Career Academy Junior Shares Inspiring Journey to Meeting the President at the White House
Career Academy, South Bend’s premier high school for future leaders, shares inspiring journey to meeting the President at the White House with remarkable story of determination, leadership, and community support culminated in an extraordinary opportunity for Rima, a 17-year-old junior at Career Academy High School, part of the Career Academy Network of Public Schools (CANOPS). Her journey, which began in second grade at Success Academy.
South Bend, IN, January 16, 2025 --(PR.com)-- Career Academy, South Bend’s premier high school for future leaders, shares inspiring journey to meeting the President at the White House with remarkable story of determination, leadership, and community support culminated in an extraordinary opportunity for Rima, a 17-year-old junior at Career Academy High School, part of the Career Academy Network of Public Schools (CANOPS). Her journey, which began in second grade at Success Academy, led her through academic and extracurricular excellence and, ultimately, to a meeting with the President of the United States at the White House.
Rima’s path to success is rooted in her early experiences at Success Academy, where she first enrolled alongside her twin brother. “I joined when Success first opened,” she recounted. After transitioning to Career Academy, one the best high schools near you in South Bend, Rima quickly distinguished herself through academic excellence, enrolling in advanced classes and participating in honors programs.
Her involvement in the school’s robotics team became a transformative experience. Initially hesitant, Rima was encouraged by her science teacher to join. “I didn’t think I could do it—I didn’t know how to code or use a drill,” she admitted. However, her participation revealed talents she hadn’t realized, propelling her into leadership roles and advocacy work, including presenting at the Indiana Statehouse to support robotics education.
Rima’s leadership extended beyond the robotics team. Reconnecting with the Boys and Girls Club, a community she had participated in as a child, reignited her passion for youth advocacy. She competed in the Youth of the Year program, gaining recognition at local and regional levels and advancing to the Midwest competition, where she placed first. Her achievements at the Midwest level earned her the title of Midwest Youth of the Year and a spot in the national Youth of the Year competition. Her communication skills, honed through years of school tours, honors programs, and public speaking, played a significant role in her success.
Her standout accomplishments did not go unnoticed. In December, she received an invitation to meet the President at the White House, a moment she described as surreal. The visit included a meeting with the Secretary of Education, a tour of the White House’s Christmas displays, and an unforgettable sit-down with the President in the Oval Office.
“Meeting the President was incredible,” Rima shared. “He talked about dignity, honesty, and knowing what you’re willing to lose for. Those words will stay with me forever.” The President even invited Rima to sit at the Resolute Desk, addressing her as “Madam President,” a nod to her aspirations of someday leading the nation.
Throughout her journey, Rima credits the unwavering support of Career Academy staff and the unique partnership between the school and the Boys and Girls Club. “Our school is so supportive. Without them, I wouldn’t have had these opportunities,” she said.
Rima’s story exemplifies the power of supportive communities and the limitless potential of motivated young leaders. As she continues her advocacy and academic pursuits, she inspires her peers and testifies to the impact of the Career Academy Network of Public Schools.
About the Career Academy Network of Public Schools (CANOPS):
CANOPS is dedicated to delivering comprehensive and innovative educational programs that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life. By partnering with local industries and organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, CANOPS provides hands-on learning opportunities, career pathways, and community-based education to equip students with the skills necessary for the modern workforce.
More information about the Career Academy Network of Public Schools can be found at CASBSchools.com.
Rima’s path to success is rooted in her early experiences at Success Academy, where she first enrolled alongside her twin brother. “I joined when Success first opened,” she recounted. After transitioning to Career Academy, one the best high schools near you in South Bend, Rima quickly distinguished herself through academic excellence, enrolling in advanced classes and participating in honors programs.
Her involvement in the school’s robotics team became a transformative experience. Initially hesitant, Rima was encouraged by her science teacher to join. “I didn’t think I could do it—I didn’t know how to code or use a drill,” she admitted. However, her participation revealed talents she hadn’t realized, propelling her into leadership roles and advocacy work, including presenting at the Indiana Statehouse to support robotics education.
Rima’s leadership extended beyond the robotics team. Reconnecting with the Boys and Girls Club, a community she had participated in as a child, reignited her passion for youth advocacy. She competed in the Youth of the Year program, gaining recognition at local and regional levels and advancing to the Midwest competition, where she placed first. Her achievements at the Midwest level earned her the title of Midwest Youth of the Year and a spot in the national Youth of the Year competition. Her communication skills, honed through years of school tours, honors programs, and public speaking, played a significant role in her success.
Her standout accomplishments did not go unnoticed. In December, she received an invitation to meet the President at the White House, a moment she described as surreal. The visit included a meeting with the Secretary of Education, a tour of the White House’s Christmas displays, and an unforgettable sit-down with the President in the Oval Office.
“Meeting the President was incredible,” Rima shared. “He talked about dignity, honesty, and knowing what you’re willing to lose for. Those words will stay with me forever.” The President even invited Rima to sit at the Resolute Desk, addressing her as “Madam President,” a nod to her aspirations of someday leading the nation.
Throughout her journey, Rima credits the unwavering support of Career Academy staff and the unique partnership between the school and the Boys and Girls Club. “Our school is so supportive. Without them, I wouldn’t have had these opportunities,” she said.
Rima’s story exemplifies the power of supportive communities and the limitless potential of motivated young leaders. As she continues her advocacy and academic pursuits, she inspires her peers and testifies to the impact of the Career Academy Network of Public Schools.
About the Career Academy Network of Public Schools (CANOPS):
CANOPS is dedicated to delivering comprehensive and innovative educational programs that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life. By partnering with local industries and organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, CANOPS provides hands-on learning opportunities, career pathways, and community-based education to equip students with the skills necessary for the modern workforce.
More information about the Career Academy Network of Public Schools can be found at CASBSchools.com.
Contact
Career Academy Network of Public Schools
Rob Koehler
574-299-9800
CASBSchools.com
Rob Koehler
574-299-9800
CASBSchools.com
Contact
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