Jeston Savage soars in learning
Not only is Philadelphia Elementary School student Jeston Savage learning valuable lessons inside the classroom, but outside as well.
After being nominated to represent his school and community at the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Pathways to STEM in Houston, Texas, for July of 2024, the tenacious fourth grader successfully raised the $2,745 tuition through various sponsorships, proving Ms. Penelope Saxton, his second-grade teacher right.
Ms. Saxton previously said, “I nominated Jeston because he was an eager learner in my class. He showed he could work well with others, think critically while problem-solving, and, overall, had a hunger for learning.”
Savage’s parents couldn’t agree more, but despite the belief and assurance of his parents and teachers, no one could have possibly predicted the outcome of his family’s journey to STEM.
Through hard work and dedication, Savage was able to round up a substantial amount of support from numerous friends, family, and community members. He even extended the news of his academic ambitions by hosting a yard sale and four fundraisers.
During these events, he offered his fellow Philadelphians food plates ranging from hamburgers to fried fish and pulled pork sandwiches alongside a variety of sides, drinks, and desserts.
Savage could be seen on Holland Avenue at the top of the lunch hour, promoting his sign and shouting, “Hot burgers, hot fries, and cold drinks” down the one-way streets of Philadelphia to reel the donations in, and he didn’t stop there.
He went on to garner support from local and surrounding businesses such as the Neshoba Youth Coalition, Noah’s Ark Learning Center, The Junior Auxiliary of Louisville, Community In Action, Kademi, Steve’s On The Square, Tanya’s Threads Monogramming, The Southern Butcher, Deals, The Porterhouse, Blake’s Seafood, Tootie’s Country Buffet, Neshoba County Co-Op, Philadelphia Utilities, GlassWorx, and Elite Collison & Automotive Accessories.
Before they knew it, Savage and his family were gearing up and getting ready for a trip to Space City. Still, soon after taking off to make new memories, the family realized that a relentless Hurricane Beryl would determine how, after arriving in Houston at the same time.
Having to navigate damages to their Airbnb as well as the city’s power outage due to the storm, the fourth grader learned how to remain positive in the face of disappointment after the decision was made to ultimately cancel the summer program as the concerns for weather conditions rose.
Savage’s experience led him to understand that life can be unpredictable, and that it is our job to remain steadfast in our Faith while choosing to never give up on our goals or ourselves.
Having to make the best of what turned into a stormy family trip, the sun finally began to shine again for the Savages. Shortly after the unexpected cancellation, they received news of his tuition being transferred to the Summer of 2025.
Creating an unforgettable memory for the 9-year-old, Savage will not only continue his journey to STEM but was able to choose his own destination, and with much consideration, he and his family will be heading to Boston, Mass. for STEM ’25.
After sitting down with the deserving student to discuss his recent success, Savage said that he is most excited to learn more about engineering.
“When it comes to engineering, you have to build things and create things,” he said. “A lot of people say that I am very creative, and I do like to build things. I’m focused on building robots, and I want to see the other fields, too.”
On behalf of Jeston Savage, the Savage family said they would like to thank each person, business, and organization that has contributed to his academic portfolio, passions, and career goals.
NYLF Pathways to STEM will provide him with an environment where he can engage with likeminded students while expanding his understanding of leadership, develop and practice leadership skills, advance his knowledge of empathy, and gain a deeper awareness of self.
He will also have the opportunity to explore a future in three different STEM pathways: medicine, engineering, and crime scene investigation (CSI).
“We would like to take time and express our sincere gratitude,” said his parents, James D. and Shanequa Savage. “Your donations, support, and belief in our son are deeply appreciated. We are excited to continue strengthening and sharing Jeston’s future ambitions and successes with you as we remain focused on growth and development. Thank you!”