Student Spotlight: Lauren Bengele

At Options Schools, we are proud to shine a spotlight on Lauren Bengele, a senior whose unwavering love for animals has propelled her toward extraordinary academic and personal achievements. Lauren’s journey with Options not only underscores her success but also highlights our commitment to nurturing and empowering students with diverse interests and aspirations.

At Options, we believe in celebrating the unique interests and talents of every student, providing a nurturing environment that fosters growth and success. Join our supportive community of students and educators in our mission to belong, believe, and achieve. 

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Embracing Unique Paths to Success

Lauren’s education initially encountered challenges within the constraints of traditional school settings. The curriculum and mundane structure failed to resonate with her, hindering her growth and potential. It was at this crucial juncture that Lauren and her parents discovered Options Schools, an environment characterized by personalized learning and unwavering support for each individual student’s needs. Empowered by this approach, Lauren not only found a place that felt like home but also began to thrive academically and personally. 

A Community That Nurtures Passions

Options Schools is dedicated to celebrating the unique interests and talents of every student. We provide a nurturing environment that fosters growth and success, embracing the individuality of each student while guiding them toward their full potential. At Options Schools, Lauren found herself welcomed by a community that not only understood her needs but also celebrated her strengths. She emphasized that the smaller classroom sizes profoundly helped her excel. The impact of supportive educators and a respectful, family-like environment left a lasting impression on her academic and personal growth. As Lauren puts it, “Honestly, it’s just been so amazing.” She even hopes to volunteer at Options Schools post-graduation!

Options Schools Combines Academics With Passion

Agape Therapeutic Riding

During the 2023-24 school year on the first of weekly visits to Agape Therapeutic Riding, where students have the chance to bond with horses and learn valuable skills, Lauren immediately took an interest. She decided to volunteer time during this past summer at Agape. By volunteering at Agape Therapeutic Riding over the summer, she not only engaged in her big dream of working with animals but also gained valuable life skills. Lauren’s involvement with Agape enhanced her overall academic experience, emphasizing the school’s encouragement of holistic development beyond conventional classroom learning. Options Schools’ commitment to combining academics with students’ passions and interests became evident.

J Everett Light Career Center

Additionally, through the partnership with J Everett Light Career Center, Options Schools provided Lauren the opportunity to take college classes, at no cost to her. Pursuing the Veterinary Technician path, this experience will equip her with valuable certifications, ensuring that she is ready to hit the ground running post-graduation. By seamlessly integrating academic learning with real-world applications, Options has empowered Lauren to turn her passions into practical skills and hands-on experience for a career with animals that she has always aspired to pursue.

Senior Institute Project

Seniors at Options are required to participate in a service-based learning project known as Senior Institute. The project aims to connect students with local organizations by volunteering for 30 hours. Lauren’s love for animals extends beyond her personal interests and has translated into her schoolwork through the Senior Learning Project. By partnering with the Humane Society, she has the unique opportunity to apply her passion for animals in a practical, real-world setting. This project not only showcases the school’s commitment to connecting students with their local community but also showcases Lauren’s ability to integrate her lifelong love for animals with her academic pursuits.

Post Graduation Goals

The impact of Lauren’s time at Options Schools is evident in her post-graduation goals. Inspired by her experiences at Agape Therapeutic Riding, the JEL dual-credit program, and the Senior Institute project, she plans to attend Vet Tech Institute, a local Indiana veterinarian program. Her time at Options Schools has uniquely positioned her to pursue her aspirations, providing her with a solid foundation for her future endeavors.

Find Your Passion at Options Schools

Lauren’s growth at Options Schools epitomizes the school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for students with diverse interests and ambitions. Her remarkable experiences reflect the core values of Options Schools, where every student’s passion is celebrated and integrated into their academic journey. Lauren’s story is not just about her individual triumph; it represents the transformative power of Options Schools in shaping the lives and futures of its students.

For those who wish to witness the transformative power of education, Options Schools is a compelling example. To learn more about Options Schools and the impactful stories of its students, we encourage you to reach out and discover how you can support or be a part of this extraordinary community.