Zyla gets to spend a week at college!

Hello!

I hope you are having a blessed day and continue to have a blessed day after reading this blurb. My name is De'Niece Harrison-Hudson and I have the honor of parenting Zyla Holmes. As you read this, you will understand why I say it is an honor to raise my daughter, Zyla.

Zyla is a very determined 8-year-old who has a youthful sense of humor and very matured determination and grit for achievement. This week Zyla received a letter stating that she was nominated to represent her school district in the National Youth Leadership Forum: Pathways to STEM program in 2024. Through this experience, Zyla will get to spend a full week next summer at college and explore 3 different STEM related career pathways (CSI, medicine, and engineering). Zyla's school nominated her because of her "exceptional maturity, scholastic merit, and leadership abilities". The tuition for this program is $3200, but I am sure every penny is worthwhile.

This program states that Zyla will join other young students from around the region in intensive, engaging, hands-on workshops focused on 5 skills that are essential to success: emotional awareness, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and goal setting.

I firmly believe this experience will continue to help round out Zyla in all areas of her life. I am beyond proud of Zyla not just for her academic prowess but also her beautiful heart and commitment to serving her community.

2023 has been a good year for Zyla. In January, Zyla was crowned Junior Outstanding Miss Circle City Indy Queen through a local pageant. Through the pageant, Zyla has committed to being the change she wants to see in the world. She commits to AT LEAST 1 service activity each month serving her community in various ways. In March, Zyla won her entire school's pi-day competition. A second grader at the time, Zyla went up against students up to 6th grade to see who memorized the most digits of pi. She spent countless hours at home pushing herself to study to be a good contender, taking the championship for the entire school! Also, in her second-grade journey she was named cheer captain (of young ladies grades 2-6) due to her cheerful personality and natural leadership abilities. Moving to her new current school and receiving this honor as a 3rd grader is icing on the cake for her 2023 year of success.

While 2023 was a great year, we know 2024 has even more in store for her. It truly takes a village, please join me in getting Zyla to college for a week next summer to make the most of this unique opportunity!