Congrats to our April Students of the Month! As we approach the end of the 2020-21 school year, these students are making their programs proud! Scroll down to read our Q&A with each program’s Student of the Month selection.
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April 2021 Students of the Month:
- Kyri (Options Carmel)
- Raysean (Options @ HYCA)
- Simon (Options with ABA)
- Leelynd (Options Noblesville)
- Michal (Options Indiana)
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Kyri
Options Carmel
Grade: 12th
“Kyri is such an amazing student. No matter what life has thrown at her, she continues to push forward and see the good in her future. Not only has she overcome every obstacle standing in her way, but she has done it by excelling. She is #1 in her class; she has been accepted to Manchester University and even found time to organize a toy drive for Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital! We are supposed to be an example for these students here at Options, but she has become an example for all of us. We’re so excited to see what amazing things Kyri does in the future!” – Joe Hopper (Options Carmel Safety Specialist)
Why do you think you were selected as Student of the Month?
I believe I was chosen as student of the month because I am ambitious, determined, and extraordinarily motivated.
Do you have any hobbies, passions or ways you enjoy spending your free time?
I love going on walks and watching Disney movies. I am passionate about achieving my goals and putting my best in to everything I do. I enjoy spending time with my mom or dad whenever I can.
What have you enjoyed most about the Options experience?
The thing I have enjoyed the most about the Options experience is creating long-lasting and meaningful relationships with my mentors and teachers.
What is your favorite subject in school? Why?
My favorite subject in school is Senior Institute because I enjoy working on my senior project, a toy drive for Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, which I am very passionate about.
Have you improved in any areas since first enrolling at Options? Please explain.
I have improved drastically academically and personally since enrolling at Options. I brought my GPA up 2 points and went from a struggling student to a straight-A student. That has not only improved my ambition, but also my self-confidence.
Do you have any current plans or aspirations for after you graduate?
I will attend Manchester University in the fall of 2021. I will obtain my degree in Social Work and then attend graduate school to earn my Masters in Licensed Clinical Social Work. I will then work in an inner-city school setting and help students experiencing poverty, homelessness, and abuse.
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Raysean
Options @ HYCA
Grade: 12th
Hometown: Avon, Indiana
“Raysean works very hard on his classes, and he puts a lot of time & effort into all that he does.”
– Adam Barr (Principal for Options @ HYCA)
What has your HYCA experience been like?
Over the past few months, it’s been a difficult ride. We’ve had lot of PT (physical training), but when to comes to education I’ve been improving and getting on track to graduating high school.
Do you have any hobbies, passions or ways you enjoy spending your free time?
I like to draw, play checkers, and play other games of strategy. I’m not too much of an artist currently, but it is a skill I would like to develop and improve. It is a good way to pass time.
How has Options @ HYCA been beneficial to you?
I’ve improved in areas like my patience, physical endurance, and improved my education in some areas also. This program pushes your limits and makes you realize you can do things you didn’t think you could, by breaking the “I can’t do it” mindset.
What is your favorite subject in school?
World History because it delves into how the world became to be how it is today & also how it used to be. I like the insight into how things developed over time.
Do you have any current plans or aspirations for after you graduate?
After I graduate and get my diploma, I am going to enter the work force and work on earning money and growing in a good scenario for me. I am keeping my choices open until I graduate.
What knowledge will you take from the Options @ HYCA program?
The program has definitely been a challenge, but it is worth it. Students struggle, but you learn to endure, and you will come out a better person in the end. You enter and exit the program as a team, so it is great to have people pushing you to make sure you succeed here and in life.
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Simon
Options with ABA
Grade: 9th
“When Simon first joined my classroom, he was very shy. Since that time, his confidence has increased, and he’s shown growth in all areas. His vibrant personality truly shines each day, and he always brings a smile to my face.” – Hannah Marichal (Options with ABA teacher)
How long have you been enrolled in Options with ABA?
This is Simon’s first year at Options.
Do you have any hobbies, passions or ways you enjoy spending your free time?
Simon enjoys helping his dad work in the garage and working with his hands.
What is your favorite thing about attending Options with ABA?
Simon really likes spending time in the gym playing basketball, riding the bike, and jumping on the trampoline.
What is your favorite subject in school? Why?
Simon likes doing Math because he’s really good at it.
Have you improved in any areas since enrolling at Options?
Simon’s ability to stay focused during classroom time has increased tremendously.
Do you have any current plans or aspirations for after you graduate?
Simon is undecided about plans after school at this time, but it’s very likely that he will spend time where he can remain active and work with his hands.
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Leelynd
Options-Noblesville
Grade: 8th
“Since Leelynd’s arrival at Options a couple of months ago, he has been a great academic student and classmate. He strives to do well in and out of the classroom and sets a great example for his peers. I am extremely fortunate to have Leelynd as a student in my classroom and will definitely miss him as he moves on to the high school next year!” – Blaine McMurty (Options Noblesville middle school teacher)
When did you enroll at Options?
I started a couple months ago, in February.
Do you have any hobbies, passions, or ways you enjoy spending your free time?
I like to play games, like checkers and I like to watch movies a lot also. I like the horror movie genre, and the Friday the 13th series.
What have you enjoyed most about the Options experience?
It has been a great experience and I’ve met some pretty cool people. The teachers are just one-of-a-kind and everyone here is really nice. I didn’t used to be in a good school setting, but people really care about you here & I’m just really comfortable here with the small class sizes.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Math and English. I have had success in those and just understand those well.
Have you improved in any areas since starting at Options?
I hadn’t done well with my classes online last year, but I’ve turned it around and have been doing much better on my grades. Personally, I’ve just become more comfortable and been more social since going to school here.
Do you have any current plans or aspirations for after you graduate?
I would like to be an engineer or a scientist. I always thought those topics were awesome to learn about and I’ve had an interest in it.
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Michal
Options Indiana
Grade: 11th
“Michal has worked very hard this year to stay on pace with her assignments and earn all of her credits. She is great about scheduling meetings with her advisor and teachers so she can stay on track with her classes. She is looking forward to being a senior next year. Michal is an all-around excellent student and is a pleasure to work with!” – Kitti Drake (Options Indiana teacher & advisor)
What is your hometown/Where are you located in Indiana?
My hometown is Indianapolis.
When did you enroll at Options?
I enrolled during 2019-2020.
Do you have any hobbies, passions, or ways you enjoy spending your free time?
I enjoy playing video games, writing poetry, & reading.
What is your favorite thing about Options Indiana?
I love the way this school is set up and how interactive the teachers/administrators are.
What is your favorite subject in school? Why?
My favorite subject is English, because I enjoy writing (although essays aren’t particularly my favorite thing in the world).
Have you improved in any areas since enrolling at Options? Please explain.
Yes, I definitely have improved in my writing. For example, I perceived writing essays challenging, but now they’re relatively easy for me to do. Though, I’m still not particularly fond of essays ☺
Do you have any current plans or aspirations for after you graduate?
Yes, I do. I really want to major in psychology. I want to become either a therapist or psychiatrist.
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