Four Students Grow with SAVE

Every student who walks through the doors of SAVE has a different story. Some arrive shy and uncertain. Others need help building friendships, developing leadership skills, or believing in their own potential. Through meaningful mentorship, college experiences, and opportunities to grow, students discover that their future is bigger than they imagined.

This year, four students from different grade levels remind us what the power of consistent encouragement and opportunity can accomplish.

Mason

When Mason joined SAVE, he was learning how to navigate teamwork and self-regulation. Throughout the year, his teachers noticed remarkable growth. He became more accepting of feedback, regulated his emotions more effectively, and emerged as a leader who willingly helped classmates and took pride in his responsibilities.

For Mason, some of the most memorable moments came through hands-on activities that taught lessons extending far beyond the classroom.

"My favorite thing about SAVE is the activities we get to do, like the origami. It taught me how to control my emotions and work as a team and not be the boss all the time."

SAVE also gave Mason the confidence to build new friendships.

"I liked how I got to talk to new students and meet new friends."

Perhaps most importantly, Mason now sees himself differently.

"SAVE has taught me how to never give up and be a better person."

Paislee

For Paislee, growth looked different but was equally meaningful.

At the beginning of the school year, she often relied on adults to help navigate conflicts with friends. As the months passed, her teacher watched her become increasingly independent, confident, and socially connected.

SAVE introduced Paislee to college campuses, mentors, and new possibilities for her future.

"My favorite thing about SAVE is learning about different colleges."

Through conversations with mentors, she began to picture herself pursuing higher education.

"SAVE has helped me become more prepared for college through talking with different mentors."

Along the way, she discovered learning was fun, relationships mattered, and every student belonged.

"I enjoyed all the fun things we got to do!"

Brooke

In our middle schools, Brooke's transformation has been impossible to miss.

Once quiet and reserved, she has developed into a confident young leader whose peers naturally look to her for guidance. SAVE encouraged Brooke to embrace new opportunities and step outside her comfort zone, leading her to expand from participating only in volleyball to competing in wrestling and track as well. She plans to continue all three sports at Millard South.

Her confidence extends beyond athletics. Brooke consistently earns excellent grades and looks forward to meeting with her SAVE mentors to celebrate her academic progress and discuss future goals.

Her commitment to leadership, scholarship, and service earned her selection to the Rotary Club Honor Roll, an achievement that reflects the character she has developed both inside and outside the classroom.

As Brooke prepares for high school, she carries with her the confidence to say yes to new opportunities and the leadership skills to make a difference wherever she goes.

Josue

At the high school level, Josue's story represents the long-term impact of sustained mentorship.

His journey with SAVE began in elementary school during college mentoring visits and continued through high school. Over the years, mentors watched him grow from a quiet student into a respected role model for younger participants.

His academic accomplishments speak for themselves: a 3.98 unweighted GPA, a 4.92 weighted GPA, and one of the most rigorous Advanced Placement course schedules available. His passion for coding and technology has inspired plans to study computer science and engineering after graduation.

Even while balancing a demanding academic schedule with a part-time job to help support his family, Josue remained focused on his goals. Throughout high school, SAVE mentors provided encouragement, accountability, and guidance as he prepared for life after graduation.

His story is a testament to what can happen when hard work is matched with consistent support.

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At SAVE, success isn't measured only by grades or awards. It's measured by the confidence to lead, the courage to try something new, the resilience to overcome obstacles, and the belief that every student deserves a future filled with possibility.

These four students remind us that when we invest in young people, we aren't simply changing their school experience, we're helping shape the leaders, innovators, and community members of tomorrow.