This program is brought to you in part by the Erika Lewis Endowment Fund.

♪♪♪ CCSD is the fifth-largest school district in the nation with student success as its number-one goal.

Join us as we meet student go-getters and goal-setters and discover their skills, talents and drive.

Plus, meet the incredible staff who are helping students shine.

It's all here in Student Spotlight.

♪♪♪ Hello, and welcome to Student Spotlight.

I'm Melinda Malone.

My cohost, Mauricio Marin, has the day off.

There's a lot to share with you in the next half hour.

We'll take you inside Cadwallader Middle School where wings hang in the hallways to honor those lost on 1 October.

Why this project has special significance here and how students hope to help others.

Then Superintendent Dr. Jesus Jara sits down with three of the District's more than 60 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.

Trust us, you'll be impressed.

And meet a young author.

Did we mention she's award-winning?

How the Vegas PBS Kids Writers Contest Presented by Janice Allen is inspiring students like Dylan, and why for this winner the contest is a family affair.

We begin by shining the spotlight on an exceptional senior from A-Tech High School who hasn't let housing insecurity stop her dreams.

She's a science whiz who hopes to attend college on scholarship and one day become a surgeon.

♪♪♪ My name is Angel Ndubisi, and I'm senior at A-Tech.

I find science interesting.

I think it's really just the idea of being able to create something that can really be helpful to humanity.

For example, I was part of the Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Internship Program where my team and I designed a novel surgical device to help with coronary plaque buildup.

It's things like these that just fuel my passion for science.

I want other kids to know hard work does pay off, and I want them to know that they shouldn't give up on their education because to me, that's the way out.

Additionally, there are a lot of resources out there like Title 1 HOPE that will work with you closely like they did with me and my family.

(Kelly-Jo Shebeck) We've been working with them for a few years, and specifically in her last year.

She's a senior now.

We just saw there were some needs that we'd be able to help with by just making a phone call or sending a letter or connecting to resources or connecting her with a scholarship counselor.

-I think COVID and the pandemic has really been difficult for a lot of people, and another challenge that I've been facing is us not really having a stable living accommodation at this particular moment.

So I think one of the biggest things that's been able to drive me and help me overcome that is my strong family support system and just how tenacious of a person I am.

-She's resilient.

I mean, all of the challenges they've had over the years, she continues to excel in every area.

I see big things for her.

-I want to get into Brown PLME program, which is an amazing opportunity where I'm able to go directly to medical school after my four years at Brown.

I really want to become a cardiothoracic surgeon, so I see myself becoming one and being able to create solutions in realtime for my community.

♪♪♪ Thank you, Angel, for sharing your story.

We're so proud of you.

Each year about 13,000 CCSD students are helped by Title 1 HOPE.

You can learn more at CCSD.net.

Speaking of exceptional students, 62 CCSD high school students are semifinalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship program.

How special is this honor?

Semifinalists represent less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors, and they will compete for National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million.

Superintendent Jara caught up with three semifinalists from Clark High School here in the Vegas PBS studios to learn more about their achievements.

(Dr. Jesus Jara) First of all let's just have you introduce yourselves and tell us a little bit about your favorite area of study.

(Savannah Taylor) I'm Savannah, and I really enjoy math.

I'm looking at majoring in biomedical engineering.

(Phillip Seo) Hello, guys.

My name is Phillip, and something I'm interested in majoring in is poly sci, and I'm interested in social studies.

(Meghanna Sunkara) I'm Meghanna but I go by Meg, and I'm a science enthusiast so I like biology, psychology, anatomy and physiology.

I'm planning on pursuing neuroscience as my major in college.

-Excellent.

Well, you know, top talent, so proud of all of you and really, thank you for being here.

Savannah, the past two school years have been untraditional due to the pandemic.

What has helped you keep your grades up, and what did you learn from the past few years?

-I think a lot of my drive and determination has helped to keep my grades up, but also a lot of outside support from my friends and family.

I think overall just finding my happy place and working through it.

-Excellent.

So Phillip, how do you think this honor will impact your future plans for college and/or career?

-I think getting this honor will be able to like distinguish me apart from the other 99% of students across the country, and I think this honor will allow colleges to be more interested and give me more money potentially.

With student debt being the highest it has ever been in the nation, I think it's important that I can get every single dollar possible and getting this scholarship will help me get more opportunities to go to different colleges potentially.

With that said, getting those connections and those resources from those colleges will help me be prepared to either become a lawyer or a businessman, which is what I want to do in the future.

-So did I hear you say the top 1%?

So you guys are right here, the three of you, in the top 1% in student achievement not in Clark County School District, not in Clark County, not in Nevada, in the country; is that what I hear?

-Yes.

-So phenomenal, phenomenal, phenomenal work from you.

Your parents must be so proud and of course your teachers.

I'm just so grateful to be here with you, as you are the top 1%.

But Meg, what have you learned about yourself by participating in this scholarship competition?

-So through participating in National Merit, I learned the importance of a "grit" mindset.

So because I was able to spend a lot of time and 100% of my effort on studying for the standardized test, it's obviously shown through my achievement here today, but it's also taught me personally how much pride and self-respect I have for myself, and I started applying that grit mindset of hard work and perseverance in other aspects of my life and it just made me feel a lot more accomplished with everything that I was doing.

So that was something that I'm grateful for learning through National Merit.

-What advice would you give other students that are going to be watching this to really achieve this goal?

Meg, we'll start with you, then Phillip and then we'll come this way.

-My number-one advice is not be afraid of failure.

I think because of so much pressure that we put on ourselves and external pressure as well that we tend to lose track of how much we can actually accomplish.

So if we learn it's okay to make mistakes but it's how we overcome these obstacles and how we learn from those mistakes, that's what's going to make you successful not just for this competition but in life.

So I would say don't be afraid to fail.

-Perfect.

-A tip I would give to students is it's okay to take a break because with all the studying and the practice tests and questions that you do, your mind will eventually get tired and just like working out, you need time-- your muscles need time to recover so you can do the next exercise, and the brain is also muscle, right?

So you need time for it to recover and recuperate before doing more questions and practice tests.

So I think it's okay for people to take a break and they don't have to consume all the time, 24/7, to just studying for the PISA and be able to like balance your life.

Hang out with friends, talk with your family and stuff like that.

-Perfect.

Savannah, wrap us up.

-I would say just believe in yourself.

I think it's really important to look and see all the work you've done in preparation.

So for the PSAT, all the practice problems and then on the actual test day, just remember what you prepared for and believe in your ability to do it.

-Excellent.

So you heard from the top 1% in America: Don't worry about failure, rest, and believe in yourself.

Again, congratulations for being here, and I wish you all continued success as you graduate and you go make us all proud.

Thank you again.

Thank you for being here.

(all) Thank you.

-Thank you, Dr. Jara.

At the end of the program, we'll list all of CCSD's National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, as they all deserve the spotlight.

Now let's kick it over to K.O.

Knudson Academy of the Arts for our Student Spotlight Newsbreak.

-Hi.

I'm Margot Beattie.

-I'm Riley Henry from K.O.

Knudson Academy of the Arts with a television crew.

-And we're here with your first Student Spotlight Newsbreak.

-Did you know National School Lunch Week is in October?

This year's theme was "Wild About School Lunch."

As part of the special week, District leaders had a big announcement.

The Community Eligibility Provision is expanding Districtwide.

That means the District will offer meals at no charge to all CCSD students throughout the 2024-2025 school year.

-Week of Respect is also celebrated in October.

CCSD's Week of Respect's theme is "Be an Upstander."

Schools across the valley, including ours, shared photos to social media using the hashtag #ccsdgetyourblueon to recognize the special week.

-That's it for now.

Remember to stay in the know.

We'll explain that later.

-These guys will be back to you with more news later in the show.

Back to you, Melinda.

-Thank you, Margot and Riley.

Now to Cadwallader Middle School where angel wings hang in the hallways to honor the 58 lives lost on 1 October.

Each year, the school's advanced art students design a set of angel wings for each person who died in the tragedy.

The Angel Wings Project was started by one of the teachers at the school who was there that night and survived.

♪♪♪ (Vivian Gabert) So these wings I created for James Sonny Milton.

The reason why I created Sonny's wings like that was because I found out that he actually died protecting his wife, and he basically put down his life to protect another.

That's also why I did the two hearts in it so you could see not only Sonny since he was an ER nurse, and that's why I actually used my Nana's old scrubs for the inside of it.

And I did the feathers for the softness like it was wrapped around him in a way since he was a religious man.

It was like God was protecting him and his wife.

(Aliya Pelletier) I made wings for Charles Hartfield.

I made those for him because he was a dad.

My dad worked with him and was friends.

I wasn't really sure what shape, and I wanted a more simple shape because one side is more of a memorial and one side is kind of more of a symbol of what he did.

(Avery Steele) I picked Carry Barnette, and I chose her because she seemed like a really nice person.

When I read about her, pretty much everyone talked about her liking hummingbirds because I think it said they reminded her of her grandparents that passed away.

She had a lot of family.

She seemed like a really good person.

(Noelani Harris) I made my wings to represent Michelle Vera, one of the people there.

I wanted to go with a simple a angel wing look, but I wanted to add a personal touch.

When she died, her family gave out ribbons.

But I decided it would be a good idea to attach them to sort of relate them to her.

(Christine Janette) I'm a survivor of that evening.

My husband and I both went to listen to a beautiful night of music and ended up probably experiencing something, the most horrific thing I've ever experienced in my life.

This makes my heart so full when I enter this hallway, and when I can look at each one of these angels and I know about each one of these angels, and I know the people.

I know of the people that they left behind, and this will help them continue to heal like it's helping me to heal.

(Frank Eclarin) It's important not to forget, forget these names and most of all that, you know, these names still have family attached to them.

I want my kids to know how proud I am of them for working so hard, being committed to this project and seeing it through.

-It meant a lot.

It was definitely a challenge because it took a lot of time, but I knew I was doing it for the right purpose and it felt like an honor almost.

-It was really good to do these for them and just show that they're still loved and cared about and show their families that they're not forgotten.

-I definitely think this project is a good thing to help the families move on, to help them grieve.

-I want whoever sees these wings or whoever comes and sees them to feel as if the people are still here and that they are still looking down at us and protecting us in a way, and as long as we just keep a positive mindset and we just remember them and know they're still in our hearts that everything will be okay.

♪♪♪ The Angel Wings Project helps raise funds to support survivors.

This year's donations will be split between the 55 Children Left Behind Scholarship fund as well as the Healing Garden.

Students, staff and the community are also encouraged to sign a pledge to spread kindness.

Three Nevada schools were named 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools, and two of the schools are in the Clark County School District.

The honor comes from the U.S. Department of Education and it is prestigious, as only 325 schools nationwide earn the distinction each year.

The superintendent invited the principals from Charlotte Hill Elementary and Lamping Elementary into the Vegas PBS studios to learn more about this honor.

(Dr. Jesus Jara) I am joined by the principals of CCSD's two national Blue Ribbon Schools, Principal Jennifer Reynolds from Charlotte Hill Elementary School and Principal Robert Solomon from Lamping Elementary School.

First, congratulations to both of you for your achievement and your school and your campuses, as you have been recognized in the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing category by the National Blue Ribbon, so congratulations to your entire staff.

So how have you-- Robert, I'll start with you-- how have you worked to close the achievement gap on your campus?

(Robert Solomon) You know, it's amazing when we look at the amazing things that our staff has been doing over the past several years, but in particular when you look at inequity lens and we look at what they're doing to ensure that all kids are having the right tools to be successful, our staff has really done a fabulous job in collaborating and looking at specific populations of kids who need to have the materials and tools and instruction to make gains and demonstrate growth.

-Jennifer.

(Jennifer Reynolds) So our first priority was quality tier-one instruction, ensuring every student is receiving the best instruction they possibly can receive and then looking at the whole child, ensuring that every need is being met.

And when we see they need something additional besides tier-one instruction, it's being strategic and getting those supports to each child.

-So what I love is that, you know, you're accelerating the momentum for children in the high end, but then also you're providing the resources and support for your teachers to close that achievement gap so it's really great working, and kudos to you and your staff.

Jennifer, what are you most proud of when it comes to your campus?

I mean, I called you-- I think it was a couple weeks ago and you couldn't keep raving about your school, but you know what?

Just tell us all about what you're excited and what makes your school special.

-When you come to Charlotte Hill, you can tell that it's a family atmosphere, that every student is our student, that we work together.

We like to, you know, make sure every student from the minute they walk in, they feel special.

We recognize them and we all know every child.

And if there's a need, no matter what grade level, whoever's available on staff is going to support that child and, you know, we like to collaborate in the grade levels and then within the vertical collaboration.

But knowing our children and ensuring that we support them no matter what.

-Excellent, thank you.

Robert, I remember walking onto your campus, and there's a student there that's just kind of become my special kid.

Every time I think about your school at Lamping Elementary, I think about what he said to me as I'm walking in.

He goes-- I introduced myself and he says you're gonna love it here!

I mean, he tells me, and then I walk into the campus and it was such a happy place, which is what I'm hearing.

So what are you most excited about and really proud of your accomplishments at Lamping Elementary?

-Well, I think like you said, when you walk on our campus, the feel and the vibe and the climate within the school, they enjoy being there.

Our students and our staff really enjoy the campus, which really speaks to the collaboration, the camaraderie and the pride, that they're in a school that they love.

I think our teachers, particularly through the pandemic, have had to work really hard to ensure how are we meeting those kids' emotional needs?

How are we getting them to feel connected to the school?

So having everyone back in person, we're able to see again what we value so much when we come together as a community.

-So thank you.

Really also what I'm hearing is, you know, the happiness, the happy place but the rigor.

I mean, it's not just a party, right?

I mean, you're pushing the academic limits which I really appreciate that.

So Jennifer, I'll come back here.

What does it mean to your school community, to your staff, to be nationally recognized?

I mean, only three in the state of Nevada.

I think, you know, a little bit over 300 across the country.

What does that mean, and how did you celebrate?

-It just means that, you know, all the work we've put into our children to ensure their academic success, people are recognizing that.

You know, the beginning of their education is at elementary school.

We need to be there for them.

We set the tone for college and career readiness, and we're doing it.

We're doing it every day, and the kids, you know, are happy but they're achieving, and every kid can achieve at a high level.

So just the recognition, it's an honor.

We haven't celebrated yet.

You know, we're still-- you know... -Still at it.

-Still at it.

-Still at what makes your school special.

Robert.

-You know, I think that we are honored to be recognized when there are so many great things going on in our District and in our schools.

So many of our leaders and educators are doing so many great things, and when we've had so many challenges to overcome as educators and to receive the recognition for the hard work that they've done in helping students achieve and engage in school, it's a wonderful celebration.

We're working on teaching the students what exactly makes us special to get this kind of recognition so they have an understanding, and we're going to have a week of celebration in the month of November after we get our recognition from D.C. to really let the kids and the staff and the community enjoy and feel the wonder of the celebration.

-Well, thank you for being here.

I mean, I'm just so excited.

There's great things happening in the Clark County School District in spite of what you hear out there.

I mean, you guys are just a model of so many things in celebrating your teachers, your staff, your community.

So congratulations.

We really do appreciate you.

I know I do and the Board does as well.

We appreciate all your hard work and your commitment to our children.

So congratulations again, and thank you for continuing to make CCSD the number-one choice for our kids.

-Thank you for having us.

-Yes, thank you very much.

-Thank you.

-Thank you, Dr. Jara, and congratulations again to Hill and Lamping elementary schools.

Now let's send it back to K.O.

Knudson Academy of the Arts for another newsbreak.

-Hi, I'm Chris Burciaga.

-And I'm Ivy Feveborn reporting to you from our television studio.

-And we're here with your second newsbreak.

-Television production is just one of the many majors we have here at K.O.

Knudson Academy of the Arts.

Some of the other majors we have here at K.O.

are theater, dance, band, orchestra, mariachi, visual arts, graphic design, choir and Ballet Folklorico.

A little more on TV production.

We produce a 100% student-run news broadcast named In the Know.

We also have two 100% student-produced film festivals every year.

-We'll send it back to the studio.

Thank you for visiting K.O.

Knudson.

-Thank you, Ivy and Chris.

Nearly 700 students from all over Southern Nevada wrote and illustrated original stories and then entered those stories into the 2021 Vegas PBS Kids Writers Contest Presented by Janice Allen.

We caught up with the fifth grade first place winner and her family too.

(Dylan Eecklor) I like how you take like just an idea and you turn it into a whole story, and I also like the writing and all the expressions you can put into it.

(Lynn Eecklor) It's been a tradition for 10 years.

Every year they start thinking about their next book.

Once that book has been turned in, they start thinking what are we going to do next year, so very exciting.

(Blake Eecklor) My name is Blake and my little sister is Dylan.

My dad told me there was a writers contest and he thought I should enter, and I loved writing at the time.

I did this when I was in first grade.

So I jumped at the opportunity, and I ended up winning second place for my entry.

She's been hoping to win first place for five years, and she finally did it.

-When I found out I won this year, my mom and dad pulled me out of my classroom.

They said we got a call, and you won.

Your book made it in one of the top three places, and I was very excited.

The title was called Mirror, and it was about a dog named Denny and a boy named Danny.

They were both missing a limb from their body, and they felt really awkward and they didn't know what they should do.

Then they found each other and they look just like each other, and they thought, you're perfect for me so they're always together.

The idea came to my head from my neighbor's dog.

His name was Diesel, and he has three legs.

I thought he was really cute, and I love dogs so I wrote a story about a dog.

And for Diesel, he has three legs because of a car accident.

(Chris Eecklor) As a parent I encourage my kids to do whatever they can and try to give them as many tools as possible, and this writing is another tool in their arsenal of knowledge.

I believed that it was an opportunity for them to be expressive, to be creative, to actually get their ideas out and understand what it's like to have competition and, you know, failure, competition, it's good for all kids.

-It's amazing to see the stories come to life once they've been published in hardback or put into animation.

The creative process for them is amazing because their only limitation is their imagination.

-Congratulations again, Dylan.

You can watch all the winners read their stories on the Vegas PBS website at vegaspbs.org.

That does it for this edition of Student Spotlight.

If you know of a student or staff member who you think we should spotlight, please let us know.

They could end up on this program.

Email the Clark County School District's Communications Office at communications@nv.ccsd.net.

As we close, we'll share the names of all of the District's National Merit Scholarship semifinalists because they all deserve a shout-out.

See you next month.

♪♪♪