Learner Spotlight: Ariella Clarino

Ariella has been independent studyed for the past nine years, and this is her second year with iLEAD Exploration. She is currently in 10th grade and already has an impressive high school career!  Ariella not only takes classes at a local community college, but she also participates in a independent study co-op and takes classes through iLEAD Online. Even though her academic classes keep her busy, she finds time to volunteer in her local community and church for such events as Relay for Life.

For the past two years, Ariella has been very involved in the Navy Sea Cadets, a non-profit, youth organization supported by the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard, and the Navy League of the United States. Cadets receive instruction in marching, drills, CPR, and classroom content on United States military and seamanship. Ariella endures rigorous physical training and drills and also has the opportunity to move up in rank. She was honored with the Daughters of the American Revolution award for outstanding leadership, honor, service, courage, and patriotism. This award is given to only one person per year in the unit and is a great honor among the cadets. Way to go, Ariella!

In addition to being an active Navy Cadet, Ariella enjoys crocheting, bullet journaling, singing, and drawing. She also entered a youth cyber-security competition with some of her peers. This was an amazing learning experience for her. For Ariella, one of the main benefits of independent studying has been all of the wonderful travel experiences she has had. Her travels have included going to both Canada and Mexico once, China five times, Korea six times, and the Philippines nine times. All of this travel has not impacted Ariella’s academic career as she maintains well above a 4.0 GPA taking A-G courses, and she also faithfully serves on iLEAD’s ASB.

Ariella loves independent studying because it does not limit her but rather allows her to pursue her interests. One of Ariella’s favorite US Navy cadet mottos is “Chart Your Course.”  Ariella certainly has charted her course in her independent studying career and we at iLEAD celebrate her success!