This month, Joe raised his GPA from a 1.57 to a 2.3—not overnight, but through consistency, focus, and the support of IYT. Elias painted his “Tree of Support,” recognizing the people who give him strength and the roots that keep him grounded. Our 8th-grade brothers closed out the year not just with celebration, but with reflection, pride, and a clearer sense of who they’re becoming. Growth isn’t guaranteed, but when young men lean in, it begins to take shape.
Special Occasion Spotlight
Mitchell Graduating IYT 8th graders.
As our brothers move on to the next chapter of their lives, we wanted to celebrate every one of them. Our 8th graders all received a slideshow presentation of all the memories we made in IYT. Every 8th grader also went home with a goodie bag made by Shaq that contained snacks, hygiene products, notebooks, pencils, mini handheld games, college stickers, and more!! We ended the day with Winsgtop, music, a video game tournament, and a lot of snacks, in which almost every student went home with a sugar crash or food coma.
Academic Achievement Spotlight
Study Hall pays off for IYT Brother, Joe!
Joe has been working hard all semester to bring up his Fs and Ds. He really locked in with IYT Study Hall, and he held himself accountable; he does not go home with any homework. He has brought his GPA up to a 2.3 from a 1.57!
Workshop Spotlight
Our 8th Grader, Elias Lujan, has demonstrated what his tree looks like.
This May, Mitchell IYT students participated in a heartfelt workshop, "Our Tree of Support," focusing on expressing grace and gratitude for the incredible people in their lives. We know that everyone's journey is bolstered by loved ones and a dedicated support team. In this engaging activity, each brother created a personal "tree." Different sections—like the deep roots, the sturdy trunk, the vibrant leaves, and the nurturing grass—were used to highlight specific supportive individuals in their lives or to explore questions about what makes each brother uniquely strong and special. This visual exercise was a powerful way for our students to acknowledge their "supporting cast," reflect on the strength they draw from these connections, and celebrate their own individuality.
Brother of the Month
Akil Packer
8th Grade
Akil has a lot on his plate, in a good way. He is a part of IYT and Aces and plays basketball after school in a 14U league. He has his priorities straight and has been a leader in our classroom. Kids gravitate towards him, and he brings this aura that he wants better for himself. He pushes others to finish tasks and is the first to help others when he finishes his work. His GPA currently is a 2.71, and he aims to solidify a 3.0 GPA before the semester ends.
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