Class Acts

CLASS ACTS

Dr George Elassal provides orthodontic treatment with traditional braces and Invisalign aligners. Providing prevention and treatment for TMJ dysfunction since 1980's for all ages. Dr. George Elessal awards Jasper Chaves $50 as our December Class Acts Recipient.

When you first meet Jasper Chaves, his height can fool you into thinking he’s older than 12-year-old. But the Southridge Junior High student says his height comes in handy on the basketball court.

“Because I’m taller, sometimes I play center,” laughs Jasper, “But I also get to play forward or power forward sometimes.”

Athletics is a big part of Jasper’s life. He also plays baseball and hopes to continue playing basketball and baseball when he gets to Southmoore High School.

In addition to sports, Jasper says he’s really enjoying his seventh-grade year at Southridge Junior High, particularly the LEAP program, which is designed to help those incoming seventh-graders adjust to life in junior high. That program, along with great support at home and school, has helped Jasper deal with the challenges that come from hearing loss, something he’s been dealing with since birth. just talking to people,” said Jasper. “It’s tough to understand when they’re asking me questions.”

His mother, Ennika Chaves, says he has come really far with his communication skills this year.

“He has really opened up a lot,” said Ennika. “I think he’s just continuing to build confidence with his ability to understand the conversations he’s having.”

One of the techniques Jasper uses to offset the challenges of hearing loss is reading lips. As he masters techniques like this, Jasper’s teachers say he is highly active in classroom discussions.

“His teachers say that he’s often the first one with a hand up to ask a question or make a comment,” said Ennika.

When it comes to classes, Jasper says his favorite subjects are reading and geography. He’s also very aware of how important it is to be willing to learn and work hard to understand new subjects.

“There are a lot of new things that are going to happen in the future,” said Jasper. “I really enjoy my classes and teachers because they help me get smarter, and someday I’ll be able to do things with what I’m learning. I really do want to upgrade my math and be better at that.”

Ennika says she’s marveled at how Jasper has opened up to what the world offers.

“His hearing loss hasn’t made him close-minded or hesitant about engaging at all,” said Ennika. “I love that he’s willing to go out and try things without us pushing him to do that. He’ll just come home and share some new thing he’s going to try.”

That balance with academics and social life fits well with Jasper’s athletic pursuits. He’s known as a highly talented player who also has a very mature presence about him.

“I think the thing my husband and I are most proud of with Jasper is how he’s excelling and the effort he puts into getting his work done,” said Ennika. “He plays AAU basketball as well as school, and sometimes he gets home late, but he always gets his work done. We’re excited to watch him continue to grow.”