Meeting a mentor
Pictured is Addison Trail senior Mekalah Haywood (left) with Chantelle Porter, a Circuit Judge serving the 18th Judicial Circuit of DuPage County. Judge Porter came to Addison Trail to talk about Haywood’s future, as she plans to attend Porter’s alma mater, Ohio State University.
On Friday, May 10, Addison Trail welcomed Chantelle Porter, a Circuit Judge serving the 18th Judicial Circuit of DuPage County.
During her visit, Porter met with District 88 Student Success Coordinator VaLarie Humphrey and Addison Trail senior Mekalah Haywood and toured the school. Haywood plans to attend Porter’s alma mater, Ohio State University, and Porter provided her with advice and support.
Throughout her high school career, Haywood has participated in:
• Girls basketball
• Girls softball
• Girls flag football (captain of the inaugural team this year)
• BEYOND Club (cofounder), which provides mentorship and academic support for black students to enable them to thrive holistically in high school and BEYOND
• Link Crew
• Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), which teaches students expected behaviors, rules and what it means to be a Blazer
• Blazer Ambassadors, where upperclassmen serve as role models for freshmen
• Youth Equity Stewardship (YES) program
• National Honor Society (NHS)
• Principal Student Advisory Committee
• Superintendent Student Advisory Committee
• Key Club
• Student Council
• Lettermen’s Club (President)
Haywood also was named as a State Scholar for her academic performance and received academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Program.
At The Ohio State University, Haywood plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in computer science. She then plans to take classes online to earn her master’s degree in video game development. Her dream job is to work for a large video game company and to create her own game.
