Loy Norrix Honors Students for Their Perseverance
Administrators selected two English as a Second Language students for their kindness and adjustment to a new school.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Secondary Education
Loy Norrix High School administrators recently named Essien Faria and Navodit Ghimire as the Football Frenzy Tailgate Students of the Week. Both students are active participants in the school's English as a Second Language program.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the positive impact of perseverance and community support for students navigating the challenges of adapting to a new country. It celebrates how students connect through shared experiences of growth and helping others.
The students are recognized for their ongoing progress in the English as a Second Language program. One student has been in the United States for 3 years while the other moved to Michigan in 2022.
The players
Essien Faria
He is a student at Loy Norrix High School who previously lived in Angola and Brazil.
Navodit Ghimire
He is a student at Loy Norrix High School who grew up in Nepal.
Loy Norrix High School
This is a public secondary school located in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
The details
Loy Norrix High School staff chose Faria and Ghimire to honor their kindness and willingness to assist their peers. The pair share common ground through the school's language program, having arrived in the U.S. from diverse backgrounds including Angola, Brazil, and Nepal.
Timeline
Essien Faria moved to West Michigan in 2022.
Navodit Ghimire arrived in the United States three years ago.
The students were selected as Students of the Week in October 2026.
Culture Shift
This recognition aligns with the National Center for Education Statistics report on English Language Learner enrollment trends. It demonstrates a broader institutional move toward integrating diverse student populations into campus leadership.
This story highlights the values prioritized by the school administration within the Kalamazoo community. Families and students can see how the district identifies and celebrates perseverance among its diverse student body.
The takeaway
Ghimire aims to pursue a career as a pediatrician, while Faria is currently exploring potential interests in law and football. These achievements serve as an example of how setting clear personal goals helps students transition into new environments.
Further reading
For more on local campus updates, see our coverage of Secondary Education in Kalamazoo.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WOODTV.
