10 Street Name, City Name
Country, Zip Code
720-402-3000
info@hopeonline.org
When Perla's family immigrated to the United States from Zacatecas, Mexico, she spoke little English and didn't feel confident in her communication abilities. Now, as a graduate of HOPE at Maranatha Learning Center, the quality in herself that she is most proud of is her writing ability.
"All the one-on-one attention from the teachers helped me a lot," says Perla. "I got help at HOPE that I didn't get at the other schools I had been to."
Perla's teachers have witnessed her significant growth from someone who didn't understand English well enough to be able to progress academically to a student who successfully tested out of the English Language Learner classification.
The dedication Perla showed in mastering her English language abilities was also present throughout her studies in other subjects at school. Staff at Maranatha Learning Center describe her as a strong student who takes the time to focus on what she needs to do and is always willing to ask for help when she needs it. But her commitment to academics doesn't mean she's all business all the time.
"Perla is a no-nonsense kind of kid who knows when it's time to buckle down and work," says Victoria Aguilar, director of HOPE at Maranatha Learning Center. "Still, she loves to talk and laugh with her friends and with the staff here."
During her time at Maranatha Learning Center, Perla, who says she had faced some bullying when she was younger, was quick to defend other students if they were being treated unfairly. And if other students would be causing disruptions, she had no problem firmly telling them to knock it off.
Perla is very close with her family, including her two older brothers, who also graduated from HOPE. She showed interest in the work that veterinary technicians do, and her senior capstone project included a great deal of research into that field.
The closure of schools last spring due to the Covid-19 pandemic was initially difficult for Perla, who prefers in-school instruction to remote learning. Still, she says that teachers and friends were instrumental in keeping her moving toward her goals.
"My friends and teachers helped a lot during Covid," says Perla. "They were always there for me, always telling me not to let school get me too stressed out."
Perla persevered through the closures and came back to finish the requirements needed for graduation two months early.
While she is not certain about what her plans are immediately following graduation, she hopes to eventually attend college and go on to start her own clothing line.
9780 Pyramid Court, Suite 100
Englewood, CO, 80112
720-402-3000
info@hopeonline.org
In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. Please contact Baylee Byczkowski, 9780 Pyramid CT, Suite 100, Englewood, CO 80112, 720-402-3000 | Our ongoing accessibility effort works towards being in line with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.2, levels A and AA criteria. These guidelines not only help make web content accessible to users with sensory, cognitive, and mobility disabilities but ultimately to all users, regardless of ability.
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