Lion Life, March 2023

Community and Belonging

Mel Nelson, Head of School

“Smiles get wider when kids belong. Ideas bloom brighter when people belong.

Hearts go braver when kids belong.

Support grows stronger when people belong. Hands reach further when kids belong

Relationships grow stronger when people belong. Transformation happens when people belong.”

I read this recently on the AmazeWorks platform, and it resonated with me.

I was immediately brought back to when my husband and I were making the decision to start Nia, our oldest, in preschool at Sagemont Prep. As many of you know, I have been part of our Sagemont Prep community for some time, and when Nia was getting ready to enter preschool, I was already part of our remarkable community for nine years. Well, that was not reason enough for my husband, Neil, to choose Sagemont Prep I had raved about the community, educational philosophy, opportunities, and so much more for years to Neil, but he needed to experience it for himself as a parent.

I remember calling Ms. Vigna to schedule a tour for us. Prior to the campus tour, Neil expressed to me that one of the most important factors for him was that our children belonged to a community where they are recognized and valued. He said no fewer than five times right before the tour, “I need to see true diversity on campus.” Although I had been a member of the school community for years, he, of course, never engaged much. That was until it was time to choose the second home for then one child and now children. We left the tour, and he was sincerely amazed at the diversity on campus. Neil walked away with the following:

Amazement… He genuinely experienced a school community that fostered and celebrated diversity and inclusion.

He listened and heard students talk without fear of being judged or ignored. He saw books and projects around the classrooms that represented a multitude of students through cultures, abilities, languages, and so much more.

Thank you for humoring me as I went down memory lane more than ten years ago. You will hear me say it often; I remain part of this incredible school community because it is truly transformative for children. I value our school community then and now because our children are allowed to walk into our classrooms and be represented in thought, ethnicity, race, gender, ability, religion, language, and so much more. Our students are not limited in expression, and a community is fostered to not only have a voice but a voice that is listened to and respected.

Sincerely yours in transformative educational excellence,

Mel Nelson

Sagemont Preparatory Upper School

Felicia Myers, Upper School Principal

Sagemont Prep is a vibrant and diverse learning community that fosters a global perspective and underlines the importance of collaboration and communication as fundamental for success in today’s evolving and complex economy. Sagemont Prep is an international school whose student body is composed of over 26 different nationalities, enabling students from all over the world to experience the American educational system and student life at Sagemont Prep. In addition, our dom

domestic students have a rich cultural background, spanning a variety of different religions and races. However, our educational pillars act as a strong common thread connecting students and faculty to encourage empathy, kindness, curiosity to learn, and a willingness to grow.

Students are empowered to share their heritage and have done so by creating a variety of workshops and festivals to highlight their culture, from the Native American Festival, the Hispanic Heritage Festival, and most recently during the Black History Festival.

The Black Student Union, sponsored by Mr. Cheatham and Ms. Sweeting, hosted an engaging day focusing on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and black leaders making an impact today. At the opening ceremony, Representative Sheila Cherfilus McCormick, who provided the keynote address, spoke about leadership and being an agent of change, and Mr. Nelson, a world-renowned opera singer, sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black National Anthem. Students

Students then spent the day rotating through a variety of on-campus workshops. In the Aeronautical Science Program, students were immersed in the field of aviation and aerospace through the lens of the black experience. Presenters were members of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of minorities in all aviation and aerospace careers. In the Sports & Entertainment: the NFL experience workshop, Earl Little, a former NFL player, conducted interactive football activities to experience the day-to-day physical and mental discipline routines professional athletes endure to reach the mecca of their sport.

Additional workshops included sessions on social justice from the legal perspective, black entrepreneurship highlighting start-ups and marketing, and “My Body is Poetry,” an interactive creative writing session designed to provide participants an outlet for sharing the unique story of the skin they live in. Lastly, in the Fashion/Young Entrepreneur session, students learned about the African American experience in the world of fashion from a panel of young entrepreneurs and fashion designers and the principal of a Fashion Academy. During the epic festival conclusion, the Sagemont Prep community was treated to a dramatic fashion show featuring these designer labels modeled by Sagemont Prep BSU members and hosted by Supa Cindy from 99 JAMZ, featuring musical guest Ian Mann, FMU Professor Jefferson Noel, and a step show from D9 dancers.

In addition to celebrating diversity through dedicated festivals, academically, and during club participation at community events such as Weston World Fest, Sagemont Prep encourages students to embrace their diverse interests and passions, from the performing arts to the science and technology fields. This past month was a testament to that educational philosophy and saw the reinvention of the theatre department during a spectacular performance of the musical Tarzan and the first-ever aerial drone competition hosted in our brand-new Innovation Hub.

From the stage design and production quality to the immense talent of the performers, Tarzan was an absolute feast for the senses. Over the course of three days of sold-out shows, this production truly showcased the drive, dedication and collaboration of the visual and performing arts department as a whole. Members of the Sagemont Prep International Thespian Honor Society are currently participating in the state competition.

Sagemont Prep was also proud to host an aerial drone competition, Mission 2023: Blackout, attracting competitor drone teams from across the state, where students participated in blackout piloting games and autonomous flight skills matches. The Sagemont Prep drone team, “Lion Wings,” was thrilled to take home the Judges Award for their outstanding performance.

Sagemont Prep Lower School

Monica Vigna, Lower School Principal

We Grow Together: We Celebrate Uniqueness

When students enter our campus each morning, they walk through doors that are open to a wide range of cultures and a diverse population of students. They are provided with tools and instruction that further develop global citizenship skills. Students are taught to be empathetic learners and culturally aware. Students are also taught the importance of acknowledging and respecting their peers and teachers. At Sagemont Prep, we recognize the differences between people, such as religion, gender identity, age, race, ethnicity, language, socioeconomic status, and family structure. We foster an inclusive school environment that leads to students experiencing less isolation, stress levels, and bullying issues are minimized.

Sagemont Prep prepares our young learners to have the necessary tools and knowledge to be successful in the workplace and the future. When our students enter the professional world, they must be able to engage with many people from diverse backgrounds. Sagemont Prep provides this exposure through various activities, events, curriculum, and programs.

As you visit our campus, you will see that all classrooms have family boards that promote a culturally inclusive environment. This is a way to get to know the families and the students. It brings the value of their home into their classroom. It is incorporated into their lessons throughout the different academic content areas. Our parents and families are integral to bringing their culture and diverse backgrounds into the classroom We value the commitment and involvement of our parents as guest speakers, storytelling, and presenters across all grade levels.

Diversity and cultural awareness are implemented across the curriculum. Lesson plans incorporate diversity across all grades, content, and special areas. In Language Arts, students recently developed acrostic poems with the letters HBCU. Students also extend their cultural awareness through the use of a variety of genres in literature and novels. In physical education, key athletes, both females and males were discussed and students' artwork displayed.

We encourage our students to find their passion and follow their dreams. In art, students come together to exhibit different styles, talents, shapes, ideas, forms, and sizes. The art class provides an environment to showcase creativity and student's voice.

Our Signature 7 Projects continue to evolve as our preschool students increase their focus on creating their Flower Mart. To fully understand the needs of running this business, florist Teresa Waite, from Art of Flowers-Weston, was invited to the classroom to talk about how she discovered this passion in Colombia, collecting flowers in her grandmother's garden. Ms. Waite discussed her cultural experience as she studied abroad in Japan, England, and South America. She stressed the importance of not giving up on your passion and dreams. Ms. Waite also talked about diverse flowers and the countries they come from. The students learned about proper care and were then provided a variety of flowers to design their own bouquet baskets.

Our students are truly one with nature, and this extended to our recent gardening enhancement by the environmental club. Environmental club members spent a morning planting various herbs and vegetables. The students talked about the importance of watering, caring, and being responsible citizens of the garden beds Upon completing the actual gardening, Ms. Vigna used the activity as an opportunity to discuss culture and diversity, using a garden as a metaphor.

The rich soil was used to discuss our rich backgrounds. We must fertilize the soil for optimal growth as we should to develop strong relationships focused on inclusion and belonging. We also discussed the weeds in gardens that can rob plants of its nutrients. They are unwanted, just like negative attitudes, mindsets, and behaviors Inclusion is a priority in our school community gardens. We must work hard to cultivate our gardens and culture within the school community. Students know that our gardens (school) are safe and secure places for everyone.

College Counseling

Tera Sweeting Upper School College Counselor

May 1st is National College Decision Day! National College Decision Day is when all college applicants across the country make their final decision on which school they will be attending in the fall. Students sign a letter of intent to enroll and submit their deposits. Such an exciting time of year! We look forward to the celebration as our Class of 2023 graduates select their right fit college. We will keep you posted on their acceptance and decisions, starting this month with the college decision updates you will find on the next page.

There is something very special about planning for the future, whether researching colleges, scheduling classes, exploring internship opportunities, or planning one's summer. Finding the right fit college does not happen overnight, and getting to May 1st comes with dedicated preparation. It is with this in mind that we consistently encourage students to explore their interests, develop new skills, gain hands-on experience, get a taste of college life, and try out college classes. Preparation is critical to a successful future and career, and it is never too early.

In fact, at the end of February, I had the opportunity to foster this exploration with our 4th and 5th graders. Learning from others is key, and I was supported by several of our high-achieving high school students. Together we conducted college activities that were both fun and educational. Our day included a college trivia game and a very immersive game of University Mystery. Our 4th and 5th-grade students were tasked with picking a “mystery” college for our scavenger hunt, which included researching the college’s majors, opportunities such as study abroad, internships, degree offerings, and mascots. After returning from Spring Break, I will continue further exploration, now with our middle and high school students. I will be hosting a few Lunch and Learn sessions and making classroom visits to aid in their preparation for the future. This year I will be hosting our 2nd annual Junior Jumpstart day, where our 11th-grade students will begin to finalize their college list, draft their college essays and make their final preparations for the application season. As a reminder, once our students are in 12th grade, they are all enrolled in a college course with me, and each day we meet as part of their regular schedule to complete college applications, finalize essays, work on interviewing skills, and much more.

Parents, I encourage you to explore summer opportunities if you have not already done so to aid in this process. Click here for a list of options. The opportunities are endless, so together with your child, explore, as summer is a wonderful time to extend the learning.

C O L L E G E A C C E P T A N C E S

Sagemont Prep Seniors have diligently been applying for their dream universities worldwide throughout the year. In addition, seniors are continuously achieving scholastic goals beyond the classroom setting. Below is a list of colleges that our students have been accepted to. As they are rolling admissions, this list will continue to increase.

Alcorn State University

AMDA College of Performing Arts

Barry University

Beacon College

Boston College

Boston University

Binghamton University

Bryant University

Clemson University College of the Holy Cross

Columbia College

Dean College

Drew University

Edward Waters University

Eckerd College

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Emmanuel College

Fairfield University

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Flagler College

Florida A&M University

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Memorial Aviation University

Hawaii Pacific University

Jacksonville University

Kennesaw State University

LIM College

Loyola University Maryland

Lynn University

Marist College

Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Michigan State University

New College of Florida

New York Film Academy

Nova Southeastern University

Rider University

Ringling College of Art & Design

Rollins College

Saint John's University

Saint Mary's College

Savannah College of Art and Design

Savannah State University

Seton Hall University

Spelman College

St Thomas

Stetson University

Sullivan University

SUNY Cortland

Texas A&M University

Tennessee State Univeraity

The American University of Paris

The University of Alabama

The University of Tampa

University of Albany

University of Alabama

University of Denver

University of California Riverside

University of Central Florida

University of Chicago

University of Connecticut

University Of Delaware

University of Florida

University of Maryland

University of Miami

University of Oregon

University of Saint Andrews

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Valdosta State University

Vassar College

Verto Partnerships University

Virginia Tech

School Counseling

Luann Burrows, Upper School Counselor

A Sense of Belonging at Home and School

In early childhood and throughout life, relationships are crucial to a sense of belonging. A healthy sense of belonging shapes who children are and who they will become. It is vital that children feel like valued members of their families and school community.

Every person longs to have a space where they are safe, where they are loved, and where they are at peace. For many, the word that best desribes this safe haven is the word "home." Kids of all ages need reminders that "you are loved just the way you are." Unconditional love, acceptance, and encouragement give children the confidence to feel they belong. According to Mark Gregston of Parenting Today's Teens, "You need to nurture your teen's sense of belonging at home. Otherwise, your kids will look for it in all the wrong places, regardless of the cost." That is a scary thought, for sure.

Although a sense of belonging starts at home, a sense of belonging at school is equally important. Feeling a sense of acceptance, respect, inclusion, and support in a learning environment leads to academic success. A recent study published by Pediatrics confirmed this notion revealing that youth who feel strong family and school connectedness are 66 percent less likely to experience longterm health risks into adulthood, including mental health, violence, sexual behavior, and substance abuse.

Beyond its implications for mental health, belonging plays a specific role in education. Stanford researchers found that belonging at school positively affects engagement, behavior, and academic performance. Teacher-student and peer relationships move to the forefront throughout the middle and high school years.

John Hattie's Visible Learning research synthesized findings from 1,600+ meta-analyses of 95,000+ studies involving 300 million students. He found that teacher-student relationships, school climate, and sense of belonging contribute meaningfully to accelerating academic success.

Sagemont Prep, a student-driven school where students have the privilege of voice and choice, provides an abundance of opportunities to create a sense of belonging. Students are involved in sports, an endless number of clubs, opportunities for entrepreneurship, and many more options for engagement, as they learn to follow their passions.

"I belong! I am important! I am somebody!" Beatrice Sparks

School Counseling

Maritza Zea, Lower School Counselor

Meaningful and novel experiences will most likely reach students deeply when fostering inclusion and empathy through fun and interactive activities. Two years ago, Mrs. Zea introduced a program called Walk In My Shoes (WIMS), an interactive, hands-on empathy-building program that simulates learning differences, developmental challenges, and other conditions to shift the school environment toward a more inclusive mindset. This program results in a more knowledgeable, understanding, empathetic, and helpful student body and supports the school counselor's goal of advocating for all students. Everyone benefits when children expand their understanding of others and learn how to respond sensitively and appropriately. Mrs. Zea wanted to help students understand what life is like for students with disabilities while teaching students ways to support peers facing challenges.

Through interactive experiences, students take on the perspective of students with a particular disorder or health condition as they attempt a specific task. For instance, last week, third and fourthgrade students simulated what it would be like to have a food allergy; a scene was set as though the students were dining out at a restaurant. Dressed in an apron to excite the students, Ms. Zea and two parent volunteers presented an appealing menu to them. The students got excited as they discussed the different food items and shared what they might choose. Then the students were given a paper plate with a food allergy on the back. Students were told to make their menu selection as if they had that particular allergy, which creates a tangible experience for them in coping with disappointment and then having to be flexible. Afterward, the experience moved into talking about what it might be like for a child to be excluded for having a food allergy and what they might do to support a peer in that situation. After the hands-on experience, the parent volunteers and Mrs. Zea debriefed the students. The program has allowed students to understand their peers' daily challenges. In addition to building empathy and understanding, student participants can feel empowered to learn useful strategies to support a classmate.

The Walk in My Shoes program offers simulations of several disabilities and conditions, such as ADHD, color vision deficiency, dyslexia, fine motor delay, movement disorders, and sensory processing issues.

The Walk in My Shoes Program conveys to our Sagemont Prep students that talking about and acknowledging differences is essential. It also tells them that we will 'walk the walk' by immersing our students and teachers into experiencing what it is like for students who struggle with specific skills or disabilities. Since we started the program, Mrs. Zea has observed much kinder and more accepting behavior toward other students who struggle with a disability.

What can we learn from Walk in My Shoes? When students can be part of the process and share their voices, they feel personally connected to promote inclusion and demystify disabilities. Also, the activities seemed to have given them a greater appreciation for what they could do to be a better, more supportive, compassionate, and helpful person.

Interesting read this month:

Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You, Book by Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor

A T H L E T I C S

Athletics

Shane Marcey, Director of Athletics

Sagemont Preparatory School provides a unique experience for our students as we have an intimate, family-like culture in which students have a strong sense of belonging, whether in the classroom or on the court. Sagemont Prep students are granted the freedom to express themselves through student-led initiatives in their courses, clubs, and athletics. That sense of community and belonging can also be attributed to the extreme diversity of this institution’s student population, with over twenty-six countries represented between our students, teachers, and staff.

Diversity is also prevalent throughout all of the Sagemont Prep athletic department programs. We have student-athletes from across the globe, including Lithuania, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Venezuela, Colombia, and Trinidad, to name a few. That type of diversity brings an interesting dynamic to our athletic rosters. It nurtures growth in our studentathletes as they continuously learn to appreciate the range of cultures they are surrounded by. And because of the small size of our school and its athletic rosters, those athletes who may not be “top of their class” can still participate, be a part of the athletic experience, and maintain that sense of belonging.

Tryouts for our newest program, middle school and elementary swim, took place last week, and we are excited to see what our young swimmers can do in the spring competition. Our men’s basketball team brought home the school’s third state championship with a thrilling victory over Orlando Christian Prep, 67-66!

Finally, our men’s baseball program is off to an impressive start with a clean sweep of their preseason games, a 4-1 record through the first two weeks of the season, and a top 10 power ranking! As always, follow us on Instagram @sagemontprepathletics for full game schedules and updates on our spring sports. GO LIONS!!!

Innovation & Technology

Estefania Martinez, Innovation & Technology Coordinator

Padlet!

What is Padlet?

Padlet is a great tech tool for creating and sharing content with others. Padlet empowers everyone to make the content they want: a quick bulletin board, a blog, or a portfolio. Padlet is easy and intuitive! Padlet can be used by people of all ages and skill levels; you do not have to be a tech guru to use this tool! Padlet allows students and teachers to work collaboratively. You can invite others to work with you on shared projects and activities. It will enable you to attach any file type. You can also use it as a discussion board. Padlet is very easy to use!

Padlet can be a good way of gathering students' ideas during an interactive lesson! Padlet can also offer a quick, anonymous form of collecting student feedback at crucial times. The comments option allows you to reply to specific comments, and this reply will be visible to all users. Padlet allows the comments option to be enabled /disabled and is a handy addition to provide feedback or allow students to collaborate. The comments option enables you to reply to specific comments, and this reply will be visible to all users. This way, you can immediately demonstrate how you act on feedback and encourage more dialogue with your students. Padlet can also be used at home for planning purposes!

Padlet Sample!

5th Grade: In 5th grade PE, we are incorporating technology by learning the five physical fitness components, specifying by doing demonstrations for each element, and using iMovie to edit their short clips, defining each piece, and adding it to Padlet, as well as creating a QR code to present their projects. Please scan the QR code for an example of a 5th-grade student's work!

Technology-Rich Classrooms

Multiple teachers in all grades and subjects in K-12 use Padlet in their classrooms here at Sagemont Prep. Using sites like Padlet in the classrooms allows us to infuse technology and collaborate in the classrooms daily. Padlet is a great resource our teachers incorporate into their everyday teaching and can also be used in the comfort of your own home!

A Day in the Life

Written by Lion Life student editor, Serena Mair

In honor of Women's History Month, whilst reflecting on our past, we look forward to the progressions of our future. Middle Schooler Kristin Pate holds a promising future in the primarily male-dominated engineering field through her various pursuits in robotics and related STEM opportunities.

As an 8th-grade student, Kristin holds significant leadership in her presidency of the M/J Robotics Club. She serves as a mentor and role model to her peers stemming from her keen interest and dedication to service whilst prioritizing the well-being and success of others. Kristin highlights her encounters with team members to collaborate and strategize to receive the best possible outcomes from their tactics during competition.

Bridging her interests with noticeable problems in our community, problem solver and innovator Kristin, alongside a select few of her fellow highly-skilled peers, designed a sort catalog app for campus Environmental Club members to track the input of waste collection.

"They could use it to input the amount of trash they collected, what date it was collected, and where they collected it. We also met other competitors and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who gave us all certificates for participating in the challenge. Which was really cool!"

Flipping the pages forward and looking toward the bright future Kristin holds, we are so honored and excited to be able to have the opportunity to watch her grow deeper into her interests and continue to branch out to explore collaboration and skill-based opportunities as she follows the path of leadership and scholarship through perseverance and character.

Established earlier this academic year through the collaboration of 12th grader Annave Noel and 10th grader Jatavia Sweeting, the Upper Campus Black Student Union, commonly referred to as BSU, is a collaboration-based club that encourages unity and equality through connecting interested students in mentorship, activities, and service. Highly dedicated and engaged member, middle schooler Barron Hill shares his personal experiences and perspective of the club and the opportunities this initiative has provided him during his middle school years.

"In BSU, I gained many new opportunities and relationships, unlike any other club I've been in. The club had many opportunities to help others; for example, we helped with the Weston World Festival and taught others about HBCUs in February for our Black History Festival. Not only that, it felt like we were all family, helping each other and helping others. I also enjoyed what I learned about black history and culture together. All in all, with the time I've spent in this club, I wouldn't have traded for any other club."

We want to thank not only BSU for their constant engagement and dedication to empowering diversity and inclusion on campus but Barron for his contributions and connections to spark collaboration further and strive as a leader in the community.

Nicolas Arencibia

8th Grade

What is the name of your business or product?

"Pride Rocks Brookies "

What is your product/service?

"A delicious baked good made with chocolate."

Who or what is your inspiration as an entrepreneur and why?

"My greatest inspiration as an entrepreneur is Mansa Musa, for his incredible wealth and generosity to the public."

What's your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?

"My favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur is being an innovator."

How do you maintain a balance with school and being a young entrepreneur?

"I balance school and being a young entrepreneur by maintaining the mindset and taking time just to think and acknowledge what you have done and what you have left to do."

What are the biggest challenges to being an entrepreneur? How do you work through the challenges?

"The biggest challenge of being an entrepreneur is making sure I get my work done in a timely manner and being diligent in the work I do."

Isabella Williams

4th Grade

What does being innovative mean to you?

"Being innovative to me means coming up with creative ideas to improve the environment and help change the world for the better."

In what ways are you innovative?

"As a kid, I try to find small changes that can make a difference, such as getting rid of plastic water bottles. I believe that a lot of little changes can make a big difference."

What is your favorite subject?

"I love music class; it's a place where I can sing, dance, and play the drums and other musical instruments. It makes me very happy to be creative in this way. I also enjoy science as it can help us find ways to recycle waste and preserve natural habitats."

What extracurricular activities do you take part in, both at school and outside of school?

"Chorus, tennis, horseback riding, the environmental club, and I'm Vice President of the student council."

How do you plan to use your innovative skills for the future?

"Someday, I would like to be President of the United States and use my innovation to help the environment and make the world a better place."

SAGEMONT PREP SAGEMONT PREP Staff Spotlight Staff Spotlight

ELISHA AZIZE

E D U C A T I O N

Clark Atlanta University

Bachelor of Arts, Criminology with a minor in Sociology

American University Washington College of Law

Currently working towards a Master's of Legal Studies with a Specialization in Cybersecurity

I ignite curiosity in my Sagemont Prep students by encouraging them to pursue every thought and idea. I give my students the control to make their dreams a reality and supply them with the necessary resources to see that through. Innovative ideas are the birthplace of the future.

I facilitate my classroom like the real world and provide my students with the information they need to be successful. While the fifth grade is only a year, lessons last a lifetime. By being intentional with the practices in my room and lessons, I am able to impart timeless knowledge to each student.

Ms. Azize is new to Sagemont Prep!

SAGEMONT PREP SAGEMONT PREP Staff Spotlight Staff Spotlight

ALLISON MIRONES

Bachelors

My classroom is always an adventure. I ignite my students' curiosity by listening to their questions and finding a way to meaningfully bring the answers to them. We sing, we dance, and we consistently engage in inquiry-based activities.

Each of my students needs different skills to face the real world effectively. We work together to see their struggles and practice the strategies they need to feel confident and successful. Within my classroom, we strive for a culture of continual improvement and self-awareness.

Mrs.

Mirones is a proud Sagemont Prep parent!

BOBBY CHEATHAM

National Junior Honor Society Sponser

I ignite curiosity in my students by encouraging them to look at life outside of the box. I want them to research their own facts and come up with logical conclusions that support their positions. Thereby fostering a community of critical thinkers and lifelong learners.

I connect my students to the real world by immersing them in a wide range of global literature from varied perspectives. We then explore discussions that connect our novel themes back to our world and how these themes resonate with us. Doing this promotes students to realize that there is a lesson in everything and that we must learn from our shared experiences.

SAGEMONT PREP SAGEMONT PREP

Staff Spotlight Staff Spotlight

NATALIE ROCCO

ITT Technical Institute

Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering

University of Phoenix AA

Master of Science, Information Systems

Art Institute of Charlotte

AA, Culinary Arts

University of Phoenix

Master of Arts, Secondary Education

Currently enrolled at the University of Phoenix, Ph.D. in Education

Culinary Club Sponsor, Head

Coach of Middle School Boys

Basketball, Varsity Baseball Announcer

Through building meaningful connections with each student, I have enabled a more personal learning style alongside the application of projects. Students in all my classes experience the application of their perspectives and mindsets to the mathematical topic at hand.

I encourage all my students to explore different ideas and spark their creativity to gain a better, more keen understanding of the topics I teach through their own personal experiences.

Sagemont Prep Alumni Spotlight

Erica Merlino, Class of 2016

Undergraduate: New York University

Psychology & Chemistry

Completion of a 2-year Liberal Arts Program

Graduate: Currently a Medical Student at the FIU

Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

Life After Sagemont:

"I got accepted into my dream university in my dream city, which opened up a world of amazing opportunities and fostered a diverse, vibrant experience. After graduating college at the height of the pandemic (with my father handing me my diploma in the living room, of course), I am now nearly halfway through my medical school education! When the COVID-19 vaccination became readily available, I was fortunate enough to be able to help administer vaccines at local clinics and women's homeless shelters such as the Lotus House. I've been involved in medical school as the president of the Internal Medicine Interest Group and the Outreach Coordinator of the Mobile Mammography Initiative -- an organization supporting the Linda Fenner Mobile Mammography Center. The Linda Fenner Mobile Mammography Center has provided over 6000 free mammograms to uninsured women in Miami Dade County since its inception in 2014. Through this experience, I have been invited to give speeches in coordination with the Women's Chamber of Commerce of Miami."

How did Sagemont ignite your passions?

"Sagemont fostered my creativity from the very beginning. I was never put in a box and made to stick to one passion -- I could explore the arts and be quite involved in theatre while delving into my love for biology, chemistry, and physics. Sagemont was such a uniquely wonderful educational opportunity -- where one could win a Cappie for a role such as Helen Keller in the Miracle Worker and then attend a Science Honor Society meeting the next day. My passion for the intersection of the arts and sciences was ignited at Sagemont and then came to fruition at NYU -- where I put this passion at the forefront of my undergraduate education. Sagemont, and its outstanding faculty members, never gave me any inkling that I couldn't live out my wildest dreams. Their support encouraged me at 18 years old to move from Weston to New York City by myself, and I will always be eternally grateful for that."

"Ms. Sponnable and Ms. Garrard! Ms. Sponnable worked diligently and took every student from a competent high school writer to someone who understands, enjoys, and can dissect philosophy, art, poetry, and literature. She truly believes in her students and encourages them to reach their highest potential. It wasn’t until my first semester of undergrad that I truly understood how lucky I was to have Ms. Sponnable as a teacher and a mentor. Ms. Garrard fostered my love for theatre and was integral in my transformation from a shy 6th grader to a confident graduate. Most of my fondest memories of Sagemont all involve my time learning from her, and I will always be thankful for my experience."

Words of Advice:

"Live beyond your comfort zone. Comfort is truly the antithesis of success. Stay true to yourself always…but move to that city, take that job, and live your life with purpose!"

"After all these years, the main thing I have to say is...GO RED TEAM! But seriously, thank you Sagemont for everything. I wouldn't be the woman I am today without all the love and support I received every single day as a Sagemont Lion. As a Sagemont Student, you all are in an ideal place to discover your dreams and strengthen your passions, make every day count!"