THE ADVOCATE ASK | FROM PAGE 5 Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2022 students of other cultural and ethnic backgrounds to feel underrepresented at times. When I was younger one of my favorite places at the Veterans Memorial Elementary School was the library. I would go through multiple books a day, enamored by various characters and plots. But as I went through these books, I realized that very few of them refl ected my culture, ethnicity, or experience as a young black girl. Looking back, I truly wish I could’ve seen myself being represented more within my learning environment. Though it may seem minuscule in comparison to the concept of diversity at large, there’s great value in implementing inclusivity wherever it can be applied. That’s why I’m so proud to see student-led groups at Saugus High School such as Peer Mediation take action. In the past year, their group has read diverse books to the elementary kids and have made efforts to educate the Saugus community on themes of racism, prejudice, stereotyping, etc. Even so, there’s much more that the School Department can do to help students of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds feel supported in their learning environment. Something as simple as having fl ags showcasing students’ countries of origin could automatically make any student feel more valued as a member of the community. I believe that as long as the School Department is willing to actively promote diversity and inclusion, Saugus Public Schools will be able to better accommodate all students. Q: All things considered, what do you credit for your scholastic achievements and growth as a student? A: Though my time at Saugus Public Schools has taught me many valuable lessons, there are some characteristics of myself that can only be attributed to the support of my family. I credit my mother for always pushing me to Everett Aluminum 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Owned & operated by the Conti Years! “Same name, phone number & address for over half a century. We must be doing something right!” f www.everettaluminum.com THAT’S MY DAUGHTER Linda Kembo, beams a smile of pride at last Friday night’s Saugus High graduation ceremony, as she adjusts the hat of her daughter, Crystal Fosung Kembo, one of the new graduates. A top of Crystal’s mortarboard is a facsimile of the fl ag of Cameroon, the African country where she was born (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) be driven and curious in my pursuit for knowledge. I credit my father for instilling the confi dence that I needed to gain acceptance into an Ivy league school. Finally, I credit my younger sister for providing me with fun and laughter even in the most stressful periods of my education. It’s my family that inspires me to work towards being the best student that I can be. Q: Please tell me about your volunteer work, in the schools and in the community. A: I’ve volunteered at neighborhood block parties such as a 4th of July celebration that was held at the Lynnhurst Elementary School in 2019. I helped to oversee different games for the kids like bike races, watermelon eating contests, tug of war, etc. I also volunteered for the middle school drama club for about 3 years. My goal as a high school mentor was to aid with their productions, form meaningful connections with the kids, and help shape them into confi dent participants of the theater community. I’ve volunteered at founders day nearly every year either as a face painter or by overseeing the infl atable play area. I also provided free child care for some essential workers at the peak of the pandemic. It was diffi cult for some of these parents to fi nd fl exible childcare. Being in remote learning allowed me to have time to begin providing free childcare while their parents worked diligently. Just this year, I have (through National Honor Society) volunteered to bag food for the organization Healthy Students Healthy Saugus which honorably works to combat food insecurity in our town. Finally, I’m a letter writer for The Letter Project which is an online organization which sends empowering letters to women around the world. As a volunteer, I write letters to women between the ages of 5-40 just off ering words of affirmation. My letters are included in a bundle of about 20 others, which are then given to the recipient. Spring is Here!
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