Dear HFCA Supporters,
Meet Mikaylah, an 8th grader whose spirit, leadership, and brilliance light up HFCA Middle School. Now in her third year with us, Mikaylah is known for her outgoing personality, quick wit, and sharp mind. Her friends describe her as funny, tall, and smart. She’s also a proud student council president, basketball player, music producer, and aspiring chef.
Mikaylah has a 3.9 GPA and is determined to finish the year with a perfect 4.0. She has helped lead school-wide fundraisers, hosted major middle school events as our student emcee, and is always finding new ways to make HFCA better for her peers.
Some of her favorite memories have come from school trips, like visiting the St. Louis Gateway Arch (“it swayed while we were going up!”) and a trip to the arcade where she took second place in the race car tournament.
When asked what makes HFCA special, Mikaylah says, “It feels like another place I can call home. We have field days, student council, real field trips, and the teachers are amazing.”
Her relationships with staff go far beyond the classroom. Mrs. Simons, Middle School Academic Dean, is her “school mom” who supports her in every way, every day. Ms. Jones, Assistant Principal, looks out for her both in and out of school, even making her a sweater for her brother’s senior night and helping to co-lead student council. Ms. V, her English teacher, has helped Mikaylah find success despite challenges with ADHD and reading retention. “She helps me focus, lets me take breaks, and gives me games to keep my brain busy. She really cares,” Mikaylah says.
She’s also passionate about the opportunities your generosity makes possible:
“I’d like to start by saying thank you to our donors. Giving us this money helps us give back to our community and all the students in our schools. The gym lets us play basketball and have recess in our own space. The studio helps me express myself. Even when I can’t put things into words, I can make music and produce beats that show how I feel.”
Mikaylah’s dreams for the future are as big as her heart. She’s planning for college, possibly UWM to stay close to family, or hopes to play basketball at LSU, inspired by Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. She’s also interested in becoming a doctor or an actor, and knowing Mikaylah, she’ll probably do all three.
Her advice to future HFCA students?
“Be yourself. It’s pretty easy once you’re here.”
Thank you, Mikaylah! You make HFCA special, too!