Student Spotlight
SWAHS Student Spotlight
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I appreciate the hard work Shay puts into the classwork as a student.
Even though Shay would rather sketch or work on art, they still show up for class and puts in the effort to get the work done.
I have noticed a big change as the academic year moved forward. Earlier in the year, Shay would put in some effort, but not be too worried about anything missed, or even if the work was finished. Now, I see a student that is motivated to get the work done during the day and stay focused on what is happening in the class.
Keep up the good work Shay.
Best part of AHS
-The one to one student to teaching style that the teachers use here helps me with classwork.
Hobbies
-Music and drawing especially of people and faces/expressions
Post H.S. plans
-I plan to get more into art especially photography
Advice to others
-stay present both in attendance and enjoy the moment.
Previous Students in the Spotlight!
Meet Makayla
Makayla Devlin
Staff member Anne Piasecki chose Makayla Devlin as her student spotlight because she is a great example for other students. Makayla has a great work ethic, loves to discuss current issues, is respectful of other people’s ideas, and can listen without judgement. Anne sat down with Makayla to ask her a few questions so people can get to know her.
1. What’s the best part of SWAHS?
1. I like that I get to do work on my own time and maneuver around my own schedule. I can also get help whenever I need it.
2. What do you like to do outside of school?
2. I like to read, do outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and playing with my dog. I also love learning new things, particularly about animals.
3. What are your plans after high school?
3. I want to help the public. I would like to take what I have learned and help people get a leg up in life. I would also like to learn from other people’s experiences.
4. What is one piece of advice that you would give someone?
4. Never be impulsive when you have a decision to make. Take a day or two and really think about the decision.
Thanks for being an awesome student! We are excited to see the impact you will continue to make at SWAHS!
Meet Mesha
Meshana Khang
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Staff member Lane Swansson chose to spotlight Mesha Khang because of her positive attitude, her excellent personal skills, and her efforts to serve others. This school year, Mesha brought in donuts for the SWAHS staff. She also brought in food for students who were hungry throughout the day. Because of Mesha’s “no student hungry” pledge, students have access to cereal, ramen noodles, and macaroni and cheese at lunch time.
Lane had Mesha in advisory, physical education, video production, and his engineering & media course. In those classes, Mesha showed an excellent work ethic and was always a pleasure to work with. Lane sat down with Mesha to ask her a few questions.
1. What do you like about SWAHS?
1. I like that it’s a smaller school and that teachers can connect with all of the kids. I like that school is flexible with how you get your work done and how we have a personalized graduation plan.
2. What are your hobbies or interests outside of school?
2. I like to paint and hike. I also like to make candles.
3. Tell us something interesting about yourself.
3. I am one of six siblings in my family.
4. What are your plans after high school?
4. I plan on joining the workforce and potentially looking into culinary school.
Meet Hamza
Hamza Hussein
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Staff member Kate Jenkins would like to nominate Hamza Hussein for this week’s Student Spotlight.
Hamza came into the 2022-23 school year with a whole new attitude about school. Since day one, he’s been committed to his schoolwork, showing up every day and determined to graduate and earn his diploma. He has absolutely crushed the first two terms of the year and earned 12 credits in total!
On top of this, he comes into school with a smile on his face and he’s just an overall kind and genuine student.
I’m super proud of how hard he’s been working and I’m so excited for him to reach his goal of graduation.
Keep it up, Hamza!
Meet Lorenzo
Lorenzo Davis
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Staff member Jill Richardson Chose Lorenzo Davis for the Student Spotlight this month because of his positive attitude and strong work ethic.
Lorenzo shows up each day ready to learn and contribute to classroom discussions. He can put himself in other people's shoes which creates an environment of respect.
We really enjoy having him here at SWAHS!
1. What is the best part of SWAHS?
1.Lorenzo likes that the teachers are always willing to help and says that the other students are really nice.
2.What are your hobbies or interests outside of school?
2.Outside of school he enjoys reading, drawing, and playing video games when he is not working. Lorenzo works many days after school and is earning credits for doing this.
3.What are your plans after high school?
3.He is looking closely at two colleges after graduation. FIT in New York, or MN State University.
4.What is one piece of advice that you would give someone?
4. Lorenzo encourages everyone to "Be Yourself". He thinks you should be consistent about what you want in life and go for it.
Meet Rosi
Roselin Alvarez-Lauzon
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Rosi has changed dramatically since enrolling in our program. I remember in my first interaction; she was very defensive and shut down any attempt at a conversation. School didn’t seem important to her, and my class could not compete with her phone.
Now, Rosi is more engaged in the school day. She is quick to add her thoughts to class discussions and works on the assigned tasks until complete. Rosi will ask questions when she doesn’t understand instead of giving up and putting her head down.
I have really enjoyed watching Rosi grow into a more confident and hard-working version of herself. Keep up the good work.
Best part of AHS
1. The teachers will listen to you and help you until you understand what they are trying to teach you.
Hobbies or interests
2. I like working at The Gap. I get to work with clothes and it’s a great distraction from the world. I also like making money that I have control over.
Plans after high school
3. I don’t know yet. I am still looking at options.
Advice to others
4. Focus on school. At the end of the day, all of the drama doesn’t matter. You won’t remember that in 5 years.
Meet Faith
I nominated Faith Yang for recognition. I've really seen Faith grow as a student and a young adult during her time at AHS. Her strong work ethic and willingness to try different types of class activities is much appreciated. I could always count on Faith to offer her opinion when called upon during class discussions.
While most everyone would describe Faith as a quiet student, I have enjoyed starting to see her personality come out during class.
Best Part of AHS
1. I feel like the environment is more personal. You can engage more in the classroom with your teachers and your classmates.
Hobbies or Interests
2. I like art especially painting and photography.
Plans After High School
3. Not sure yet but I'm taking classes at Century next year to explore Cosmetology
Advice to Others
4. Your first impression of an Alternative is a bad thing but the environment is very friendly and welcoming. All the teachers and staff are really nice.
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Meet Liam
Meet Liam
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I nominated Liam for Student Spotlight for his embracing the idea of using our school as a second chance to get on track. He started his junior year with just enough credits to be considered a ninth grader which put him in peril for graduation. However, he will end the year with over 50 credits earned. Not only is he on track to graduate, but Liam has qualified for half days next year!
Plus, Liam has used this time to find something of interest to him. He had given little to no thought about life after high school until this year. Working with staff member Jon Colburn, Liam used his interest in technology to run the Sowashco Repairs demo program at our school. His success in the program has turned a casual interest into a career path. Way to go Liam!
- Being able to have one on one time with teachers to get help. The staff is flexible to help you on your schedule even if its before or after school.
- I like playing with technology like the Chromebook repair course.
- To become a computer engineer or IT coordinator. I plan to get certification at some post-secondary institution either in person or online.
- If you want something, you have to pursue it. Nothing will be handed to you.
Meet Alex
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Why I nominated Alex-
Last year, Alex was a student that struggled at times to get his work completed in class.
When this school year began, I noticed that Alex had started to show more maturity by participating in class and completing the coursework. I can count on Alex to volunteer an answer to a question and participate in class activities without the need for me to constantly remind him to stay on task.
I hope Alex continues to show these tendencies in his other classes for the rest of his time in our building.
Keep up the good work Alex!
Best parts of AHS:
-its small and its chill; he feels safe around this environment
Hobbies or Interests:
-likes to play video games and skateboard
Plans after High School:
-plans to go to school and become a certified auto technician
Advice to Others:
-focus on your work even when you don't want to.
Meet Oscar
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I would like to nominate Oscar Vargas for Student Spotlight.
When Oscar joined our program, he took some time to adjust to our system and expectations. After awhile, I was able to convince Oscar to start using his voice in class activities and discussions.
It's great to see a student have success in my classroom, and our building creating a foundation to find academic success.
Keep up the good work Oscar.
Best part of AHS;
-students interact with each other and for the most part get along
Hobbies/Interests;
-music, soccer, motor biking, being active with friends
Post H.S. plans;
-work for a year to make money then attend barber school. Eventually I would like to open my own shop and sell merchandise too.
Advice to others;
-try your best and lock in. Get to know your teachers too.