times.
Why do you think people should support CIS?
Because they are helping kids stay in school and learn. I knew a person who was always out of class and getting suspended multiple times. Until one of the CIS coordinators worked with them and really helped to understand them. It really helped.
Where is your favorite walking place?
I love walking to the park. It is a really nice walk, and you can meet new people.
What is your favorite motivational song?
“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. That’s a good song.
Explain your journey through school so far in one word?
Longshort (laughing). It has been long but also short.
Imagine walking at your high school graduation. How do you think that will feel?
Pretty good because I would have put myself out there and be ready for college. Plus, my parents and friends will be “walking” with me.
Thank you, Ariel, for hanging out with us at Ask Me About My 12,000 Kids. We look forward to hearing more from you this October!
Learn more about and be inspired by Ariel during Walking With Purpose. Join us this October by visiting our website: https://ciskalamazoo.org/events/walking-with-purpose/
Tags: Ariel, CIS, CIS Think Summer!, Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Public Schools, Loy Norrix High School, Milwood Magnet Middle School, Pop Quiz, Student Ambassador, Walking With Purpose, Woods Lake Elementary School
