On Sunday, February 24, 2019, Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 students Rocio Romo and Kaytlynn Bray were recognized at “The Gathering: Our Youth Changing the World” sponsored by Center for Racial Harmony – a St. Clair County-based community organization dedicated to “promoting understanding, cooperation and communication among all races and ethnic groups.”
The students were nominated by their CUSD 10 teachers for their positive contributions to their schools and the community in “promoting understanding, cooperation and communication among all races, religious and ethnic groups.”
Rocio Romo, a student at Collinsville High School was nominated by teacher Barbara Lindauer.
Rocio has been an active member and officer of the Multicultural Club at Collinsville High School for three years. Rocio’s warm and friendly personality has led to a 50% increase in club membership over the previous year. As vice president, Rocio pursues opportunities that will promote diversity and cultural awareness throughout the school and community.
Currently our school has 129 English Language Learners. Rocio who speaks fluent Spanish, translates for the ELL students and give them personal invitations to school events and activities so that they feel included and welcome. Rocio is also the student coordinator of the annual Global Festival. In this capacity, she actively seeks out students from all backgrounds to share their culture through art, food, and music at this event. During the month leading up to the festival, Rocio attends practice of both Hispanic Folklore and West African drummers and dancers to offer encouragement.
Kaytlynn Bray, a student at Renfro Elementary School, was nominated by teacher Rebecca Seaman.
Kaytlynn never takes sides. She will always find something good in a person and is always willing to help others see that there is a solution to resolving a problem. She is always an optimist and when she sees two of her friends arguing, she will always try to come up with a solution to help. She always offers positive ideas for solutions. She has the most tenderhearted, compassionate and caring heart of any 4th grader I have taught in 19 years.
She never complains and she seeks positive relationships with ALL students. Kaytlynn will never engage in talking bad about a person. She most often states, “I fell sorry for him or her if they are feeling that upset,” no matter what they have said or done. She has an innate understanding that people are inherently good and sees the good in her peers even though they may say or do something mean or in appropriate.
Congratulations to these outstanding students for being KAHOKind and role models for the community.