Aleycha started high school during the pandemic and between that and a quieter disposition, took a little time to fully come out of her shell. Her older brother and sister both went to Mastbaum so the school was a natural choice. In her first few months of in-person school sophomore year, she continued to wear a mask, almost as a shield, and preferred to stay to herself, often even finding quiet, private places to eat lunch on her own.
As she started to branch out, she tentatively learned to find people she felt comfortable with, and in return, showed her own personality, and continued to expand her activities and relationships. Mastbaum principal, and enthusiastic supporter of Aleycha’s, David Lon says with admiration, “I have witnessed Aleycha evolve into one of the best students whom I have had the pleasure of working with. She has found herself and is flourishing, academically and athletically.”
She currently juggles the course load of her regular classes with a dual enrollment program with Esperanza College, taking Psychology and Anatomy and Physiology in the evenings, and has already completed her requirements for Mastbaum’s CTE program in Health Related Technology. Principal Lon has been one of her HRT teachers, and now entrusts her with the highest of honors and implied responsibility, as an intern in the main office assisting with answering phones and welcoming visitors, and entrusting her with just about any task the way he would trust his own staff.
“She is also one of the students participating in a pilot program between Esperanza College and Jefferson Health System. She has shadowed at Einstein Hospital (Jefferson Health System) and is seeking a full time position with them upon graduation,” says Principal Lon. With Esperanza, a two-year college, she not only earns college credits towards a bachelor’s degree in Biology (on her way to becoming a doctor!), she also has a paid internship as a Patient Care Technician, and her education with Jefferson will be paid for. She also volunteers at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children and goes there on weekends to learn more about healthcare.
She originally “found” her love of school sports on the volleyball team but really stepped up as a leader on this year’s newly-formed Mastbaum flag football team. She particularly appreciated how, as part of the inaugural team, there were no egos – they all got along and helped each other, with good-natured bantering and great comradeship. And, she just got back from playing – and winning! – in the All-Star public league where she was one of a handful of selected state representatives. She proudly brought her medal to our interview, and shared it with an infectious smile.
Aleycha does all of this while maintaining excellent grades and attendance. She is known to always be pleasant and eager to learn. She takes advantage of every opportunity offered to her and is always willing to try something new, with an open mind and a “people-person” interest in hearing what others have to say.
We asked Aleycha to share her answers to our list of favorite questions:
- What does being named Senior of the Month mean to you?
I feel honored and validated for all the hard work I put in. It reassures me that I’m doing the right things and to keep it all going.
- Why do you think you were nominated for Senior of the Month?
I think I was nominated because of all my hard work, the extracurricular activities I do, my positive attitude, the way I represent myself, the school and my dedication in my Health Related Technology class.
- You were nominated by Mrs. Kubiceck. Explain your relationship to him/her. Why do you think s/he nominated you specifically?
I was nominated by Mrs. Kubiceck who I had the pleasure to teach me about nursing and as a mentor in helping me grow not only as a student but as a person for the three years I have known her. She is a very supportive teacher and wants nothing but the best not only for me but for my other classmates. She’s very caring and kind.
I think she nominated me because she saw how much growth and perseverance I have had throughout my high school years. I am very proud to have a teacher like her that is dedicated to helping students, achieve our goals and prepare for our future.
- What is one thing you’d like to share about yourself that most people don’t know about you?
I’m athletic! People in my school didn’t know I’m good at sports but once I joined flag football everyone was surprised. Turns out I’m better than I thought, I was chosen for the first ever Girls High School flag football All Star game. It is a tremendous honor and I’m looking forward to playing flag football in the future.
- What do you enjoy most when you are not at school?
I enjoy hanging out with my family but I also like to occasionally take time for myself.
- In your opinion, what is the best thing about attending school at Mastbaum?
The people, the connections and relationships you build with the staff, teachers, and students. These factors make it worth coming to school especially after having a freshman year that was virtual and deprived us of socializing with each other leading to having social anxiety or confusion on not knowing what to say or how to say things.
- In your opinion, what is one thing that the School District could do to improve our service to students?
I think the school district should give more funding to public and CTE schools. We need better supplies and equipment that are in line with today’s industry standards. We have great instructors, we just need the funding to complete our tasks and make us better prepared in entering the current 21st century employment marketplace.
Principal Lon says, “Aleycha has dreams of being a doctor one day, and I know that her ambition and dedication will help this dream to become a reality.” Aleycha, we couldn’t agree more and we wish you all the best as you move forward with your college and career ambitions!