One of the recipients of our 2020 McKenna's Rae of Hope Foundation Character Scholarship of $1000 is Arlet Nava of Gibbon, Nebraska. Arlet plans on attending the University of Nebraska at Kearney where she will major in Interior Design. Arlet was was nominated by Abby Jones, her Spanish and Pathways to Success Teacher, Foreign Language, and Quiz Bowl Sponsor. Congratulations to Arlet from all of us at McKenna's Rae of Hope Foundation. Thank you for being a Rae of Hope for those around you.
Here is what Abby Jones said about Arlet:
Dear Rae of Hope Foundation Scholarship Committee,
I have had the privilege of teaching Arlet Nava in Spanish 1, 2 & 3, Pathways to Success 1, 2, & 3, sponsor both the Foreign Language Club and Quiz Bowl Team she is a member of. Arlet is hardworking and highly motivated. She sets goals for the future while giving back in the school and community and serving as a positive role model. She is honest and trustworthy. When our art teacher had a long term illness, Arlet helped keep the classroom organized and worked closely with the substitute to ensure things ran smoothly. This experience combined with her love of art has inspired her to earn a degree to teach K-12 art. Arlet’s has the knowledge, patience, and desire to be a future educator.
Arlet’s story is nothing short of inspiring. Arlet’s parents were born in Mexico and Spanish was her first language. One of her biggest obstacles is also one of her biggest strengths. She has had to translate and interpret for her parents from a young age. This included legal documents, bills, and appointments. Arlet is courageous and has worked hard to become fluent in both English and Spanish and succeed academically. Part of her language strengths come from successfully completing our school’s ELL program.
Arlet’s volunteerism throughout her life truly shows that she embraces everything that HOPE (Helping Others Every Day) stands for. She has turned obstacle into opportunity. Arlet has translated the Head Start newsletter for 3 years, volunteered to translate and interpret for new Spanish speaking students in school, and volunteered to help Spanish speaking people shop the Community Action of Nebraska food pantry we hosted, she has been instrumental in planning and organizing so the food pantry can return in the spring. In addition, Arlet is one of the co-founders of ‘Gibbon Gives’, a foundation that helps match families and students in need with necessary items. Recently a family in our community lost everything in a devastating fire. Arlet is helping them replace the items they lost. Every time Arlet has the opportunity to volunteer, she is genuine and does so with a smile on her face.
Arlet has been involved in Basketball, Future Business Leaders of America, Foreign Language Club, Yearbook, Quiz Bowl, One Act, and the School Play. Arlet’s unique life story has helped her encourage other Latina students to embrace the sport. She has also helped interpret for coaches and eliminated the language barrier that exists. Her goal is the greater good of the team.
Arlet is will be the first person in her family to graduate from high school and attend college. She is responsible for financing her education. Arlet is an outstanding candidate for the Rae of Hope Foundation Scholarship. The award would be a blessing to her and her family and she will continue to live her life in a way that positively represents all this award stands for.
Sincerely,
Abby Jones