CGLA Student Showcases Her Passport Scholar Experience

  • Friday, November 6, 2015

Carlisha McKenzie says she cried when the time came for her to return home from a month in New England. The Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy junior was one of eleven Hamilton County high school girls who showcased their experiences recently as Public Education Foundation Passport Scholars.

She attended Smith College’s Summer Science and Engineering Program in Northampton, Ma. in June. “I enjoyed learning about everyone’s culture because participants came from different places around the world,” said Ms. McKenzie who wants to major in engineering.

Passport Scholars visited various colleges and universities across the US where they lived in the dorms and attended college classes. As part of the summer enrichment program, participants presented their expeditions to family and school supporters during a poster showcase at the PEF office. A t-shirtautographed by fellow scholars is especially meaningful to Ms. McKenzie who was in class at Smith during the July 16 shooting in Chattanooga.

“Everyone immediately started asking me questions because I’m from here,” McKenzie said. “The other scholars were supportive and asked if my family and friends were okay. It made me feel loved and appreciated.”

“Children don’t learn from test scores, they learn from experiences,” said PEF President Dan Challener to showcase attendees. “These girls have learned from their experiences with Passport Scholars.”

CGLA Associate Principal Maryo Beck says it is important for the students to expand their learning
opportunities through initiatives like Passport Scholars. “We are certainly proud of Carlisha and know that her Passport Scholars experience has helped to grow and foster her interest in STEM education,” said Ms. Beck. “We look forward to other CGLA students participating in Passport Scholars.”

Ms. McKenzie, the first CGLA student to participate in the PEF program, has encouraged current
sophomores to apply to be 2016 Passport Scholars.

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