21st Century Summer of Innovation Newsletter 2014

 MUSIC MAKERS

RISING 6

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GRADERS CREATE NEW SONGS USING LOGIC PRO SOFTWARE AND KEYBOARDS

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CENTURY CHEFS

YOUNG CHEFS COOK UP CULINARY DELIGHTS

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 TRICKS OF THE TRADE

STUDENTS LEARN AND APPLY THE BASICS OF COSMETOLOGY

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July 7- August 7 2014 ST

21 CENTURY NEWSLETTER TEAM ANTHONY DIXON, AMBASSADOR ADRIA MERRITT, TEACHER

Summer of Innovation

Reusing Resources for New Creations Solar panels, solar ovens, plastic, miniature turbines, and a reusable resource house are all the innovative creations in 21st Century’s STEM class. Rising 8th graders Jameesa Jones and Whitney Rogers, both students at Crittenden Middle School, thoroughly enjoyed making and using their solar ovens. The s’mores they created left them wanting to share their creations with their families. Whitney’s dad wants her to bring her solar oven home so she can cook with it.

Jameesa said that her dad wants the whole family to build one together. In addition to creating delicious treats after building a solar oven, the STEM students are exploring how to repurpose the light for a solar panel that will be a part of the reusable resource house the students are creating for the school’s courtyard.

Every facet of the reusable resource house has driven the experiences in the class. The young scientists, under the direction of Nicolas Phillips III, a designer from Newport News Shipyard, stripped wire to make

electrical connections to build circuits that will be used to wire the house. In addition, Mr. Dyronn Goggins, whose background is in electronics, material science, and aviation, helped students create miniature turbines from cardboard and duct tape. When attached to a generator, these turbines create hydroelectric power. Students also created their own plastic. Using resources such as milk, vinegar, glue and borax, the STEM students created polymers, which are long chains of molecules that stick to take on a new formplastic. Making sure the solar village is a thriving place also required the students to take soil samples to check for the correct compounds, such as nitrogen. Mr. Erik Francis, who has a, Earth science/meteorologist background, helped students record the soil data and draw conclusions about the information they attained. All of these student-made creations made an impact on Tileah Robinson, 13, who admitted, “I never really liked science, but I enjoy this because you get to do everything you are learning about, and you get to do it yourself.

You get to see what you can do for yourself, but you can get help if you need it.” Not only is the STEM class creating usable gadgets from reusable resources, but it is creating future scientists as well.

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Robots on a Mission Lego robots are everywhere; some are hooked up to computers, some are rolling around on tables, and st some have missing heads. It’s 21 Century’s robotics class, where students are learning to build and program robots to perform specific th tasks. Rising 7 grader Kaija th Bratcher and rising 8 grader De’vohn Farrar, both from Crittenden Middle School are building robots. De’vohn is learning a lot about what robots are capable of doing. He says, “Robots can do anything we program them to do.

Say we had a hurricane, they can guide airplanes to go on the safe runways. They can put up the exit signs for escape routes, and even rebuild houses.” Kaija’s interest in robotics was sparked from seeing other people build robots. She took the robotics class this summer because she, “wanted to see how hard it was and it’s teaching me about trial and error, which is a plus.” De’vohn, who plans to be an engineer, believes the robotics class is helping him prepare for his future career, and according to him, “I’ve always had a thing for robots.”

The students are programming their robots using Mine, a software by Lego, that allows them to program the arms, head, and body. According to De’vohn, “the body is the brain, and the head is the sensor.” Both students had a little bit of trouble constructing their robots. Kaija said, “It wasn’t that hard because I did it last year, but I struggled with building the back tires.”

De’vohn struggled to follow the instructions in the manual because technical reading is not something he usually does; however, he pushed through and began to understand how manuals work. This exposure to new information and trial and error is teaching the students to persevere towards their end goal.

Both students, along with their classmates, successfully built and programmed their robots under the guidance of Mr. Dwayne Banks. The students agree that Mr. Banks was a critical part of their success in robotics this summer saying, “He is a great teacher; he’s always there when you need him and is just always helping out.”

3-2-1 Blastoff!

3-2-1 and the rockets are up, up, up and away! However, before the launch, rising eighth graders conducted research on bottle rocket design to better understand how to create a rocket that has a longer flight. After conducting research, each of the students were given a soda bottle, card board for the wings, a ruler, and access to hot glue to create a winning rocket.

Once the rockets were assembled, it was time for the trial blast-offs to record data and give students a chance to record their flight data

and perfect their wing design if needed. The winning

rocket, which will be determined the last day of the summer program, is the one that shoots the highest and has the longest flight time.

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Music Makers Producer, tempo, music engineer, session musician are words that flowed off the tongues of 10 and 11 st year old students from 21 Century’s music engineering class.

The students in the music engineering class are learning new vocabulary and new skills as they make new music. Two future Crittenden sixth graders, Layla Kem-Bumbala from Lee Hall Elementary School and Spencer Hoe from Hilton Elementary School both enjoy using the software Logic Pro to create beats and produce their own music. Layla announced that “producers make 20-30% of the funds from songs

that they made the beats for.”

According to Spencer, “the producer makes the music, the music engineer prepares the

equipment, and the session musician makes or plays with sound.”

like how to record and play the music we made. We are also using the built in piano to make sounds and music. I love being able to

choose whatever instrument I want to use and when you press the keys it makes a sound.”

Layla and Spencer, along with 22 other rising sixth grade students, are learning to use software and play the piano to create new music with different tempos and beats.

Because of what he is learning in the music engineering class, Spencer is interested in a career as a music producer. He stated, “We are learning shortcuts in Logic Pro

Layla then said, “We are leaning about the many instruments you can use in Logic Pro, such as drums, piano, guitar, and much more.”

“I want students to know the power of music and to understand it as a great outlet for expressing emotions.”

-Aarian Lassalle, EMA Music and Arts Recording Engineer, Producer, and Instructor

Exploring Sports The sound of scuff marks echo throughout the gym as a rubber ball zips through the air toward an opponent who darts to get out of the way- just in time. A player from the opposing team catches the ball and quickly sends it flying through the airboom- he’s out! Scatterball is just one of the many games Coach Eric Nicholson uses to keep students active, while teaching them teach team work and communication skills.

According to Coach Nicholson, his fitness class this summer is all about, “exploring sports with a goal of creating an environment where students can experience positive social interactions, while meeting

physical and health needs.”

Students also play flag football, capture the flag, and basketball.

In addition to games, a physical fitness test is another component of the class; the test includes push-ups, pull-ups, sit and reach, the trunk lift, and the pacer test. Each of the students also leaves the sports class learning how to check their heart rates.

Rising 8th graders Melvin Lunsford and Damone DavisGatewood, who both attend Crittenden Middle School, enjoy the class. “I like being active and just playing sports,” shared Melvin. Damone stated that he likes, “running around, being active”. Damone’s favorite class activity is flag football while Melvin prefers basketball.

21st Century Chefs st

Young chefs in the 21 Century Program are learning how to prepare an efficient five course meal. Students are not only making dishes that taste good, but they are good for the body as well. Thirteen year old chefs Davida Jones and Ariana Jackson, both students at Crittenden Middle School, are just a couple of the students learning new recipes and the importance of preparing healthy snacks. Davida chose to take culinary arts this summer because, “[she] wanted to learn how to cook different things,” while Ariana stated that she “just loves to cook”. Davida went on to share that she wanted to learn how to measure ingredients properly, and she also wanted to better understand when to use different kitchen utensils. Both young chefs are looking forward to helping their parents more in the kitchen. One special cooking tip that Davida learned and plans to share with her parents is the important of putting sugar on the cake pan when making cake because it helps to enhance to the flavor.

Culinary arts instructor, Ms. Angela Ellsworth, has been teaching young chefs new recipes for the past five years. Ms. Ellsworth states that, “Food brings people together and brings out hidden

talents of those who may struggle with academics.” She is proud to say that this summer, she is impacting over 20 students through culinary. Ms. Ellsworth began cooking when she was just 9 years old. This summer she is collaborating with Ms. Lauren Carpenter, a nutritionist from the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service. Not only will the young st chefs leave the 21 Century kitchen knowing how to make dishes packed with flavor, but they will also know how to read labels, count calories, and prepare well balanced meals. Ms. Carpenter is teaching the young chefs how to read menus from local restaurants to determine the healthier food options when dining out. Each young chef will a create recipe book of all the dishes they’ve prepared with Ms. Ellsworth and Ms. Carpenter. Some of the recipes include trail mix, chicken and broccoli alfredo, quiche, chicken salad, tuna salad, potato salad- and one of the young chefs’ favorite appetizers, Road Kill, which tastes a lot better than it sounds!

4 students will prepare h’orderves, appetizers, salad, main course, and desserts that promise to look good, taste good, and be good for you!

The culminating event that will give the chefs a chance to showcase their skills in the kitchen is a full five course meal where the

Young Chefs’ Favorite Recipe Road Kill Ingredients 2lbs of regular Jimmy Dean sausage 2 boxes of cream cheese a bag of Tostitos Scoops Turn the stove top to its highest setting. Place the skillet on the heated burner. Once the skillet is hot, put the Jimmy Dean sausage in the skillet until it turns dark brown.

Then, add the cream cheese and stir consistently until it has melted into a creamy texture. Remove from heat. Place the Tostitos Scoops around a plate; arrange the dip in the center. “Presentation is everything,” states Ms. Ellsworth, culinary arts teacher.

Once the Tostitos Scoops and dip are arranged on the plate, dig in and devour!

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A Glimpse of France As each of student steps into Madame Kasonga’s classroom they pause and greet her; however, something sounds different about this greeting- it is spoken in French! st This summer 21 Century’s rising sixth grade students are learning French. Ms. Njiba Kasonga is teaching her students French greetings, the alphabet, days of the week, months of the year, as well as introducing them to French cuisines and culture. Speaking games, video clips, singing, repetition, writing, and alphabet Bingo are just a few of the tools used to help each of the students remember the new language. Ms. Kasonga, who is fluent in four languages, believes, “learning French gives students a broader understanding of their environment, allows them to make

connections in English, and expands the depth and breadth of their understanding of language.”

Marcel Grant, an 11 year old from Yates Elementary School, who will be joining the Crittenden family in the fall, said he loves learning French because his name is French, and he loves to learn new languages.

He said, “I sometimes try to teach my parents what I’ve learned, even though my mom knows more French than me and my dad learned French, along with many other languages, while he was in the military.” Jade Jones-Christian, 11, from Carver Elementary School, who will be attending Huntington Middle School in the fall, said she loved learning French because of all the help she received from Madam Kasonga. “I love everything about the class.

Madame Kasonga has made learning French really fun, and she always helps me understand things better before she moves on,” said Jade.

Tricks of the Trade

The whirling heat of blow dryers hovering over wet locks and the snip snip of shears trimming edges are the ordinary sounds of a hair salon, but this is not an ordinary st salon- it’s 21 Century’s grooming class. Rising seventh and eighth grade students, who are donning black aprons, are all learning the tricks of the cosmetology trade.

Their lessons in grooming include learning about the materials, such as neck strips and conditioners; proper preparation, such as the way to drape a client with a towel;

Huntington Middle School told us that she loved the class because it gave her a chance to find new ways procedures, such as how to shampoo hair; and completions and to do her own hair. She also shared that she now does her little sister’s cleanup routines, such as hair as well. “I plan to be a disinfecting the shampoo bowls. cosmetologist when I’m older and Certified cosmetologist, Angela this class helps me prepare for Ford, the owner of Angelica’s Beauty Shop, and barber, Joe Clark that,” stated Mozell. of Perfect Styles, model how to use Naté Dixon, 12, who is also a shears, the blow dryer, clippers, and student at Huntington Middle the curling iron. Each of the School told us that she has learned students then applies and practices how to properly drape, shampoo, their newly acquired cosmetology and even blow dry hair. She also knowledge on mannequins. Ms. stated that she wanted to become a Ford, who has been a stylist for 27 hair stylist in the future and loves years, eagerly shares the tricks of the fact that the grooming class is the trade with students because she preparing her for her future. knows that everyone does not have the money to go to a salon on a regular basis, so they should know how to take care of their own hair, which helps build confidence.

Rising seventh grader Mozell Hardy, 12, who attends .

A New Way to Communicate Room 110 is completely silent, but people are still communicating.

Some students are moving their hands with meticulous detail, while their partners are focused intently on decoding the message. Ms. Tammie Fisher, who was first introduced to sign language in the 80s, steps in as needed to demonstrate a hand movement or adjust a students’ hand. Rising sixth graders are learning a new way to communicate- American Sign Language. During their five st week study, the 21 Century students are learning a plethora of signs including the manual alphabet, numbers 1-20, family relations, introductions, colors, feelings, animals, days of the week, tense, and time. Ms. Fisher uses a variety of resources to help the students learn to sign. Her students watch videos, interact with a deaf person, and play games.

Game Time!

“That was easy!” bragged rising seventh grader Eugene Johnson after he quickly defeated Ambassador Shadae Childress in a game of Connect Four. Eugene was proud of his accomplishment because Shadae was on a 13 game winning streak against other students who were huddled around different games in room 721. In addition to Connect Four, Monopoly and the Wii are available for students who enjoy a bit of competition. Ambassador Jamar Smith, a recent graduate of Hampton University, interacts with the 21st Century gamers as they demonstrate team work and problem solving through play. Whether playing Wii Sports or Mario Brothers, the gamers are engaged, actively thinking, and collaborating in an effort to achieve a common goalthe chance to chant, “I won!”

Ms. Fisher also introduces her students to deaf culture so they are more sensitive to the needs of those they may sign with. For example, tapping, waving, and pointing are perfectly acceptable in deaf culture because they are visual ways to communicate.

Rising sixth graders Cordell Jones and Iyana Hicks are both learning how to sign. Both Cordell and Iyana are thrilled to be learning sign language and believe it’s important to learn so they can communicate with deaf people they may meet.

Cordell is teaching his brother and sister sign language. Iyana is showing her mom and dad because she wants them to know what she is st learning in 21 Century.

Fitness 101 Tucked in the rear of Crittenden Middle School’s gymnasium is a small studio where body balls, yoga mats, and step platforms line the wall.

These tools are used by the 21st Century students learning about fitness from certified personal trainer, Mrs. Sonya Silverio. Ms. Silverio is using her 28 years of experience as a boot camp trainer and personal trainer to teach her students how to work their core, proper form, and the purpose of various exercises. In addition to focusing on physical movement, Ms. Silverio also introduces basic nutrition.

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Exercise in Disguise Base booms through the air as bodies rhythmically sway to the beat. Deedra Smallwood, a licensed Zumba instructor, leads 25 young ladies through choreographed movements that are a blend of soca, salsa, raggaeton, and merengue.

Each class begins with 10-12 minutes of stretching then the 30 minute jam session begins, followed by a cool down to stretch the warm muscles and bring the heart rate down.

Zumba is a fun and effective way to get 21st Century students active. The summer Zumba studio, which is located in Crittenden’s spacious band room, creates a judgment free zone for the students to move- there are no mirrors; just the rhythm of the music and the clear directions of Miss Deedra as she stands in front of the young ladies to demonstrate the moves.

Rising 9th graders and former Crittenden students La'monee Hymom, who will be attending Denbigh High School in the fall, and Lillian Hall, who will be attending Heritage High School, are twisting their bodies and burning calories.

La'monee said, "I love the fact that I don't know that I'm exercising and getting the chance to dance to my favorite songs.” Lillian chimed in, "I love the fun moments I have in the class and the flow of the music and beats. “ Both students agreed that they enjoyed the workout and use Zumba moves to workout at home in their free time. Lillian went on to add that she shows her older sister what to do, while La’monee stated that she was already familiar with Zumba because her mom is a part of a group who does Zumba workouts every Friday. The 21st Century Zumba class is packed with enthusiasm as the young ladies increase their flexibly, move their bodies, and get their heart rates up. Zumba is the epitome of healthy fun!

Rewarded for Being Responsible Forty four students wore an accessory that separated them from others- a wrist band. This wrist band provided access to the much talked about pizza party and laser tag challenge.

While all 21st Century students had the opportunity to earn a wrist band, only those who earned points for being focused, ready and willing to learn, and responsible donned the prized possession. In an effort to ensure that students are citizen, career, and citizen ready, they earn points each day for writing their daily work in their agenda, completing classwork, and demonstrating positive behavior. Parent involvement is also a factor since a weekly parent signature earns students additional points towards the incentives. Point sheets are kept in students’ Summer of Innovation Binder, which are a daily requirement in each class.

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Sewing 101 Rising seventh and eighth graders are learning how to thread needles, cut fabric, read patterns, run a sewing machine, sew on buttons, and make pillows, aprons, and t-shirts. The class is under the direction of Mrs. Constance Ward, who has been sewing since fourth grade when she was in a 4-H club. She is also the daughter and granddaughter of a seamstress, so she has lots of expertise to share. She bragged, “I have a phenomenal group this summer, and they are very comfortable with the sewing machine.”

Tyrek Lee, a student from Hines Middle School, is the only male in the class, so he could be following in the footsteps of fashion giants Russell Simmons of Phat Farm and Daymond John of FUBU. He is proud that he can now fix his own clothing if he tears a whole in the fabric or loses a button. Rising 7th grader Tinaiya Everett from Crittenden Middle School wants to teach her brothers and sisters how to sew, especially because no one in her family knows how. Tinaiya’s favorite part of the class is “using the sewing machine and actually making things.”

The View From Above 21st Century Summer of Innovations students had the opportunity to attend Freedom Aviation’s Open House on Saturday, July 19 at the Newport News/Williamsburg Regional Airport. In addition to free food, the students had the chance to view displays about flight, experience a flight simulator challenge to win a free iPad, and enjoy a free flight from Newport News to Virginia Beach and back on a new Cessna Aircraft.

Brianna Coleman, one of the 21st Century students, won the iPad.

The 21st Century English team brought literature to life for rising sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students. Historical fiction, dystopian fiction, and realistic fiction were used to challenge students to question, analyze, evaluate, and make connections. Chanel Hill and Adria Merritt guided rising sixth graders back in time as they read Fever 1793, while Liesel Jones and Nicole Francis traveled with students to a future society as they read Hunger Games. Marcia Little explored the legal system with rising eighth graders as they read Monster.

Bringing Literature to Life Walking into room 717 is walking past a crime scene into a court room. Exhibit A: the body sized outline of Steve Harmon posted across the wall. Newspaper articles about survival obscure the cinder block in the back of the room.

Once the rising eighth graders take their seat, they are challenged with a Question of the Day: Should parents be responsible for the actions of their children? Are there instances when it is acceptable to try a juvenile as an adult?

Should the death penalty be applicable to juveniles? The dialogue that follows sounds more like a courtroom than a middle school classroom; students state their opinion using current events and details from Walter Dean Myer’s realistic fiction novel Monster for support. Mrs. Marcia Little, who has been teaching English for 39 years, encourages the conversation celebrating students who adeptly weave in relevant background knowledge and make connections. The pictures, current events, student exemplars, and book vocabulary that cover the wall are all working together for the good as Mrs. Little uses every tool at her disposal to help her 21st Century students bring literature to life.

According to Davida Jones, 13, the English class is set up like a mystery you have to solve. She goes on to say, “During the summer we get to talk more than we get to talk during the regular school year.” However, it’s not only the rich discussion that brings the literature to life- it’s the right book as well. Donovan Pennant, 13, says he appreciates “the way the author tells the story. He goes all the way to the smallest detail to show how the character is treated subhuman.”

Donovan opens his copy of Monster to show evidence that supports his comments. Mrs. Little is pleased with the progress of her students who she refers to as future lawyers.

“I want my students to understand the importance of interacting with literature. They can’t just sit back. They must think about what they read; what is the personal connection and impact? I want them to think about how what they read influences or is influenced by real life.” The rich conversation among Davida, Donovan, and their classmates are evidence that the literature in room 717 has come to life!

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Moving Ahead in Math Rising seventh and eighth graders are getting jump start on high school level math this summer. Mr. Wilbur Powell, who is a veteran on the 21st Century math team, is introducing his students to geometry. As Mr. Powell and his students explore right triangles, the Pythagorean Theorem, conditional statements, and distance formulas, he wants to build foundational knowledge and boost confidence.

Mr. Powell admits, “The atmosphere in the class is different from the regular school year.

Students are more relaxed as they are learning since there is no pressure of a looming SOL test.�

The 21st Century math team gave rising sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth grades a glimpse of what the school year has in store.

Students were able to preview the math classes they will be enrolled in during the 2014-2015 school year. This head start is designed to give the 21st Century students a solid foundation and increase their opportunity to be successful math scholars. William Keane and Amani Dawson taught rising sixth grade students, while rising seventh grade students were taught by Shavar Bland. Cynthia Barnes taught both pre-algebra and Algebra II. Angela Ellsworth prepared students for Algebra I and those who will be taking geometry were taught by Wilbur Powell. Mrs. Claudette Hawkins could be spotted in both 6th and 7th grade classes offering up her 37 years of experience as a math teacher.

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Making an Impact 21st Century has a secret weapon that helps ensure students success- the Ambassadors.

College students who are currently enrolled at Hampton University, Christopher Newport University, and Norfolk State University are available to provide students with the small group and one-on-one assistance that helps ensure mastery of the new concepts and skills that are being explored. Not only are the Ambassadors available in the classroom, but they also forge relationships with students by eating lunch with them and chatting about decision making. As college students, the 21st Century Ambassadors inspire the middle school students to aim high and strive to be college students once they graduate from high school. The Ambassadors also help the program administrator, Corey Gordon, plan incentives and manage the logistical aspects of the Summer of Innovation. In addition to the college Ambassadors, there are junior Ambassadors who are high school students from Newport News.

In the Spotlight: Meet Ambassador Alexandria Wheeler Q: Q: A: Q: A:

How long have you been a part of the 21st Century team?

Five years

What do you hope the students learn from you?

I try to live by example. I hope students learn to have a positive attitude. I also strive to teach them the importance of getting an education so that this doesn’t have to be a stopping point for them.

A:

Q: A:

How have you changed over your five years as an Ambassador?

I have learned a lot about myself. I have lot more patience. I also changed my career goal from forensic science to wanting to impact kids with science.

What has been one of your goals as an Ambassador?

I want the kids to know that they are never alone.

There is always someone who loves and cares about them.

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It’s A Celebration!

On Friday, August 7 21st Century students, teachers, Ambassadors, parents, and community partners gathered in the Crittenden Middle School auditorium to celebrate the innovation that took place during the five week summer program. The celebration kicked off with the music engineering students sharing the news songs they created. After the audience clapped and swayed to the music, the sign language students performed John Lennon’s “Imagine,” paying careful attention to their movements as they signed the lyrics. The Zumba students rocked the staged with a Latin flair as they executed their choreographed moves before their parents and peers.

After the showcase in the auditorium, the celebration continued in the classrooms where parents were able to sample some of the instructional activities their children enjoyed during the Summer of Innovation. While parents were learning, 21st Century students enjoyed a variety of inflatables that were arranged throughout the gym.

Of course, no celebration is complete without food! Under the direction of Ms. Ellsworth, the culinary arts teacher, members of the 21st Century instructional staff prepared hot dogs and hamburgers for students, family, and community partners to enjoy.

21st Century partners from Home Depot, Newport News Shipbuilding, and Wright Solutions enjoyed the celebration that culminated with their tour of the summer’s capstone innovation- the reusable resource house located in the school’s courtyard.

August 7 was a great way to end a great summer of learning and innovation.

Ms. Deborah Williams, security

Team Players

13 Mr. Corey Gordon, program administrator

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Each morning as 21 Century students enter Crittenden Middle School, Ms. Williams greets them with a warn, “Good morning.” Ms Williams has st been a member of the 21 Century team for seven years.

As the summer security officer, Ms. Williams is often seen encouraging students; she calls it “motherly love.” When needed, she talks students through situations to help them reflect and change their behavior.

This summer Mr. Gordon has expanded his ability to sign, added to his French vocabulary, and tasted culinary delights- and that’s just a sampling of his summer adventures. Mr. Gordon, st leader of the 21 Century team, relishes learning along-side the students. In addition to being out and about in the classrooms, Mr. Gordon is frequently spotted interacting with the Ambassadors. He holds regular team meetings to discuss logistics, dole out responsibilities, and touch base to address any needs or concerns.

“I really enjoy seeing my children progress,” beams Ms. Williams when asked what she likes about being a part of the st 21 Century year. During the regular school year, Ms. Williams can be found providing “motherly love” to the students at Huntington Middle School, where she has worked for 11 years.

Mr. Gordon values teamwork, which is evident through his partnership with several community partners this summer. Community partners volunteered their time and resources to help make Summer of Innovation thrive.

Moving On: Ambassador Brandon Lamar Christian vvLLamar Brandon Christian has been a themCChriChristinan grasp a concept.

Patience is a must. Treat the st

21 Century Ambassador since 2009. While attending a Men of Vision and Excellence meeting on the campus of CNU, he heard about a program that needed tutors. He applied and the rest is history- Brandon has st been a part of the 21 Century team since 2009. Brandon’s roles as a member of the team included tutoring for STEM. Because of his strong math background, he has been able to effectively reinforce the skills and concepts taught in students’ classes. Brandon is able to pick up where a teacher leaves off st and offers 21 Century students different techniques to help

A graduate of Lafayette High School in Williamsburg and Christopher Newport University (c/o 2012, mathematics), Brandon is moving on to Arlington where he will work in education.

Brandon admits that he will miss the personality of the kids. He will, however, leave a footprint.

“I tried to show the kids that they can be really good at anything, as long as they are willing to try,” states Brandon reflectively.

He also admits that the students left their footprints on him as well. They showed him that an Ambassador must “have fun.

students like you would want to be treated. Remember that you were once their age.” Great advice from a great Ambassador who is moving on.