Celebrating Three Amazing Graduates from Columbia Explorers Academy

CPS is extremely excited to continue celebrating our Class of 2026! At Columbia Explorers Academy, Gisselle, Jaylene, and Isabel (left to right in the photo above) exemplify the school’s focus on preparing students to excel in high school and set their sights on college and fulfilling careers. 

We spoke with the three of them to learn more about their experiences in elementary school and what they are looking forward to in the future. Get to know them more below!

What have been your interests both in and out of the classroom? 

Isabel: Subjects that I really like are math and social studies. I think they’re both really interesting, and math really challenges me a lot. I like to listen to music and talk to my friends when I’m not in school. Sometimes I’ll even go on IXL to keep learning! 

Gisselle: I also like social studies, as well as reading and writing. Social studies teaches me about the history of our country, and it helps me become more informed. Reading and writing are building the skills that I can use for academic success. Outside of school, I like to read and spend quality time with my family. 

Jaylene: I enjoy math, reading, and social studies. Math challenges me, and I always try to put my best effort into it. Reading is a very important skill that will help me in the future. And I like social studies because I like learning about how we can use history to help us today. I like listening to music, as well as crafty stuff like drawing and painting. I also enjoy taking walks because it’s very soothing and calming to me. 

How have you grown as students at Columbia Explorers? 

Gisselle: I think that I’ve always been enthusiastic about coming to school and learning. However, I now believe that I take school more seriously. It’s not all fun and games anymore! 

Jaylene: I’ve always tried to be creative and put my mind into things that calm me. I think I’ve become a little more reserved here, but I’m still trying my best to talk to other people. That will help me out in the future. 

Isabel: I wasn’t very social when I was younger, but I’ve been talking to more people because this school is such a welcoming environment. That’s helped me make a lot of new friends. 

Isabel and Jaylene, your families have been connected to Columbia Explorers for many, many years. How does that make you feel? 

Isabel: Just thinking about it makes me want to cry! The whole school and community have been with our family, so it’s sad and amazing at the same time. It’s emotional, especially because the school has grown so much. 

Jaylene: It’s very important to me that my family has been here for multiple years. I’m very happy that I am able to be a part of it, too. I’ve learned a lot here, and I think that’s really great. 

What is your favorite memory of being a Columbia Explorers student? 

Jaylene: Meeting my friends! They’ve helped me out these past few years, and I’ve felt very supported and welcomed. They’ve played a big role in helping me be successful at this school. 

Gisselle: In pre-k, I stepped into the classroom and saw so many faces that I had never seen before. Going through that helped me develop so much. 

Isabel: Coming back from quarantine and being able to socialize again! 

What are you most excited about for high school? 

Gisselle: I am excited to expand my comfort zone and experience a new environment. I feel like I will discover myself more as the years go by. 

Isabel: Getting to talk to more people! I’ve already had to take a placement test at my high school, and I made a friend there. That feeling excited me! 

Jaylene: I’m excited to have more opportunities. They will help me become more social and also positively impact my future and who I want to be when I’m older. I also want to use whatever I learn to not only help myself, but also other people. 

Is there any advice you’d give to future eighth-graders? 

Jaylene: Cherish the time you have in eighth grade and be careful about who you’re talking to and what you say to them, because you don’t always know what someone is going through. Even if it’s stressful, always keep your head up, because in the end it will be okay, and there are always people to support you, especially your teachers. 

Isabel: This is just one chapter in your life, so you shouldn’t dwell on it too much. Things happen, but your teachers, counselors, and especially your friends are here to support you. 

Gisselle: Enjoy the time! Make memories and make the best of it, because you’ll think back on this time. And don’t involve yourself with drama! 

What is your message to everyone who has supported you during elementary school? 

Isabel: Thank you so much! When I felt like I was alone, my teachers made me feel like I wasn’t, and I am so grateful for that. 

Gisselle: I also want to say thank you. My parents have helped me discover who I am, and my teachers have guided me and have taken the time to connect and share their knowledge with me. We’ve made a bond that I am so grateful for, especially because they’ve gone out of their way to make eighth grade a memorable experience. 

Jaylene: I also want to give them a very big thank you. I don’t think I could have been successful without them, and I am very appreciative that I’ve gotten to know them and they’ve gotten a chance to know me.