HFCA Middle School Students Lead from Where They Stand

Holy Family Catholic Academy's motto is to develop thinkers, leaders grounded in faith. Explains Principal Kate O'Brien, "A true measure of our success is when we witness our students extend leadership and problem solving skills beyond the classroom."

HFCA is celebrating 8th grade students Ruby Arun and Megan Reyes who are thinking and leading from where they stand.

In April, Ruby began working on an idea that she was passionate about - helping younger girls become excited about math and STEM. Explains Ruby, "I'm passionate about math and have been participating in math competitions since I was in fourth grade. I was always amazed that there were so few girls at these events." She envisioned starting an organization of girls who would mentor other girls in math and shared her idea with Megan and other like-minded friends who were eager to join the mission.

While it is not uncommon to hear about young people forming a grassroots effort to help others, Ruby formally started a not-for-profit organization called Mission:MathMinds. With guidance from her parents, she applied for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, formed a Board of Directors, and invited Megan to join her as Vice President. They have since created a sophisticated website, recruited other mentors, and began developing a social media presence.

The first big decision was to invite someone to be on the Board, and it turns out it was an easy decision. Ruby approached her own mentor and HFCA Math teacher, Kate McCully who shared, "I was so impressed that my 13-year-old student, in the middle of a global pandemic used her spare time during quarantine to think of others and pursue this goal." Coincidentally, and unbeknownst to Ruby and Megan, Ms. McCully's own mentor was in fact her 8th grade math teacher. "I definitely know the value of a female mentor," she explains. "I decided to go into math education after interning at my middle school during my senior year in high school."

The girls of Mission:MathMinds are passionate about their cause and have spent the last six months patiently going through the steps to make it successful. They are launching a video for teachers explaining their mission and services and have recruited 11 mentors ranging from 7th through 12th grade. Megan adds, "Our goal is more than just tutoring. We want to create relationships between mentors and mentees, not just a one-time help with homework. These relationships are what will encourage and inspire girls to embrace STEM."

Concludes Principal O'Brien, "Our faculty does such a great job empowering our students to become confident learners and leaders. As a STEM Certified middle school, we are so proud of Ruby, Megan, and all the girls participating in Mission:MathMinds. They are truly helping to promote girls in STEM."

For more information, please visit https://www.missionmathminds.org