Channelle Valencia, Jupiter (far left)

This is Channelle's first year at ISSAC. She is in the Eighth Grade and is thirteen years old. Her birthday is January 3rd. Channelle appreciates that our school is really nice, welcoming, and friendly. She feels like we have good teachers as well. Channelle lives in Costa Mesa with her family and enjoys visiting her Uncle's house for family gatherings on the weekends. She really likes learning languages and is currently studying Chinese at school and Arabic on her own. Channelle is interested in the Arab culture and language, and has been studying the geography through her independent research. She is also passionate about the style of Art, called Realism. Channelle also likes to visit her dad in Queretaro, Mexico, where she finds it to be calm, peaceful, and has a lot of trees. When Channelle becomes an adult, she is interested in becoming a lawyer or architect. Channelle considers herself to be artistic, a bit of an introvert, has a neutral vibe, and friendly. Her teacher, Ms. Susie, says Channelle is a talented artists, helpful, and kind. ISSAC welcomes you, Channelle!

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Miah LaVerde, Jupiter (2nd from left)

Miah lives in Irvine with her parents and her sister, Carlotah, who is 5 1/2. She is in the Sixth Grade. Miah's birthday is January 2nd and she will be twelve years old. This is Miah's third year at ISSAC. Her favorite subject is P.E. because she thinks it is fun and energizing. With her family, Miah likes to play Monopoly, go to movies, and have dinner together. Miah loves Bandja Pasia, a traditional Columbian dish that her family makes for her. Miah is originally from Florida, but lived in Bogota until she was five years. Miah appreciates the food and the people of Columbia, who were always kind and welcoming. Miah wants to be an architect when she gets older. On family vacations, Miah has traveled to Tulum, Mexico and Paris, France. Ms. Susie, Miah's ELA teacher, says she is extremely social, has an engaging personality, is strong, and creative. Miah likes the teachers here at ISSAC because they focus on you and support you. Miah is involved in ballet, piano, and tennis.

Athena Smith-Grays, Jupiter (far right)

This is Athena's first year at ISSAC. Athena is in the Seventh Grade and is twelve years old. Her birthday is July 8th. On her free time, Athena likes to play with her dogs (Luxe and Ace) and comes to Harper Park on the weekends to take them out. Athena also likes to go to her pool and spend time at the movies. Her favorite colors are Lilac and Lavender. When Athena is older, she wants to be a veterinarian as she is interested in animals, which was her goal for PBL. Athena considers herself to be drawn to nature and art, and enjoys playing the violin at school. When asked what she thinks of ISSAC, Athena said she likes the people here and appreciates how much they care. She recently moved from San Diego with her mom, and likes visiting the parks and beaches here. Athena collects seashells from the beach and makes necklaces with them. Athena's teacher, Ms. Susie, says Athena is sharp, fun, and full of ideas. Welcome to ISSAC, Athena!

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Kalani Nicholson, Jupiter

(2nd from right)

Kalani is in the Seventh Grade and is twelve years old. She lives in Costa Mesa with her mom, her brother, Xavier who is 8, and her sister, Cattleya who is 2. She likes to play Hide and Seek with her little sister and play computer games with her brother. She also likes to have movie nights with her family. Her favorite movie is Inside Out. Her favorite color is Lavender because it reminds her of Springtime. Kalani's interest lies in Art, and she likes to draw flowers. When she gets home from school, Kalani like to chill, watch T.V. and read. What Kalani likes about ISSAC is the P.E. with Mr. Hiroshi, playing Dodgeball, and hanging out with her friends. Kalani's hero is her mom, and says she is always helping her with her writing and art. If she had superpower, it would be mind-reading. Kalani's ELA teacher, Ms. Susie, says she is kind curious, and insightful. We look forward getting to know you, Kalani!