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A ‘self-applied learner’

Franklin student is dedicated to her studies

T-R PHOTO BY SARA JORDAN-HEINTZ Vdaleen Neuan, center, a third grader attending Franklin Elementary School, has come a long way in her reading, writing and English skills. She has made two years of growth this school year. Here, alongside teammates Emma Clawson, left and Skyler Jordan, she reads lines from a skit.

Perseverance. This is the word nine-year-old Vdaleen Neuan’s instructors use in describing her personality.

The student, who is a third grader attending Franklin Elementary School, started her academic career with limited understanding of English, as she is a native Lao speaker.

Instructor Leiah Craun spends 30 minutes each day reading with Vdaleen.

“She has made two years of growth this school year, and I see her not needing specialized instruction much longer, but it’s nothing I did — it’s her work ethic. She is a self-applied learner. She’s not afraid of the hard work it takes,” Craun said.

The child receives some assistance in strengthening her English skills from ELL (English Language Learner) instructor Francis Strand.

“She is such a hard worker, and we’re so proud of her progress. I’ve worked with her since first grade and she knew some English. She has gone from simple sentences to more details,” Strand said.

Vdaleen is also a good math student, and positively contributes in class.

“She always does the right thing, and I appreciate it,” said homeroom teacher Angie Pietig.

In her free time, the third grader hangs out with her parents and six sisters. She is a fan of the game UNO. She participates in a Wednesday church club.

Looking to the future, the child could see herself becoming a doctor.

“I want to be a doctor because I want to help people like others have helped me,” she said.

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Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at 641-753-6611 or sjordan@timesrepublican.com

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