“Trinitie has overcome so much, and I tell her all the time how amazing she is. It would be completely understandable if she constantly got in trouble or participated in delinquent behavior. Instead, she has utilized her resources to turn tragedies into stories of triumph and used every setback to fuel her success.” -Olumide Aje, BS, CISNT Site Coordinator, Ryan High School
Trinitie, a 12th-grade student at Ryan High School, has been in the CISNT program for six years since she attended Strickland Middle School. She has overcome insurmountable odds to get to where she is today. Through all of the challenges she has experienced, CISNT has been vital in providing stability. Mr. Aje, CISNT Site Coordinator at Ryan High School, helped to establish CISNT as a safe space on campus. Trinitie has utilized the CIS room to decompress, making it easier for her to continue attending school during difficult times. Trinitie utilizes wraparound supports from the CIS program to foster healthy coping after a recent loss, help her process emotions, and gain the tools to be at her best daily. 
Trinitie has also participated in a CIS college & career readiness group for the last two years. She attended a CISNT field trip to local colleges and universities in the area, which prompted Trinitie to seriously consider attending an institution of higher education. In October, Trinitie entered the CIS office elated after receiving her first college acceptance letter. She soon broke out in tears, stating, “I never thought I would ever be someone that went to college. I wasn’t even sure I would be alive to graduate from high school.” With support from CISNT, Trinitie will not only graduate from high school but will be the first person in her family to attend college.
In addition to her active involvement in CIS, Trinitie is a RHS Strutter Drill Team leader who is dedicated to her studies. Amongst her teammates and classmates, Trinitie uses her own experiences to show her peers that she is a living example that they can and will get through life’s obstacles. Trinitie continues to break down barriers, inspiring all who cross her path.
Way to go, Trinitie! We are proud to call you the 2024 CISNT Secondary Student of the Year!
Watch her video, crafted by Mixed Media Creations, here.
