Simon Youth Academy teacher ignites hope and is named her district’s best

We are always proud to tell people about how dedicated and innovative our Simon Youth Foundation teachers and administrators are at our Simon Youth Academies throughout the country.

Carolyn Kelly is a perfect example.

 

Award winner Carolyn Kelly is pictured at middle
with Simon Youth Metrocenter Academy's
two other teachers, Janet Johns and Trent Grahamm

 A teacher for 24 years, the last nine with the Simon Youth Metrocenter Academy at Metrocenter, which is located in the Metrocenter mall in Phoenix, AZ, Kelly was just named her school district’s top special programs teacher for 2011.

“I began teaching in an alternative school setting after 10 years in traditional classrooms because I wanted a new challenge,” Kelly says. “I’ve stayed in alternative programs for the last 14 years because it is a great opportunity to work more directly with students and impact their development.”

On April 6, 2011, Kelly was recognized with the Achievement Above All Award as the Special Programs Teacher of the Year by the Glendale Union High School District, which partners with SYF to operate the academy at Metrocenter. The recognition came complete with a table top award that Kelly proudly displays in her classroom.

“Mrs. Kelly is a great teacher,” says academy junior student Karina Ahumada. “She has helped me so much, and she encourages me to keep coming to school and to do my best”.

Kelly says that she has helped more than 840 at-risk students earn their high school diploma while working at Metrocenter. She says there is a mutual respect between her and the students.

“Our Simon Youth Metrocenter Academy students are so motivated and strong,” Kelly says. “They inspire me each day.”

Kelly’s students will tell you that she inspires them, too, providing hope that they can go anywhere their dreams take them.

“Mrs. Kelly is a role model for me; I would like to be like her when I get older,” says academy junior student Paulina Velazco. “The more time I spend at this school, the better person I become.

“I appreciate all the teachers at Metrocenter Academy, especially Mrs. Kelly, because she makes me a better person without even realizing it,” Velazco says.