An initiative of Ottawa Elementary School District 141
If you asked Maggie Wiegman’s friends to describe her, they would probably say that she is really smart. “That’s what most people know me for,” Maggie says, in a self-assured but softspoken way. She’s not bragging, merely stating a fact. She doesn’t really like to talk about it unless someone else brings it up, but she actually skipped a grade and is one of the youngest eighth-graders at Shepherd Middle School, at 12-years old.
Maggie
Wiegman
Meeting Challenges,
Exceeding Expectations
Being younger than your peers can sometimes lead to difficulties in social and interpersonal interactions, and inquisitive minds are always in danger of becoming disengaged if not exercised enough. But Maggie hasn’t experienced any of the issues that can sometimes crop up when students skip grades. “I feel very challenged with the advanced classes that they’re providing here at Shepherd, and I’m really happy with the friends I’ve made in this grade,” she says.
Among those advanced classes is Algebra, taught by Mrs. Sherrie Martini. “The way she explains math really makes sense,” says Maggie. Language Arts and Writing are also among her favorite subjects. “So, Dr. [Christine] Quinn is definitely one of my favorite teachers,” she confides. Maggie also keeps her mind sharp as a member of Shepherd’s Scholastic Bowl team.
It’s not all academics for Maggie though. “I’ve been singing for almost as long as I can remember,” she says. She finds an outlet for that talent as a member of the choir, where she also finds a comfortable camaraderie with her fellow choir students. “I love the people [in choir],” she enthuses. “They’re all super nice and supportive. It’s not super competitive.” She not only sings, but Maggie is also a budding thespian and enthusiastic member of the Drama club. “I’m really looking forward to the play, because I was in it last year,” she says. “It’s probably the highlight of my day when I get to go to drama practice after school.”
As poised, mature and confident as Maggie is, she understands that she wouldn’t be the person she is today without the support and guidance of her parents. She appreciates the way that they are always there for her and her younger siblings, Charlotte and Jude. “My mom works really hard to keep the house clean and keep everyone behaving. And, she does this on top of working from home,” Maggie says, adding “She just does a really good job of taking care of everyone. My dad is super important to me, too. He teaches me so much every day.”
Although she is still young, looking into the future, Maggie can see a fulfilling life taking shape. By age 24, she wants to either have graduated from college, or maybe be in graduate school. The University of Illinois is her top choice right now, because that’s her mom’s alma mater. “I’ve been to their campus, and it looks so nice,” she says. She would like to have her own apartment, or maybe a small house, and will probably stay in the Ottawa area. As for a career after school is finished, she is considering the teaching profession, probably due to the positive influence of the educators of OES 141. She’s got plenty of time to explore her options and chart a course that’s right for her, though. But, no matter where that course may lead, there’s no question that the Ottawa Elementary School District is helping her acquire all the tools she needs to make a success of whatever she takes on.