Salomeja Ivinskyte came to the United States in the fall of 2002 from Lithuania.  Like many immigrants, she spoke only a little English and was new to the country.  But she had a positive attitude, a rock-solid work ethic, and sunny disposition, all of which put her on the path to success here at Hinsdale South High School.

Even after just a few short weeks, teachers here at Hinsdale South began to notice something different about Salomeja.  We in the Transitional Program of Instruction heard phrases like:  “She’s a bright one.”  “She stands out from the crowd.”  “Sharp as a knife.”  She and other students worked together to practice their English, share their experiences and generally create a strong sense of mutual support and solidarity.  She showed her leadership skills very quickly.

Salomeja was never one to take the easy route.  She took challenging courses, such as mainstreamed biology, accounting and pre-calculus.  In fact, in a few short years, she has accomplished quite a bit.  She has now exited the Transitional Program of Instruction and is currently mainstreamed fully in all her classes.  She is currently involved with Hinsdale South’s Business Work Experience program and has been Student of the Month for the Department of English.  As such she has become a good role model for the rest of the students in the Transitional Program of Instruction, if not the whole student body.

Salomeja is planning on attending C.O.D. this fall.  We are certain that Salomeja will succeed in whatever she chooses to do.