Horizon 2025 - Flipbook - Page 87
He taught me the power of inclusion. He said always be kind
and include others. He was right. We may be different from
others or not agree in some ways, but people want to be
included and treated with kindness, no matter who they are
or what they are going through. Inclusion lifts others up.
How has Shelton impacted your life?
Shelton has impacted my life in so many ways. I have grown
in confidence in understanding my learning difference and
that nothing is wrong with me. I simply learn differently,
and Shelton has taught me how to thrive in environments
that work best for me. I’ve also learned how to advocate for
myself, which is the greatest gift.
What are your college plans?
I attend Southern Methodist University, where I’m
considering majoring in Civil Engineering.
Austin Bertino, Shelton Class of 2025
Started at Shelton: In first grade
Clubs and activities: Lead Trumpet in
Band, Bass Captain in Drumline, Film,
Broadcast News, Theatre (assistant
stage manager)
Learning differences: ADD, dyslexia,
auditory processing and language expression
What was your favorite experience at Shelton?
My favorite experience was attending the Independent
Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) Arts Festival
junior year. It was a great opportunity to spend time with
friends.
Who was your favorite teacher?
Although I’ve loved all of my teachers, my favorite has been
Mr. Crabtree. He truly knows what he is teaching to his core
and is incredibly informative on historical events.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
The best advice I have received is to be more involved at
Shelton.
How has Shelton impacted your life?
Shelton made it possible for me to learn and believe in
school after my first school had all but given up on me. I
don’t think I would be where I am today without Shelton.
What are your college and career aspirations?
I received an $84,000 scholarship to Rose-Hulman Institute
of Technology in Terre Haute, Ind.. I plan to pursue a career
in electrical or mechanical engineering.
Ella Trevino, Shelton Class of 2025
Started at Shelton: In sixth grade
Clubs and sports: Student Council,
National Honor Society, Charger Guide,
Track and Field, Soccer, Sports Medicine,
Dallas Arboretum Teen Leadership
Council, Girl Talk Club, Photography,
Debate Club
Learning differences: Dyslexia, ADHD and dysgraphia
What was your favorite experience at Shelton?
My favorite experience at Shelton was being able to get
involved in so much while still managing my schoolwork.
I loved having the opportunity to create new clubs and try
anything I wanted, even if I had never done it before.
What was your favorite classes?
A few of my favorite classes were Physics 1 Honors, Forensic
Science, Sociology and all of my Honors English classes. I
love seeing the calculations come to life in Physics. Forensic
Science interests me because I want to be a criminal defense
lawyer. Sociology is fun because I enjoy learning about
human behavior. In English, I enjoy reading and learning
about the deeper concepts in literature.
How has Shelton impacted your life?
Shelton has impacted my life by helping me learn how to use
my learning differences to my benefit.
Would you recommend Shelton?
Yes. I would recommend Shelton because the teachers are
passionate about helping students learn and grow in every
subject so they can excel. Shelton tailors learning to each
student’s needs and helps everyone achieve their goals.
What are your college and career aspirations?
I attend Louisiana State University, where I major in
Philosophy — Law, Ethics and Social Justice. I plan to
become a criminal defense lawyer.
Kelly Rodriguez, Shelton Class of 2025
Started at Shelton: In fourth grade
Clubs and activities: Writing Club,
National Honor Society, History Club,
Student Council, Theatre, Investment
Club, Girl Scouts, HOSA (Health Club)
Learning differences: ADHD, dyslexia,
autism spectrum
What were your favorite experiences at Shelton?
My favorite experiences were traveling abroad with my peers
to London and Italy, and sharing my published stories with
the Writing Club.
What were your favorite classes?
Definitely English, science, anatomy and history. Ms. Van Den
Handel and Ms. Mullins were always the highlight of my day
in English. In science, Ms. Hall taught me that assignments
that seem daunting are just on paper and can always be
solved. Learning anatomy with Ms. Gerhenson was humbling
and inspiring. I’ve also had the honor of being taught history
by Mr. Paxton, Mr. Clark and Ms. Lubbers, who made the
subject come alive.
How has Shelton impacted your life?
Before Shelton, I struggled to make friends because my
family moved often for my dad’s job. I felt left out, which
affected my confidence and trust in people. At Shelton,
teachers were reliable and supportive, and my classmates
have helped my confidence and friendships grow into what
they are today.
What are your college and career aspirations?
I hope to become a nurse practitioner, specifically in the
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), or work as a traveling
nurse.
SHELTON SCHOOL
THE HORIZON
NOVEMBER 2025
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