A great addition to the Spartan community, Kaitlyn Schwarz has made a difference in the lives of many people.
Inspired by the people who have seen her grow, Kaitlyn Schwarz took the step to become a great leader by volunteering at Monaco House, a group home that houses three of TJ’s special needs students. “Kaitlyn is wonderful with our special needs kids. She always tries to teach them as much as possible,” said TJ Special Ed Paraprofessional Breanna Lucero.
Schwarz’s interest in helping the Monaco House began because of her sister’s job there, which inspired her to make a difference in the lives of people in need. After beginning volunteering she also decided to work with the special needs students here at TJ. “I help in Ms. Repensek’s classes as her assistant; we work individually with each of the kids. We try to teach them to be independent,” said Schwarz.
In the classroom she brings a smile to the kids’ faces, and knows just how to make their day. “Kaitlyn is supportive, positive and very active with the kids. She works one-on-one with a lot of them. Knowing their weaknesses and the things they love to do, she tries to direct them with the morning activities, which can be hard for someone not trained for it,” said Elizabeth Repensek, one of TJ’s Multi-Intensive Severe Special Education teachers.
As a freshman in high school, Schwarz volunteers at the Monaco House and occasionally at the Dumb Friends League. She also finds time to dedicate to her friends and classes. “Kaitlyn is a great friend. She is really smart, really good at school and just a very nice person,” said Meghan Kristen, one of Schwarz’s childhood friends.
An art student and an AVID participant, Kaitlyn is glad to have found classes she loves spending time on at TJ. “I wouldn’t consider myself an artist, but I have to say I’m a pretty good painter,” she said. Kaitlyn also likes the dedication that the teachers at TJ put into their work. “The teachers are determined to teach and help all of their students; this is one of the reasons why I’m glad I came to this school,” added Schwarz.
Schwarz is also deeply involved in the Heritage Christian Center Church. Every Wednesday and Sunday she goes to the church with her sister and her two cousins. “We’ve recently begun going to church. I wouldn’t consider myself a very religious person, but going to church gives me a good feeling,” said Schwarz. During the time she spends at church she likes to attend the teen classes where she plays trivia games and participates in other similar activities. Along with many other interests, religion is a strong subject which she is currently learning about.
Having a great interest in forensic science, Schwarz plans to pursue a career in this field when she finishes high school. She has a personal connection to the profession. “My grandmother was involved in a forensics case after her death. Thanks to her, another case was solved,” said Schwarz. Her personal experience inspired her to learn more on the subject and want to help other people involved with cases similar to her Grandmother’s.
On top of spending time learning about religion and forensics, she also loves to read a good book. Mysteries and action stories are what catch her attention the most. “I really like reading Kevin Brooks mysteries and similar mystery stories,” she said. Kevin Brooks writes detective and murder mystery novels, both of which attracted Kaitlyn’s attention to his work. Being a busy person, she thankfully still finds time to read.
As a student, a volunteer and a community leader, Kaitlyn Schwarz has found a great place to spend her high school years. Having worked hard with Kaitlyn, Breanna Lucero feels comfortable saying, “Kaitlyn does so much yet she finds time to make our days great. She is always there for our students, and that makes a real difference.”
