Page 13 - August 2019

Ari Young: Teaching From The Heart

story by NAKEISHA THOMPSON photo by PAUL NURNBERG
A rriel T. "Burns" Young was born on for education, I knew that

teaching was the direction I
June 6th, 1984 to Sheryl Burns-
Calloway and Gregory Winkfield
wanted to take."
Sr. in New York City, New York.
her Master of Education
At three months of age, her family relocated She later received
to Beaufort, South Carolina, where she spent degree from Grand Canyon
her life thus far. Arriel (Ari) considers herself University. Her teaching
"a true product of Beaufort County School journey began in 2015 at
District", in which she attended Beaufort what she states is "the best
Elementary School, Lady's Island Middle school ever, Broad River
School and Beaufort High School where she Elementary School". Under
graduated with the class of 2002. She is a the leadership of Constance
devoted wife to Brandon Young, mother of Goodwine-Lewis, Principal
two, Brielle and Peyten, and servant in the and Jamie Allen, Assistant
Beaufort County community. Principal, Ari continues to
After completing her high school devote herself to the students,
education, she attended the University of administrators, co-workers
South Carolina at Aiken, where she earned and parents at BRES. She
her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology considers it a great honor
with a concentration in Human Services. and privilege to call herself
Following graduation, Ari relocated back to a "Starfish" where she
Beaufort and devoted five years of service teaches 2nd and 3rd grade
as a Career Counselor at the SC Works students in the dual language
Office in Beaufort, South Carolina. (Spanish Immersion)
After working closely with the children program. Ari was awarded
in her family and teaching basic reading the BRES Teacher of the year
and math skills, she felt a great level of because of her commitment,
excitement when their light bulbs turned on dedication, and leadership her spare time, she loves traveling with her
as they grasped newly taught concepts. that has had the most positive effect on family, reading different genres of books,
From that moment she knew that she her students and their academics. Broad shopping and her newest passion is crafting
wanted to make more of an impact in her River Elementary School is one of the two and creating personalized T-shirts, plates
community by teaching and inspiring others. elementary schools in the Beaufort County and other items.
This inspired her to go back to school to School District that offers the Language In her own words, "I am looking forward
become a teacher. When asked what her Immersion program, which provides to representing my school as the 2019-2020
passion is, Ari states "considering my love students the opportunity to learn a second Teacher of the Year." Two of her favorite
language (Spanish or Chinese) starting quotes that she often shares with her students
as early as Kindergarten. BRES language are: "Mistakes are proof that you are trying"
immersion program is in its 10th year and and "Be the change that you want to see in
has had great success stories from students the world"- Ghandi.
and families. According to the Beaufort In preparation for the new school year,
County School District website, BRES has Ari encourages parents to continue to
been recognized as a US Healthier School, assist their children with summer reading,
Palmetto Achievement Awards for overall problem solving, and critical thinking. She
achievement and closing the achievement recommends students to use the following
gap, as well as, making AYP multiple years. online sites to keep their skills fresh: Storyline
Along with the dedication of being an Online, StudySC, ExactPath and ABC Ya! Ari
impactful teacher, Ari is also a member of prides herself in being able to give back in a
the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated way that is life-changing and academically
where she actively participates in community impactful. She is a proud BRES Starfish, and
service activities throughout Beaufort a true competitor at heart. This year her 3rd
county such as: Storks Nest activities, Back grade class won the tug of war contest at
to School Expos, Thumbs Up volunteer, the 2018/2019 school Field Day. Ari, Mrs.
and more. Mrs. A. Young, as her students A Young is looking to make this school year
call her, is also a devoted member of the one that is fun, educational, impactful and
Beaufort County Educator's Association. In mind-opening for her students.

www.BeaufortLifestyle.com | August 2019 13