STEMCivics students gear up for educational and philanthropic trip

Meet the students and one chaperone from STEMCivics traveling to Santa Cruz, Costa Rica Feb. 5-13 for a Squads Abroad mission to support Buho Okhy Elementary School while learning about another part of the world.

STEMCivics students will help design and paint a mural, help with a school construction project and support the teaching staff.

Squads Abroad empowers teacher-led groups around the world to improve health and educational outcomes in under resourced communities with the support of experienced on-the-ground teams. Each Squad has a defined focus with achievable deliverables that benefit community partners while providing a transformative learning experience for the student volunteers.

In addition to meaningful service projects, a professional local staff, facilitates enriching cultural activities that provide a deeper cultural context and understanding. Squads Abroad exclusive home-bases provide volunteers safe and private accommodations to enjoy healthy authentic meals, relax after a meaningful day of service, and reflect with their group on the transformative experience.

Melonie Chaves

I was born in Manhattan, New York. Before starting high school I didn’t really know what I wanted to do when I got older. Many teachers at STEM helped guide me in figuring that out. A year ago I was dedicated to getting straight A’s and a high GPA. I would work really hard in school and I would work and study whenever I got the chance to at my job. Now my plan is to join the military to practice medicine. I strongly believe that the path I’m on will help me accomplish my dreams.

Z’Emani Dixon

I’m from Philadelphia. I prefer to be called Mani. I graduate in June 2019 and would like to be a nurse practitioner in the future. I love STEM because the school offers a lot of opportunities to everyone that takes it. Putting my all into school helped me become an honor student. I’m very proud of my accomplishments.

Julio Grullon

I’m from the Dominican Republic and want to be a mechanical engineer. I want to get my bachelor’s degree at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. I love sports. Also, I think that the most important rule is respect. If you have respect, you will follow all the rules. I’m thankful for my family because friends can come and go but my family will always be there.

Ashanti Knox

I am a future esthetician who will own multiple spa salons over the world. I will become a selfmade millionaire. I plan to graduate from Clark Atlanta University with a degree in Business Management creating my own legacy as a wealthy entrepreneur making my family proud (especially my grandmother).

Stephen Peprah

I’m from Ghana (West Africa). I’m a teen filled with a lot of goals and ambitions. After graduating college, I have the passion to immensely help those in need. I want to help homeless people with some of the money I would earn as a businessman in the future. I’m a believer in Christ and I pray and believe Jesus would help bring my goals and passion to life. I also want to play pro soccer in the near future. My life is filled with good memories from the past that I’m thankful for. I used to have a beloved friend that I’m sure I would never forget: his name was Peace. Peace was a dog that brought a lot of joy in my childhood life. I love animals and I’m hoping to own a lion, a cheetah, or maybe both. I love STEMCivics. It has helped me mature and take responsibility for myself. Also I’m very appreciative of my parents. I’m very thankful for my dad; he is a hardworking man and I’ve learned a lot from him. Even more, I love and appreciate my mom. She just makes sure her son is feeling happy and he has someone he can lean on in times of distress. I really don’t know how my life would be without my mom! And how can I forget about my grandmom, that lovely lady. To this day the person I love the most on this Earth is my grandmom. I remember her crying when I was leaving her to come to America. I would love so much to reunite with her before things get worse (pass away). I also know she can’t wait to see me in person!

Alexis Perez

I have a good record at STEMCivics, so far. I am a helpful and kind student who doesn’t cause any problems. I do my own thing around school like I try my flow with the school rules and so far I’m doing great. My teachers would say that I am grounded, mature, moral and probably introspective. I stay positive mostly and I stay away from crazy.

Shanya McDonald

I was born in Trenton, NJ to Nicole Knight. My heritage is of Jamaican descent. I am a 17 year old junior at STEMCivics. My accomplishments at STEMCivics are as follows: grade 9 and 10 merit role, debate club, grade 11 honor roll. My personal accomplishments are overcoming my fears of failing school, becoming confident in myself and expressing my feelings.

The things people love about me is my personality. I’m kind, courteous, humble, high-spirited, uplifting and love helping people. I look forward to attending Aria Health School of Nursing with the ambition to become a registered nurse. Without these women in my life, I don’t think I could’ve been the young lady that I am right now and moving forward in my life: Nicole Knight, Jean Wilson, Veta Mendez, and Taniqua Saunders (Mrs. T).

My favorite quote is: “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” -Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ajia Mackins

‘of Trenton was a member of the founding STEMCivics class, entering in September 2014. She graduated in June 2018 with her class, and was awarded the PURPLEfect Persistence Award at Commencement in recognition of her superior ability to persevere.

Ms. Mackins has the unique achievement of being the first STEMCivics graduate to work at the PURPLEfect Palace — her role is executive assistance at large. In addition, she is the co-coach of the cheerleaders at PURPLEfect Parc. This mission will be her third mission experience, but first as a staff member. She was part of the PURPLEfect Empire’s contingent on two visits to Haiti during her student days. L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @ LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian. com.