⭐ WooStar Renny Swan, Evaluation Team Chair at Woodland Academy⭐
"Renny Swan is such an important member of Woodland Academy's school community, and deserves a shoutout for his professionalism, advocacy, and above all, his meaningful relationships with teachers and parents.
Upon initially joining our community several years ago, it was evident Renny was set apart from his peers in how he prioritized caregivers' roles in IEP team meetings. You can find Renny around a conference table explaining the process using culturally appropriate communication (and Spanish!), or you may find him inside the home of one of our students, sitting at a kitchen table carefully reviewing the IEP with an uneasy or even illiterate parent.
Renny consistently takes time out of his day to check in on our days and reassure us of our importance in the lives of my students. Above all, he is an advocate alongside teachers to ensure the best opportunity for student success at all costs. Thank you for all you do!" - Lora Barish, colleague
Renny wanted our audience to know, "My job is to lead meetings between family members, school staff, and sometimes even our students themselves. I can only do my job well if my colleagues have done their jobs well, too. My efforts are an extension of their efforts and so this recognition is as much theirs as it could be mine. We are a team." ❤
⭐ WooStar Neve Tran, a 12th-grade artist at North High School ⭐
Let’s give a round of applause to amazing North High artist, Neve Tran! 👏👏👏
"I love creating art because of the versatility and the pleasure of creating art not only for myself but for others as well," Neve said. "Art is my life. I see art as a building block in connecting the world together. [...] Art is my escape from the world yet it is also my gateway to the world."
Neve credited her art teacher Callie Mulcahy with supporting her passion. She said she feels supported when she sees her art displayed throughout North High School.
Never also enjoys designing merchandise for Dance Club and feels supported when students and staff support the club.
⭐ WooStar Eric Carmona, a 5th-grader at West Tatnuck School ⭐
Let’s give a round of applause to the first honoree in our new series featuring Worcester staff and students who go above and beyond, Eric Carmona! 👏👏👏
“Eric inspires and amazes his peers with his confidence in everything he does, especially when playing basketball, chess, or excelling academically,” said his principal, Joyce Elia-Renaud. 🏀♟️
Eric, who was born with multiple neurological conditions and has undergone nine different procedures, recently participated in a wheelchair basketball clinic in Hartford. 🧑🦽🏀
"I mainly just love basketball and I want to have a fun time, Eric said in an interview with Fox5 New York. "I want to have a fun time with all my wheelchair friends."
His parents said accessible sports programs can be difficult to find. Eric and his family hope to educate the public on the importance of these types of programs.
Eric is inquisitive and always looks to discover and explore new goals. He enjoys communicating with peers and adults, posing questions to deepen his learning, and effectively exchanging his ideas and perspectives to enrich the learning community.
“Eric consistently puts forth his best effort and encourages his classmates with positivity,” Principal Elia-Renaud said.
