Episode 7: Independence with Rhianna Russell

 Welcome everyone to the next episode of Provo City School District's “What's Up With The Sup” podcast. I am Superintendent Wendy Dau. We have a great episode this week. I am talking with Rhianna Russell, a student at Independence High School. She will be talking about all of the great programs and opportunities at Independence High School, as well as talking about her Native American heritage. I will also be talking with Principal Jacob Griffin, who will discuss with us why Independence might be a great option for many of our students here in Provo City School District. But first, we can't forget our updates. Here we go.  September 15th through October 15th is Hispanic Heritage Month. I hope you will stay tuned for a future podcast episode where we talk with one of our LIA groups at one of our secondary schools. A reminder that the contest for students to design a find your swing pin is officially here. Students can submit their best artwork representing the find your swing theme from the book, The Boys in the Boat, to have a chance to have their design be on the pin. Artwork can be turned into the student's school's main office by Wednesday, December 13th, 2023. This is the last week to apply for free and reduced lunch meals for school. This process needs to be completed annually within the first 30 days of school. If you have questions about how to do this, please contact our child nutrition department or visit our district website where we have a step-by-step guide on how to apply. The next school board meeting will be an all day meeting on Friday, September 29th. Meetings like this are all day study sessions and they allow the school board to discuss items in a little more detail. The meetings are open to the public and broadcast on YouTube.  The Foundation's Links for Kids Golf Tournament will be held on September 28th. If you are interested in participating, please visit foundation.provo.edu. And you might find me riding around in a golf cart on that date if you want to come and hang out. Weekly video cast from the superintendent every Friday. Look forward to one coming this Friday. And now a shout out to United Way. They sponsored our day of caring and provided several different projects at different schools. Some of which were fixing up playgrounds. Others were volunteering in classrooms. We just very much appreciate our great relationship with the United Way here in Provo City School District.  Also a shout out to student Eliza Doxey. She is a Timpview high school senior and student body president, and she is America First Credit Union's scholar athlete. And now let's get to our podcast for today. Our guest today is Rhianna Russell. She is an 11th grade student at Independence High School. She is active in the community with Indigenous and Native American events. She may be a little bit shy, but she also has a lot of important things to say, and to share with us.  She has participated in sports and other groups at Independence. She is very thoughtful and thinks deeply about things. Last year, she and another student worked hard on a podcast on an issue that was important to her and to her Native American community.  We also have Jacob Griffin, who is Independence High School's principal. He is the one that connects us with Rihanna Russell, and has some great insights as to why Independence High School might be a great choice for many students. Wendy: Thank you and welcome Rihanna to our podcast.  Rhianna: Thank you.  Wendy: So first, tell us about your experiences in school prior to you coming to Independence High School.  Rhianna: Okay, so at Provo High, my number one struggle was going to class and being there every day. And the number one reason why it was hard for me to show up to class was because I'm a very anxious person and it's pretty hard for me to be around a lo