Life School seniors from Life High School Oak Cliff and Life High School Waxahachie presented their Senior Life Projects this month, district capstone projects that are required for graduation. Students from both high schools presented their research projects to judges during the month of May. Six total Life School students will receive scholarships for their efforts.
Life School Senior Life Projects are year-long, academic explorations where English teachers guide students through choosing a topic, proposing a plan, and writing an academic research paper. The Senior Life projects make up a considerable portion of the senior English curriculum. This year marked the eighth year of Senior Life Projects. While the project has evolved over the years, it has stayed true to the heart of its original intent: helping students set the stage for their futures as lifelong learners and contributors to their communities. Life High School Oak Cliff English Teacher Thomanique Hubbard said, “I am significantly impressed with our seniors. They worked hard and showed grit and determination through the many challenges of the Senior Life Project. Their products were stellar, and they stood before a panel of professionals and spoke well and confidently. I am beaming with pride.”
During the spring semester, students find and work with mentors, spend 20 hours outside of school in the area of study, and develop final products. Life School teachers worked to pair students with quality mentors. At the end of the semester, students shared their discoveries with a panel of judges. This year, the judges were community members who represented many of the fields from the students’ area of study. In addition, many mentors and judges were also Life School alumni.
There are many thoughts and emotions that run through the minds of students when it is time to present their Senior Life Projects – from nervousness to deep accomplishment. Likewise, those emotions were mirrored by many judges as they watched students present their hard work. It wasn’t uncommon to see judges shed a few tears as they listened to students share their “why.” Cigna Engagement Consultant Brashauna Thornton said, “Participating as both a mentor and a judge was a rewarding and exciting experience. Giving back to students in this way makes a huge impact, and I am happy to be a part of it!”
Life School English Curriculum Coordinator Brandee Morris said, “ Getting students to the finish line is not always easy for our Senior English teachers. However, they understand the power that comes from this work and are committed to each student’s success. Every year we cheer for our Seniors and feel the roller coaster of emotions they go through with this project. The culminating portion – the presentation in front of judges – is usually the scariest part for them. However, each student's growth throughout the year is worth all of the effort. I am always in awe of our students and our teachers whose passion is unmatched.”
When Life School marries appropriately challenging projects with student passions, we see great outcomes. Student personalities shine through. This journey allows students to show who they are right now, get a glimpse of who they are becoming, and ultimately form who they want to be. Not only do the students get to achieve goals with these projects, they also have the opportunity to earn a Senior Life Project Scholarship for their efforts. Three students from each high school will receive the award.
Morris said, “We are grateful for the Life School Education Foundation supporting us in this effort.”
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Life School is a tuition-free, public charter school with campuses in Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Mountain Creek, Red Oak, Oak Cliff and Waxahachie, TX. Life School develops leaders with life skills through strong academics, character training, and partnerships with parents and the community. Its mission is accomplished in part through the financial support of donors who provide scholarships and embrace making students ready to learn, ready to lead and ready for life.
Parents who are interested in enrollment can visit lifeschool.net/learn-about-life. Partners who would like to support Life School financially can give online at lifeschool.net/give.
