Student's Sideline Cheers, Humility Rocks Ike

Whiz Kid: Rachel Elson

Age: 15

Accomplishments:  The Eisenhower sophomore is an honor roll student and maintains a 3.8 grade point average.  A recipient of the President's Award, she’s currently tackling honors English, French II and algebra II.

Outside of the classroom, Rachel shows her Ike school spirit as a sideline cheerleader for the football team.  She has a natural knack for firing up the fans with her energy and smile.

In addition to her academic achievements, Rachel is passionate about serving people in the community through her local church and through her volunteer work at the Hope Center in Macomb (www.hopecentermacomb.org).  She enjoys stocking shelves and distributing food to those in need through the food pantry at the Hope Center.  A personal highlight for her has been a mission trip to the Bahamas.

Key to Success:  “I would say that Rachel exemplifies what Colossians 3:23 speaks about,” Shelby Junior High drama teacher Judith Lupu said.  “'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.’  Rachel’s attitude, her work ethic, her sweet spirit and her tenacity to finish what she starts.  Rachel leads by example and is a role model for those who are lucky enough to work beside her.”

“Rachel is a great kid,” Eisenhower French teacher Joan Kargul-Baldiga said.  “I would say that Rachel's key to success is her humility.  She is always open to ways that she can improve herself, she reaches out to others with acts of kindness, and she treats herself and others with love and respect.”