Academic All-Star – Ayla Clark, Lipscomb Elementary

Published February 4, 2020

Lipscomb Elementary student Ayla Clark isn’t letting dyslexia hold her back.

The fourth grader is proof that hard work and perseverance can make all the difference. That’s one reason why teachers and administrators at LES named her this year’s Academic All-Star.

“Ayla is a joy to have in class,” said her teachers. “She is a wonderful friend and classmate. Ayla puts 100 percent effort into her schoolwork every day and perseveres through even the toughest assignments. Her work ethic and attitude make her a leader in our classroom.”

Ayla credits the teachers at Lipscomb with much of her success.

“Miss Colasso and Miss Hudson are my reading specialists,” said Ayla. “They help me with my dyslexia a lot. They work on it with me and give me the tools I need to be successful.”

The hard work is paying off as Ayla recently made straight A’s for the first time. Ayla even says her two favorite subjects are social studies and reading.

“I like history a lot, and I enjoy learning about the wars,” said Ayla. “I like to read books that are challenging so I don’t feel left out. Some of the kids are reading Harry Potter, but I’m glad I can read on the level I do.”

Outside of school, Ayla can often be found playing soccer.

“Soccer is my favorite sport,” said Ayla. “I like my team and my coaches. It’s really fun because we always cheer for each other on the sidelines. When I grow up, I want to play on the USA National soccer team.”

Ayla also wants to be a nurse when she gets older. Until then, she says she’ll keep doing all of the things that got her to where she is today.

“I’m very proud of myself,” said Ayla. “I’ve been trying for so many years to get this award, so I’m really happy.”