ACES Faces Feature: Meet Hazel

Hazel is a 7th grader at CPA who brings creativity, curiosity, and a love for fun facts (and fun field trips!) to ACES every week. Since joining the program in the middle of last year, she’s grown her knowledge of both math and sports. She’s always ready to try something new, especially if it involves a pool noodle and a little friendly competition.

A Sporty Spin on Learning

When asked how she’s grown through ACES, Hazel says: “I know a lot more about sports and random facts, like volleyball goes to a score of 25.” It’s that mix of play and learning that keeps her coming back. “It’s fun and I get to be with my friends and learn math and sports,” she says.

Hazel loves the way ACES makes academics exciting by tying them to movement and games. “Sports are fun, and it’s kind of boring if you’re just doing math,” she says honestly. At ACES, fun and focus go hand-in-hand.

Memories That Stick

One of Hazel’s favorite ACES memories? A rainy-day field trip where the journey was just as fun as the destination. “We went bowling and went on a cool Coach bus when it was raining and the view was really cool,” she remembers. (There might have been a movie, too—Coco, maybe?)

These kinds of experiences aren’t just fun—they help create a sense of connection, belonging, and adventure that makes learning feel fresh and exciting.

Fencing, Anyone?

If Hazel could design her own ACES lesson? She’s got it all planned out: “We could do fencing with pool noodles and have matches. I know how to fence! I’m not that good. I don’t know the rules really, but I know how to play.” En garde!

With her creative ideas, quick wit, and love for learning alongside friends, Hazel is a shining example of what ACES is all about: engaging students, building confidence, and having a blast while doing it.

We're so glad to have Hazel on the ACES team, and we can't wait to see where her curiosity and energy take her next!