Student shows success when returning to in-person learning

Senior Mackenzie Orzelo works hard on her schoolwork, but you might not guess that based on her grades at the beginning of the school year. Mackenzie was struggling, but it wasn’t for lack of effort.

“It’s not that I didn’t want to try, but my road didn’t even have Wi-Fi, I was using hotspots to get all of my work done,” said Mackenzie.

Jordan-Elbridge High School provided those hotspots, but it wasn’t just technical difficulties holding Mackenzie back. She said she was also dealing with anxiety surrounding COVID-19, and had a hard time focusing on virtual lessons. When cheerleading started back up shortly after winter break, Mackenzie knew she was ready to get back to in-person learning.

“I went from not passing anything to passing with honor roll,” Mackenzie said.

She said returning to the classroom has made all the difference for her. It’s been easier to absorb what she’s being taught, and her grades are directly reflecting that. Now, Mackenzie is looking forward to finishing her high school career alongside her friends.