K-12 Student Updates
Celebrating the achievements of elementary, middle, and high school students inspired by Dr. Mendenhall's work and mentorship programs.
Elementary
Middle School
High School
Featured Stories
Science Fair Winner: Water Quality Research
Maya Johnson • King Elementary School
Maya conducted a research project on water quality in her neighborhood, inspired by Dr. Mendenhall's community health research. Her project tested water samples from local parks and presented findings to her school board, leading to improved water fountain maintenance.
Documentary Project: My Neighborhood's History
Jaylen Williams • Unity Middle School
Inspired by 'What's Left Behind?', Jaylen created a short documentary about the history of his neighborhood, interviewing elders and collecting photographs. The project was featured at the school's Black History Month celebration.
Genomics Research Internship at UIUC
Aaliyah Thompson • Urbana High School
Aaliyah participated in a summer research internship at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, working alongside Dr. Mendenhall's team on the Genomics of Slavery Project. She presented her findings at the Illinois Junior Academy of Science.
Science Fair Winner: Water Quality Research
Maya Johnson • King Elementary School
1st Place - District Science FairDocumentary Project: My Neighborhood's History
Jaylen Williams • Unity Middle School
Featured at District Arts FestivalGenomics Research Internship at UIUC
Aaliyah Thompson • Urbana High School
Accepted to MIT Early ActionPublished Young Poet
DeShawn Carter • Booker T. Washington Elementary
Published in Young Voices Anthology
Community Health Fair Organizer
Imani Davis • Franklin Middle School
Principal's Leadership Award
Youth Advocacy for Gun Violence Prevention
Marcus Robinson • Centennial High School
Youth Advocate of the Year - Champaign CountyShare a Student Success Story
Know a K-12 student who has been inspired by Dr. Mendenhall's work? We'd love to feature their story.