One thing that can be a challenge necessary to overcome in running a successful school is low expectations. A way in which this has been addressed has been through a strong relationship with Xavier High School on Weno, Chuuk. As the preeminent high school in all of Micronesia, Xavier High School is the ultimate goal for any elementary student to strive for in gaining the best possible education. The Xavier graduating class of 2014 included 4 Gates Scholars as well as a number of other students currently achieving a University degree while studying abroad. The opportunity to earn a quality education is part of the mission statement of Akoyikoyi School, so instilling a desire to reach new heights of achievement is something we attempt to do with our students each and every day. In the 2014-2015 school year there have been several instances of cooperation with Xavier to connect our students with positive role models and allow them to be inspired about what the future may hold.
In October, Xavier students came down to Akoyikoyi School to participate in the Mix-It-Up Lunch. This is the third year that we have connected with Xavier for this event, and once again it was a resounding success. The goal of this time is to expand students global perspectives by getting them in touch with people from many different locations and backgrounds to show the similarities people share even if they are from different places. This year, we welcomed high school students from the Phillipines, South Korea, Palau, Guam, Pohnpei, Kosrae, Yap, Chuuk, Marshall Islands, and Kiribati as they came to share a little bit about their culture and customs to our K-3rd grade classes.
The next event in which we collaborated with Xavier was the Akoyikoyi-Xavier Art & Music Day. This event occurred in November, just before we took our Thanksgiving break as a send-off for the students. Ms. Briggs and Sir Rovan, teachers from Xavier High School, brought down their senior elective music and art classes to work with Akoyikoyi students on several projects. Whether piecing together a large watercolor sign, drawing hand turkeys, singing, or dancing, there were many smiles and much laughter as Xavier and Akoyikoyi students could be seen all over the school working together in an awesome display of teamwork. By the end of the day, each student had created a personal drawing, and had worked together to create a large poster that read “Xavier ♥’s Akoyikoyi”.
As a school, our mission is not only to teach our students, but also to inspire them to love learning and set goals that through hard work they know they are capable of achieving. The opportunity to collaborate with Xavier for these events gives our students real-life, positive role models that they can aspire to emulate as they continue on in their education. We have no doubt that, given the opportunity, these students will reach new levels not usually achieved in Chuuk and with the help of Xavier, we are able to make them believe as well.
BIG THANK YOU TO XAVIER FOR HELPING US WITH THESE GOALS
