Every year, English 12 Dual Enrollment students embark on a passion project. Students find something they are passionate about and “make a difference” in some way, big or small. That could range from helping out at home, to being the captain of a Relay for Life team, to tutoring a friend, to volunteering in the community, etc. Students are tasked with creating their own learning targets based on the elements of the profile of a graduate, collecting artifacts, reflecting on their experience, and making a slideshow to share their work. Below we will be highlighting a few of the passion projects currently in progress.
Maria Trepanier
Could you explain what your passion project is?
My inspiration for my passion project is my culture. As a pacific islander, I find that my culture plays a huge part in who I am. I am working to bring awareness of Pacific Islander culture to my peers, I would like to attend cultural events, provide service to my community, and maybe start a club. I believe that this will be a lot of fun and will educate me and my peers more about my culture.
What aspects of your project make you excited to do it?
I am excited to attend cultural events and taking pictures. I consider this to be a quality project because it is important to spread awareness of things that we, as a young generation, find important.
Jovann Sagayno
Could you explain what your passion project is?
My passion project is creating a Visual Novel, a digital form of interactive reading, while also teaching my partner, Joshua David, about my novel writing process. Visual novels usually consist of the story/writing, music, and illustrations, and I plan to focus on the writing and storytelling of this visual novel with my partner. It is a futuristic Sci-Fi visual novel set in an apocalyptic-ish universe. The cast goes on a journey through the universe and bond with each other. I plan to publish the novel for free online.
Why did you choose to make this your passion project?
Originally, I decided to write and publish a book by graduation; however, that was too ambitious. I then decided, with support from my partner, to create a visual novel instead. My aspiration is to share my love of writing and my own stories with others. Another part of me also wants to learn teaching for fun, not academically. I am doing the latter by teaching my partner how to write a novel.
What aspects of your project make you excited to do it?
Mainly the writing and teaching part of it. I have a plan to teach my partner the novel writing process in a fun and interactive way while also working together to work on the story of the visual novel!
Tre Turner
Could you explain what your passion project is?
My passion project is reinstating our Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter at Salem. FBLA allows students to compete in various events that promote professional and leadership skills. On top of competing, members can get the opportunities to travel, make tons of friends, and learn from professionals in their competition field. FBLA offers multiple scholarships that are only available to members. Additionally, FBLA is known internationally so it can be used on college applications and resumes and increase the chances of getting into a job or school.
Why did you choose to make this your passion project?
I joined FBLA at ATC and had an amazing time with my friends and got the opportunity to become a state and regional officer. Along with having a great time, I have been able to put this on my extracurricular for my college apps.
What aspects of your project make you excited to do it?
I am excited to see the growth of our chapter and see everybody compete, place, and represent Salem with pride.
Jalen Batten
Could you explain what your passion project is?
My passion project is to volunteer around the 757 community during the holiday season.
Why did you choose to make this your passion project and what is your aspiration?
I chose to make this my passion project because I have been volunteering around the holiday season ever since 2020.
What aspects of your project make you excited?
Seeing the people in this community smile with hope and joy is the reason why I am excited about this project.
Ember McSpadden
Could you explain what your passion project is?
I have cared for and adopted multiple strays and shelter animals in my life and I want to continue supporting the animals in shelters. For Project “Operation Blankie” I will create DIY fleece tie blankets and donate them to local shelters. The blankets will be donated to the Norfolk and Virginia Beach SPCA.
What aspects of your project make you excited to do it?
I’m most excited to gather the materials/fabrics for my project.
Noah Riquelme
Could you explain what your passion project is?
I will be creating cell phone stands for my teachers at Salem that can also hold watches or bracelets and smaller objects, like earbuds or jewelry.
Why did you choose to make this your passion project?
To make the teachers at Salem feel more appreciated by their students.
What aspects of your project make you excited to do it?
Designing and creating wooden cell phone stands personalized based on the subject they teach.
