"I'm glad to know the community school will be here to help my brother and sister have more opportunities than I had."-Marklyne
Marklyne Joachim, Evans High School senior, has been involved with the community school since its research and planning phases. As a freshman, she traveled to Chicago to learn firsthand about the community school concept. During the trip, she also learned strategies to help students become more aware of the resources that the community school provides.
Currently, Marklyne serves as president of the Evans Community School Student Leadership Council. As president, she helps engage students and increase their knowledge and use of the resources that the community school provides. She also hopes to foster a greater sense of community among students, faculty, parents and the Pine Hills community.
Not only does Marklyne help her peers learn about what resources available through the community school, she also is a role model. She serves as a peer mentor, NJ ROTC member, and member of the National Honor Society to name a few.
Marklyne also relates well to her classmates because she understands their struggles firsthand, including hunger. Her personal experiences fuel her passion to let others know about the benefits of the community school. She is also grateful for the resources that will be afforded to her younger siblings as they grow up.
Marklyne looks forward to attending a four-year university and majoring in business. She loves basketball and has big dreams of working in the WNBA or NBA one day. Marklyne admits that her ball-handling skills and coordination could use some work, but her passion for reaching out to others will help her be a MVP on the marketing team.