Around the Schools
School Success Coordinator an 'Unsung Hero' at Rainier Beach High School
Xaila (pronounced Shī – lǎ) Lewis remembers the student she helped keep from dropping out of high school.
“She was an absolutely pleasant student – but she never went to class. I stuck with her. I got her to start going to class. Then we created a success plan,” Lewis said.
Lewis recently received a letter from that student, announcing that she will be attending Eastern Washington University in the fall.
It’s those kind of success stories that make Lewis’ day. It has also earned her the respect of students, teachers and principals at Rainier Beach High School – along with an “Unsung Hero’ award from the Communities in Schools national organization.
Lewis’ formal title is School Success Coordinator for Communities in Schools of Seattle. Basically, her job is to work with Rainier Beach students and teachers to close the achievement gap and bolster the graduation rates of students who are in danger of dropping out.
'Unsung Hero' recognized for her work in supporting students
The organization recently recognized Lewis for her hard work and unrelenting passion at Rainier Beach, where she has helped and saved the lives of dozens of students by providing advice, encouragement, academic support and resource information.
She will receive the “Unsung Hero” award this fall in Washington D.C., in addition to a $1,000 honorarium to be used at Rainier Beach.
Lewis admits that her job keeps her on her toes each day with a regular flow of students dropping by her office seeking help or advice. “Each day may bring on a different task or challenge” she said.
Although she often times deals with students who face insurmountable barriers, their strength, tenacity, and spirit drives her to continue her work every day.
“I know the work I do is only a drop in a bucket of what needs to be done to make sure our students succeed in school and life … but I truly and sincerely believe they need as many adults in their lives telling them that they can succeed, and providing the tools and resources. That is what I've resolved to do," she said.
Life experience helps students
Lewis knows from experience what it’s like to struggle through high school.
“I went through some traumatic events in my life that turned me into a terrible student. I wasn't able to focus on school and stopped going to class. No one reached out to me,” she said.
Lewis went through several high schools and, at one time, attended an alternative high school. It wasn’t until after graduating and becoming a single mother that she eventually started to turn her life around.
“I really wanted to be a good mother … and a good role model for my son,” she said.
Struggling to make ends meet, Lewis started attending college while holding down a full-time job.
In 2003, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Humanities from Eastern Washington University carrying a 3.9 grade point average. She is now working to obtain a master’s degree in School Counseling at Seattle University.
Lewis said she is honored by the award but wanted to turn the focus on the students at Rainier Beach.
“There’s always a reason why students are struggling. Some people don’t take the time to listen. We just need to listen. Students are constantly being talked to and told what to do. I'm here to listen,” she said.
Co-workers, students see her passion
Shira Rosen, Executive Director of Communities in Schools of Seattle, had high praises for Lewis.
Rosen said it is common to see students come into Lewis’ office to talk through a tough situation at home, ask about applying for a college scholarship, or discreetly ask for a new notebook that the student cannot afford.
In Rosen’s nominating letter, she cited a specific example of Lewis helping a student whose parents were underemployed and struggling to make ends meet.
The family of 12 had immigrated to the United States one by one over the years.
“Xaila worked with our connection to Old Navy and was able to secure new clothing for the entire family over the December holiday season. The family was overwhelmed, grateful and now able to have each of their children clothed properly for school,” she said.
Patricia Burgess, a Rainier Beach graduate, was one of the many students who Lewis supported.
Burgess recalled that Lewis went above and beyond her job duties – sometimes even helping with bus tokens and food. “Mrs. Xaila is always prepared, and eager to help us students,” Burgess said.
Story and photo by
Robert Teodosio/Seattle Public Schools