At every board meeting during the school year, Mesa Public Schools recognizes a Spotlight School. The Spotlight School at the April 8 meeting was Edison Elementary. Below are Principal Alex MacDonald's remarks on each honoree.
Student Spotlight: Jhadiel Rivera Sanchez
Jhadiel Rivera, a sixth-grade student, has proven himself to be an outstanding member of the Edison community. Jhadiel is an active participant in many sports, including football, basketball, and soccer. He recently played in a soccer game, and his team did exceptionally well! His dedication to athletics is matched by his commitment to being a great big brother. Jhadiel has a younger sister, Jasmine, and he is known for his patience and calm demeanor when helping her.
Not only is Jhadiel an excellent athlete, but he is also a model student. His teachers have seen his maturity grow as he transitioned from fifth to sixth grade, and he continues to show kindness and leadership among his peers. Jhadiel excels academically, and every time he earns an award, his family is there to celebrate with him. His teachers and classmates appreciate his positive influence on the campus.
Classified Staff Spotlight: Michelle Youngquist
Michelle Youngquist has been an integral part of the Edison Elementary team for 35 years. As a classified staff member, Michelle has spent countless mornings as a crossing guard, in cafeteria duty, and in many other roles, touching the lives of students from kindergarten through sixth grade.
Throughout her tenure, Michelle has shown a deep commitment to helping students, whether it’s providing a friendly face to greet them in the morning or assisting them during the school day.
Michelle’s dedication to her work is unmatched, and she has been a constant presence in the lives of Edison students. She is truly deserving of recognition, and we are grateful for her tireless service to the school and its community.
Certified Staff Spotlight: Deborah Taylor
Deb Taylor has been an invaluable part of Edison Elementary’s reading intervention program for years. After returning from retirement, she teamed up with Michelle Youngquist to support students in developing their reading skills. Together, they run a successful reading program that focuses on helping students who struggle with reading, including phonics, letter recognition, and comprehension.
Deb’s commitment to her students is unwavering. She regularly takes professional development webinars and reads extensively on topics like dyslexia to ensure she has the best tools to help her students succeed. Her work is transformative, and her passion for education is evident in everything she does.
We thank Deb and Michelle for their dedication and for being the heart and soul of Edison’s reading program. Their hard work and selflessness create a positive and supportive environment for every student who needs that extra boost to succeed.