Jaden Roberts doesn’t wait for the world to come to her. A freshman at iSchool High of Hickory Creek, she is constantly looking to make a difference. Four years ago she launched an annual toy drive called Toys For Sick Kids. Since then, she has donated 3,500 toys to Children’s Medical Center, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and Our Children’s House. This year alone she has donated 2,600 toys through her drive.
She was inspired by her mother, a childhood cancer survivor, who often told her how much better a toy made her feel.
“Laughter and smiling I believe really help get you through things in life, and that’s why toys are so important,” said Jaden.
Jaden applies the same focus to her school work at iSchool High, a ResponsiveEd charter school with a mastery based program. The school allows her to work at her own pace and manage her own time.
Currently in her first year at iSchool High of Hickory Creek, she has already completed her freshman year credits and is presently working on her sophomore year credits.
Next year she plans to begin iSchool High’s dual credit courses. She hopes to graduate from high school with her associate’s degree through the early college option iSchool High offers its students.
“I want to be a dietitian, so graduating with my associate’s degree will allow me to earn my certification in four years instead of six,” said Jaden.
Jaden’s father, Jeremy Roberts, agrees that iSchool High has been a great option for his daughter.
“[Jaden has] loved it. She likes that once she masters a concept she can move on. It has been neat to watch her excel, honestly,” said Mr. Roberts.
The iSchool High program has allowed her to take on more responsibility for her education. Preparing her for college classes, she has found coaching her fellow students has helped her master concepts.
“Teachers [at iSchool High] encourage students to tutor each other. We help each other, this really allows us to take ownership of our work,” said Jaden.
Jaden is involved in activities in and out of school. She is a member of yearbook club and is class president. Outside of school, Jaden is an actress, dancer and a philanthropist.
Jaden has started a website for her annual toy drive for individuals to donate online. For more information on Jaden’s story or how to donate, visit her website www.toysforsickkids.com “ ` `
