Raul is only 10, but he’s already a success story – and his sights are set much higher.
The fifth-grader was Jefferson School’s honoree in the District’s “Every Student Succeeding” program this year, so he received a District plaque for overcoming personal hardship and adjusting his attitude to achieve good things in class and in life.
“He is respectful and friendly with everyone on the campus, including staff,” Principal Danisha Keeler said. “His teacher has said he always likes learning new things and is always engaged in the class. He also helps to watch over his little sister, who he walks to and from school each day. Raul has now become a role model for those around him; he is currently a peer helper and takes great pride in these responsibilities at school.”
Raul wants to attend college someday – “maybe Sacramento State” – and he dreams of a career as a National Football League running back, linebacker or wide receiver because “football is my favorite sport and I’m very good at it.”
If that doesn’t pan out, Raul wants to become an architect, partly because “they make a lot of money.”
Attending college is a must, he said, because “if I don’t go, then I won’t get a good job.”
Raul’s determination to attend college does not surprise Principal Keeler, who said he is a “bright young man who has a bright future ahead if he keeps up the great work.”
In his spare time, Raul enjoys playing football and watching TV, among other things. Favorite TV program? “Lab Rats,” a sitcom featuring teens with bionic powers.
As a fifth-grader, Raul can choose a middle school to attend next year. He tentatively has decided upon Natomas Gateways and looks forward to playing middle school sports – wrestling, basketball and football – as a Grizzly.
What advice would Raul give to a kindergartener entering Jefferson School next year?
He smiled.
“Stay out of trouble,” he said.
