Meet Three Incredible Members of the James Ward Elementary Class of 2025

Meet Yi Hui, Payton, and Chase, three soon-to-be graduates from the James Ward Elementary School Class of 2025! These students are known for their involvement in their school community, passion for student voice, natural leadership, work ethic, kindness, and integrity. After graduating from James Ward Elementary, Yi Hui will be attending Whitney Young Magnet High School, Payton will be attending De La Salle Institute, and Chase will be attending Thomas Kelly College Prep. Yi Hui, Payton, and Chase have already accomplished so much throughout their academic careers, and we can’t wait to see the amazing things they’ll do in high school. Get to know them more below!

What are some of your interests inside and outside of school?

Yi Hui: Civics and math are my favorite subjects. Outside of school, I like to participate in sports, culinary arts, having fun with my friends, and sleeping.

Payton: I like to learn a lot, and I like math when I’m good at it! I also play volleyball and softball, and I really like interacting with my classmates in and out of the classroom.

Chase: At school, I like doing math, P.E., and science. When I’m not in class, I like going outside, hanging out with my friends, and playing basketball.

What are some of your favorite memories from your time in elementary school?

Yi Hui: Definitely our end-of-year field trips! In seventh grade, we went to Louisville, and this year, we’re going to Washington, D.C. Another highlight is our Field Day, which is when we go to Armour Park on the last day of school; get popcorn, cotton candy, and snow cones; and hang out with our friends.

Payton: My best memory is winning the Illinois Student Invention Convention for our invention, the Posture Princess! We are going to nationals, and I am really excited. Our seventh- and eighth-grade trips are also highlights for me. These memories all involve teamwork and togetherness, which make them great.

Chase: My biggest highlights have been playing basketball with my team, as well as our Louisville trip last year because I got to have fun with friends and teachers outside of school.

How have you grown over the course of elementary school?

Yi Hui: I’ve grown a couple of feet overall! In all seriousness, James Ward has taught me that you’ll never know if you like something if you’ve never done it before, and I’ve learned the value of exploration, growth, and fulfillment.

Payton: I’ll admit that I’ve made a lot of mistakes in elementary school, but I’ve honestly grown from them. Mistakes show me how I can improve myself and do better in the future by seeing what I’ve done wrong and making those improvements each step of the way.

Chase: I’ve also made many mistakes that I’ve gotten to learn from. I think it’s honestly helped prepare me for high school, made me more of a leader, and even helped me become more positive about myself.

What is one lesson you’ve learned that you’ll be bringing with you into high school?

Yi Hui:  A lesson I’ve learned from all of my teachers is the never-ending fight to become a better person. My teachers have shown me that education doesn’t always end at 2:45, and my friends taught me that I can still have tons of fun while learning.

Payton: One lesson I learned from my math teacher is that I should never give up on myself. When I first started algebra, I was very stressed out about it and I didn’t know what to do. I would get really frustrated seeing everyone else improve while I stayed at the same place. But I worked really hard every single night, and now I’m passing my algebra tests. Never give up!

Chase: One amazing lesson I learned from my teachers was to never change yourself to fit in with someone else.

What advice do you have for younger students?

Yi Hui:  A piece of advice I would like to share is that a boat doesn’t sink because it’s surrounded by water, it sinks when the water gets in. Don’t let what’s happening around you get you down.

Payton: Be a leader and have your own opinions. As you get older, the more you realize that your opinions do matter. If you’re a follower, you might end up changing yourself to fit in with other people.

Chase: My advice for younger students is to be yourself and try your hardest.

What are you looking forward to the most in high school?

Yi Hui: I’m looking forward to being able to drive. My first stop after getting my license is probably going to be McDonald’s. In school, I think I want to go down the engineering path and learn more about architecture and design. I also want to refine my piano skills.

Payton: I’m excited to play softball. I put a lot of time and effort into sports, and I hope by my sophomore year I’m on the JV or varsity team! In the future, I might want to go into either education as a P.E. teacher or sports medicine.

Chase: I’m most looking forward to driving, playing varsity basketball for Kelly High School, getting good grades, and going to college right after!