Sault Ste. Marie

Posted by Grace Noyola on Jun 7, 2018 3:55:41 PM

Feature story: A tale of grit, determination & roots

It’s a grueling process, becoming a pediatric surgeon. The long academic road is competitive, followed by years of practice, incredibly difficult testing, residency, and even more practice. To pursue such a demanding and important career isn’t easy - and it takes grit. Fortunately, charter school alumni and Northern Michigan University (NMU) graduate Zachary Jodoin has grit - and a lot of it. Rewind to September, 2002. Zach was beginning first grade at Bahweting Anishnabe Public School Academy in Sault Ste. Marie. A unique charter that is situated in the Sault Tribe community, Bahweting has helped raise the standard of education for Native American students who had a significant drop-out rate in traditional schools, integrating the Anishinabe language and other cultural elements into learning. Though Zach’s academic career was just beginning, it was clear that this school was setting him up for great success.

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Zachary Jodoin will begin his medical school career next fall at Michigan State University in the highly competitive rural medicine program. 

Finishing sixth in his high school graduating class, he was named the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Most Outstanding Native American Student, earning one of only two competitive spots in the Med Start Program at NMU, and he was named a Bill Gates Millenium Scholar. He then went on to become a McNair Scholar at NMU, which helps academically-inclined students from underrepresented populations pursue graduate study. Next fall, he will be one of only twelve students admitted for medical school in Michigan State University’s Rural Community Health Program.

And while these outstanding accomplishments speak volumes about Zach’s academic drive and resilience, his character is reflected in the many ways he gives back to the Sault community. He regularly volunteers at his old charter school, and works at the Chi Mukwa Recreation Center Summer Program for children, integrating reading, cultural activities and sports into lesson plans for the kids. Once in their shoes, balancing his studies, basketball, and cultural drumming, he is a unique and relatable role model for the students at Bahweting.

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There’s no doubt that Zach will go on to accomplish his goal of becoming a pediatric surgeon, and inevitably overcome even more obstacles,, given his personal determination. By embracing his Native American culture and integrating those elements into his early education, he was set on a path of opportunity and accomplishment - and it all started his very first day of school, at Bahweting Anishnabe Public School Academy. 

More charter impact In Sault Ste. Marie: 

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