making the GRADE
making the GRADE Students who soar BY NATASHA DADO Jessica Dado: Encouraging Self-Fulfillment Marysville High School senior Jessica Dado’s academic achievement has driven her to a fullride scholarship at Wayne State University next year. Jessica, who says education is her No. 1 priority in life, has a 3.8 grade-point average and Jessica Dado has been an honors student since her sophomore year. But she does more than study — Jessica is a member of student council, varsity soccer and the student committee, and has participated in Relay for Life and the Multiple Sclerosis Walk. She also volunteers at Sandborn Nursing Home and helps in local park cleanups. “I do it all for myself. Accomplishment is the greatest feeling. It’s self-fulfilling,” she said. Her passion for helping others has steered Jessica toward physical therapy as a career. Jessica plans to take it on with an entrepreneur approach and some day open up her own practice. Jessica has a message for today’s Chaldean youth. “Just because your family has been in the party store business you don’t have to pursue that same career,” she said. “You can break out of it and amount to much more.” VITAL STATS NAME: Jessica Dado AGE: 18 YEAR: Senior SCHOOL: Marysville High School, Marysville CAREER GOAL: Physical Therapy PARENTS: Riad and Bushra Dado Jordan Jeberaeel: Taking Initiative Unlike many kids, Jordan Jeberaeel never has to be pushed to begin his homework or have a parent wake him up for school. This seventh grader does it all on his own. Jordan has a 4.0 gradepoint and has never Jordan Jeberaeel missed a day of school. This past year Walnut Creek Middle School educator Barbara Fiorini acknowledged the 12-year-old’s academic success and leadership abilities by nominating Jordan to attend the annual People to People World Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C., in September. Founded in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the forum operates on the theory that making a positive impact on the future of the world begins with the development of a child’s leadership skills. Jordan will be part of a select group of outstanding students from around the globe and have the opportunity to expand his leadership skills. “Jordan greets each class with a positive attitude and an openness for learning. Jordan’s questions are relevant and thoughtful,” said Fiorini. “Jordan is a team player and everyone enjoys working with him.” Jordan is an active soccer and basketball player, a former bus patrol leader, an afterschool tutoring participant and voluntarily brings breakfast for his peers prior to an exam. He keeps it all together by studying, staying organized and planning ahead. For now Jordan plans on pursuing a career as a doctor but believes his experience with People to People will spark an interest in governmental affairs and someday have him working in Washington. “The motivation behind my success rests solely on getting good grades,” he said. “I want to make something of myself and go places in life.” VITAL STATS NAME: Jordan Jeberaeel AGE: 12 YEAR: Seventh Grade SCHOOL: Walnut Creek Middle School, West Bloomfield CAREER GOAL: Physician PARENTS: Salem and Linda Jeberaeel 32 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2008
Kits for Kids: Providing Aid at Local and International Levels BY NATASHA DADO Strenuous efforts, dedication and hard work are all key components that encompass the University of Michigan Dearborn’s successful 2008 winter project, Kits for Kids. The Chaldean American Student Association (CASA) was among several groups who teams together for the project, including the UM- Dearborn Student Government, Iraqi Student Association, Muslim Student Association, Orthodox Christian Fellowship, Students for Ethical Investment and Delta Sigma Phi. Kits for Kids has the goal of providing school supplies to Iraqi youth. Each kit comes equipped with two pencils, one eraser, two notebooks, one ruler and one pack of colored pencils. Through donations from fellow students, the UM groups raised ,000 to purchase school supplies, mostly from dollar stores, and another 0 worth of items for the kits. In February, the students set up a moving assembly line to produce some 600 kits. Some Kits for Kids members drove the finished products to Toledo, where the Mennonite Central Committee plays the critical role of shipping off the school supplies to Iraq and local Detroit communities. “Balancing Kits for Kids into our schedules was not easy. It’s hard to make everyone’s schedules meet,” said CASA President Sarah Qarana. “But our staff is comprised of individuals who act as delegates who are dedicated and have a strong work ethic. The foundation of our success is dedication, dedication, dedication 100 percent.” CASA’s Rita Najor, Rand Kazanji, Sarah Qarana and Valerie Cholagh prepare the kits. Save the Date, and Save! Select 2008 celebration dates still available! Dazzle your guests at the Andiamo Banquet Center. Our expert staff will cater to your every desire at our opulent facilities that can accommodate up to 700 of your closest friends and family members. Banquet Center Available Sundays in 2008! 5/18, 6/8, 6/15, 6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/12, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28 r e c e i v e 15%OFF your entire bill for any 2008 event! Andiamo Banquet Center *offer good only on new events booked between 4/22/08 and 12/31/08 Call 586.268.0200 or visit www.andiamoitalia.com MAY 2008 CHALDEAN NEWS 33
