Abriella Minotti is used to telling prospective students about her hands-on educational experience at Hershey Montessori School. She’s volunteered with the admissions team for three years by giving campus tours and recruiting. But earlier this year at the State of Geauga, she was given the chance to tell nearly 150 Geauga County politicians, residents and business owners all about education and how Hershey is integral to the community.
That was the first time I had spoken in a presentation where I was viewed by the public — not just by my peers at school — as an adult worthy of their attention. I was an adult that was respected enough to be able to hold a presentation. I was really honored to even be considered to speak at that program. To walk into the room and find that I was the youngest speaker by quite a bit, that was really surprising, and I think obviously nerve-racking as well.
I started at Hershey Montessori when I was six months old with my mom in the parent-infant classroom. I’ve been attending Hershey for just under 18 years. The experiences, the confidence and all they’ve given me has helped me become who I am today.
I spoke about how Hershey Montessori is a unique learning space. We have a farm on our school campus, which is such a unique learning experience. I wanted to share with the audience how we use that farm to teach subjects in a creative form.
I think a lot of the audience was surprised. First off, some people did not know that we were even in Geauga County. So to be able to share and give an accurate representation of who we are and share with them what we do was really great.
I just felt really honored that my teachers and my school not only had confidence in me that I could do it, but felt that I would be a good representation of my school. — as told to Kelcey Norris
