One Student's Journey from Struggle to Success- An Alumni Story

The Joy School's annual luncheon featuring special quest Kimberly Harrison, PHD and Alumni Speaker Charlie McIntyre is coming up at the end of this month. Don't miss your chance to laugh, cry, learn, and celebrate all the ways The Joy School continues to change lives year after year, student after student.

Here is the speech given by Libby Scholtes, our TJS alumni speaker from last year's luncheon, reminding us all why we do what we do.

 

"It is truly an honor to stand before you today to share a pivotal chapter of my life and express the profound impact The Joy School has had on me.

I began my educational journey at St. Marks Episcopal School, where I cherished my time from pre-K through fourth grade. As a passionate student, I loved learning until the challenges intensified, especially in math during 3rd and 4th grade. Diagnosed with two learning differences, I tirelessly sought solutions – more study time, special tutors, conversations with teachers, and even working with an occupational therapist. Despite my efforts, the challenges persisted, leading to frustration and a decline in confidence. Thankfully, during my fourth-grade year, we discovered The Joy School, a turning point that transformed my life.

From the moment I stepped into The Joy School, it felt like home. The warm and welcoming community embraced me, and I no longer felt like an outsider. I had found a place that taught the way I learned. I vividly recall the Friday dance parties, where my orange high-top sneakers became a regular attendee. Wearing a donut costume one Halloween and a cheerleader outfit the next, showcased the joyous atmosphere at TJS.

The smaller class sizes and exceptional teachers at TJS enabled me to make significant progress in the classroom. Not to mention, I put a lot of tools in my bag that I will use forever. Those two years not only restored my love for learning but also instilled the confidence crucial for my transition to St. Francis and later to EHS.

Ms. Smith, Mr. King, Ms. Matlage, and the dedicated teachers at TJS were instrumental in my journey. The personalized attention, daily math sessions, and the supportive community all played a role in putting the puzzle pieces of my education back in order. There was a sense of camaraderie with peers who shared similar experiences, coupled with starting every Friday with a dance party, *By the way, I have to ask – what school doesn't need a disco ball? AND The Joy School has two! All of this together is what makes up “the secret sauce” and equipped me with the tools needed to excel.

Continuing my educational journey at St. Francis, the support for my learning differences persisted, eventually leading me to EHS. The strategies I learned at TJS became an integral part of my daily life, allowing me to achieve honors, take on advanced placement classes, participate in cheer and dance, become a Knight Ambassador, and be a leader with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Although I have yet to decide on a college, I am confident in applying the strategies learned at TJS to my future endeavors, including pursuing my dream of becoming a special education teacher.

My aspiration is to become a special education teacher, following in the footsteps of the remarkable educators at TJS who inspired and guided me. This decision is rooted in the school’s transformative impact on my life. I want to impart the same care, dedication, and support to my future students that Joy provided me.

In conclusion, I stand here today, driven by gratitude for the incredible teachers who shaped my journey. They are the reason I am inspired to become an elementary school teacher and obtain certification to teach children with special needs. Through their guidance and the lessons I learned at TJS, I hope to make a meaningful impact on the lives of my future students. Thank you!"

For more inspiration, join us for our annual luncheon at The River Oaks Country Club on February 25th. If Noah's story resonates with you, sign up for a parent tour to learn more about how The Joy School might shape your child into the man or woman they are becoming.