KDSN RADIO News
Denison-Schleswig Students Pushing Monarch Academy Forward
Denison High School students are taking on more responsibility in advancing and promoting the Monarch Academy.
Karen Kennedy says the program already grew a lot during the past three years.
“They come up with all the ideas and I’m just there to facilitate it. We’re very honest with each other. If something doesn’t go right we talk it out. How are we going to make this better? Because they realize that’s how we’re going to grow that program,” said Kennedy.
A trio of seniors presented to the school board on Monday about recent projects and how they benefit from the Academy. Mary Claire Matthews says they already have a TikTok page and she wants to add Facebook and Instagram accounts to help boost their following.
“Anywhere you go you’re going to need to hold yourself to a standard and when you make a mistake you have to understand that you can’t blame anybody else. I’m not the type of person that’s super artistic or really good at design but I’ve actually found a lot of joy in being able to be independent with work,” said Matthews.
Jaxson Wessel says they do have a lot of freedom but a finished product reflects upon the whole group.
“It really helps out with people getting out of their comfort zone. Going out to talk to people. Going out into the community and making new relations with people I’ve never talked to and helping them out in any way that I can,” said Wessel.
Yaretzi Alleman says she enjoyed every project so far and they plan to use photography and drone videos to help show what they can do.
“Miss Kennedy really makes the class feel like a family and like it’s our own business and it really gives us a perspective on what real life would be like and really gives us a connection with the whole community,” said Alleman.
Kennedy says this group is building toward a bright future.
“It’s almost an honors program. Not based on grades but based on responsibility, trustworthiness, and all of those soft skills that you need. I’m pretty proud of this group and I think they can take it and make great things,” said Kennedy.
Clients of the Monarch Academy include the local bowling alley, several area non-profit organizations, and more.
