At Butler College Prep, success isn’t just about academics. It’s also about how students lead, speak up, and show up for others.
Rising seniors Tatiana Criss and Amira Todd reflect the growth that’s possible when young people are supported in discovering who they are and what they stand for.
Their leadership—rooted in empathy, quiet strength, and conviction—is shaping not only their own futures but also the communities around them. Read more about their high school journeys:
Tatiana Criss
Tatiana surprises her sophomore English teacher, Lauren Roe, as she is dressed up as Velma from Scooby Doo on Halloween.
“Success isn’t just about what you achieve, but how you achieve it.”
Tatiana has learned to balance ambition with empathy, a combination that helped her overcome early challenges in high school. Adjusting to high school life was not just about grades for her—it was about social growth. Determined to become a leader and find her voice, she wanted to confront the challenge of public speaking by taking on leadership roles at Butler, including becoming a student ambassador and joining the Student Advocacy Council and the National Honor Society this year. She mentions that, as a student advocate, she realized that you had to communicate well with others, create ideas and plans, and most importantly: “You have to be patient and aware of what you’re saying.” In these roles, she came to understand that her voice, her words, and her perspective matter.
“I believe that knowing how to articulate your thoughts is a big role in being a leader. It’s hard. It takes practice, it takes time, and it takes patience, especially when your thoughts are all jumbled up and you’re in a room of people who don’t fully know you. I’m learning to appreciate my abilities, and I now realize how much of an accomplishment it is to simply speak out in front of a group of people. This accomplishment helped me grow as an individual by making me confident within my own voice.”
– Tatiana Criss, upcoming 12th grader, Butler College Prep
Anthony Holiday, one of her peers, appreciates the ways Tati shows up.
“Tati is outspoken and is the type of person who can’t move on unless she understands something… that’s something that I really value from her. She’s very easy to communicate with; she’s not someone who is too stubborn or standoffish. Tati knows how to control the room, and that’s what makes her a leader in my eyes,” Anthony said.
Tatiana attributes much of her transformation to her teachers’ support and encouragement.
“My teachers have inspired my journey by showing me what I was capable of. There have been many times in high school when I didn’t feel as if I was smart enough, or I just simply didn’t understand an assignment, and they would just show me another way to solve the problem or give me another perspective on the situation. Honestly, all of my English teachers in high school have challenged me and made an impact, and I can’t thank them enough for doing so,” Tatiana said.
In many ways, Tatiana’s story reflects how the right guidance and internal motivation can help a student overcome their doubts and find their voice. This theme of self-discovery and personal growth is also echoed in Amira Todd’s high school journey.
Amira Todd
Amira’s humble yet powerful approach to life has made her someone others can rely on. Her kindness opens doors, making her approachable and respected by peers and mentors alike. While Tatiana has learned to overcome her fear of public speaking, Amira describes that her challenges have been rooted in her ability to express her emotions openly and with integrity.
“I believe the integrity I carry myself with sets me apart. I have had countless experiences where so many adults were shocked and amazed by my ability to say a simple ‘thank you’. I hold kindness, fairness, and virtue dear to me. I have always led with my heart. It is my heart that gave me the passion to help others and has led me through so many situations.”
– Amira Todd, upcoming 12th grader Butler College Prep
Amira’s commitment to living by her values has not only helped her build strong friendships but has also led her to take on leadership roles within her community. She recognizes that it’s her heart—her innate sense of compassion—that has made her a natural leader.
“This deep sense of empathy is the foundation of my personal growth and guides me in moments of challenge,” Amira said.
Anthony, also one of Amira’s peers, admires her quiet, steadfast support.
“She’s like a silent killer— she gets her work done, she stays to herself, but when you talk to her, she’ll always give you the information that you need. I think that, although she is calm and subtle, she’s always going to advocate for those who don’t understand or just keep to themselves,” Anthony said.
It was through the support of her teachers that Amira realized her potential and how her creativity and emotional intelligence could positively impact others, both within the classroom and beyond.
“Teachers have inspired me by pointing out different strengths. Whether it be in electives such as drama and dance, or English and history, all of my teachers have pointed out traits that I never knew I possessed. They gave me insight into how {these strengths} impacted me and showed in my work,” Amira said.
Tatiana and Amira show that true success goes beyond goals—it’s about knowing one’s place in the world and using empathy, kindness, integrity, and resilience to move forward and uplift others. In a turbulent world, they lead with heart and purpose, reminding us that even in uncertainty, there is hope. Students like them are not only shaping their own futures but also the world around them with capable, compassionate hands. As they step forward into the next stage of their journeys, the world will undoubtedly be better for it.
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