Nichole Smith, Montverde Academy
Student assistants at Montverde Academy play an essential role in supporting faculty, enhancing classroom experiences, and gaining real-world skills that shape their paths beyond campus. Students earn a .5 credit per semester that they serve as assistants. This year’s group of seniors demonstrates initiative, creativity, and leadership across a variety of departments.
One student who has embraced every opportunity is Arianna Waldman, who assists Mrs. Lynne Moore in the Beehive and the campus store. As an Entrepreneurship student in Mr. Lance Walsworth’s class, Arianna shares that her internship has allowed her to gain real-world knowledge about product management and daily operations. “Within the internship, I’m working hands-on with inventory, organization, and communication skills,” she explained. “What I can hope to gain through this experience is understanding work behind the scenes, through communication and teamwork.”
Mrs. Moore praises Arianna’s dedication and growth, saying, “Arianna has done an amazing job exploring every part of store and cafe operations including inventory, budgeting, pricing, and customer service. What started as an idea from her economics teacher turned into a hands-on learning experience. I hope it has given her valuable real-world skills that she will carry with her and use in the future.”
In the Innovation Center, Dr. Caryn Long works with two student assistants whom she has known since their middle school years. “My student assistants, Charlotte Newton and Addyson Thomas, are very talented young women,” she said. “Addy has a gift for design and Charlotte for organization.” She praised their contributions to robotics events and tournament logistics.
“I primarily assist Dr. Long with the design aspects of various events,” said Addyson Thomas. “My contributions have included creating signs and 3D prints for the robotics competitions, as well as developing materials for the Innovation Center Scavenger Hunt. Through these projects, I’ve gained hands-on experience with new design techniques, especially 3D printing, which was completely new to me.”
“I assist Dr. Long with the major activities and projects for the Innovation Center,” said Charlotte. “This includes the festive competitions around the Innovation Center and helping with all the setup and organization of the Lego scrimmages and competitions in the Fall semester. Something I am starting to learn is how much preparation and organization go into the Innovation Center and the activities that are held for the students. I hope my experience transitions into leadership skills and helps me be more creative.”
Dhamairah Williams assists Ms. Angie Helm with event planning and creative design. “Working with Ms. Helm has taught me a lot about the effort that goes into designing themes, like the Halloween party at the school and the organization behind them,” she shared. “It’s really made me appreciate school activities and the final outcomes even more.”
For Jacob Novis, assisting Mr. Robert Burke has been both academically enriching and personally meaningful. “Helping Mr. Burke is great! Most of my work has been on improving Model UN, improving my own leadership skills, and being there as someone to discuss some ideas with,” he explained. Jacob has continued growing as a leader through their collaboration: “I’ve learned a lot about being a better leader, student, and Model UN delegate.”
“Jacob’s role as a teacher’s assistant extends well beyond classroom support,” said Mr. Burke. “As the Secretary General on the Model UN team, Jacob is a key collaborator, contributing meaningfully to strategic discussions that shape the team’s growth and success.”
Across campus, MVA’s student assistants step into their roles with pride, initiative, and professionalism. Their willingness to support teachers, learn new skills, and lead by example makes them invaluable members of the Montverde Academy community, showcasing the strength, character, and talent of the Class of 2026.
A Special Mention – Montverde Academy honors the memory of Madison Saint Louis, who served as a dedicated teacher assistant to Mr. Todd Lamb. Madison was known for her reliability, kindness, and willingness to help wherever she was needed. Her support in preparing classroom materials and assisting behind the scenes made a meaningful difference in Mr. Lamb’s courses. She will be remembered not only for her work ethic, but for the positive presence she brought to the classroom and the MVA community.
