On the surface, Libby appears to be a typical elementary student. She reads, plays with her brothers, and loves to travel with her family. On the weekends she hangs out with friends, plays basketball and munches on her favorite Israeli salty snacks, Bamba & Bissli. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll see why Libby is the perfect role model for our TK-8th grade students.
Libby was born and raised in Israel and recently joined Kavod Charter School when her mother’s work at a computer company brought her to San Diego. She’s bilingual and has spent a large part of her so-far short life exploring the world. In Hebrew, Libby means my heart which is one of the first clues to why we chose her to be our mascot.
Libby exemplifies what it means to be a Kavod explorer. She is compassionate, embraces new ideas and people and has an infectious zest for life and learning. She works hard and doesn’t give up when things are hard. Get to know more about Libby in our recent interview with our favorite mascot!
Why are you the best for the job of mascot at Kavod Charter School?
Just like Kavod explorers, I love to travel the world, learn new languages and explore other cultures. I speak Hebrew and English fluently and I’ve recently been teaching myself Arabic. Volunteering in my community is very important to me – I love to read books to children and visit animal shelters. Family is also very important to me. My grandmother says I am a great helper. My big brother, Nadav, says I have a growth mindset because I don’t give up easily and my parents say that I am kind and respectful to everyone I meet.
What is your favorite thing about representing Kavod?
Every day I get to see our youngest explorers embrace challenges, learn from mistakes and try, try again. They love to learn and it inspires me! I also love how connected and open our community is – learning languages and about other cultures has made Kavod a welcoming place for everyone. We are all connected!
Walk us through a day-in-the-life of Libby.
I am a morning person (I know, I know, most 12 year olds aren’t). I get up at 6:00 a.m. to read the newspaper and see what’s happening in the world. Then I have tea and a small pastry and get ready for school. After school, I typically eat a healthy snack like veggies and dip and do my homework. I also help my mom take care of my little brother, Yossi.
On Mondays, I volunteer at an animal shelter with my big brother to take care of animals, clean the cages and play. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I volunteer at the foodbank in my neighborhood. Sometimes, on Sundays, our family will read to young children in a shelter.
We eat dinner as a family around 6:00 p.m. We love sharing about our day and talking about the news around the world. After dinner, I take a shower, read a book and go to sleep.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I have big plans! Being at Kavod has opened my eyes to all the things I can do in my life. After high school, I want to do a gap year in Israel and volunteer in a kibbutz. Then I want to go to college (maybe in a different country?) to study the world and begin a career that inspires young adults to make an impact. My parents say I would be a great diplomat, but I’m also interested in becoming a professor at a university.
What does a mascot do on a day off?
I love traveling, especially if there is a beach close by! My family has been lucky to visit places like Hawaii, Jamaica, Aruba, Cancun, Israel. When we travel I love to eat local food, visit an art museum and wander the city to soak up the culture.
I also love to hang out with Mundo on my days off, sometimes at our fabulous San Diego beaches. Mundo is from Mexico and his name means the world. We both love to explore new places and learn about other cultures. He is even helping me to learn a little Spanish!
Who inspires YOU?
Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani girl who stood against the Taliban for the right to education is an inspiration. She taught young people that they can stand up for their rights and beliefs.
Read any good books lately?
My mom and I recently read The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Edith Eger. It’s a memoir about surviving the Holocaust and finding courage and strength in suffering. It was sad but very moving and inspiring.
What would you like to tell the explorers of Kavod?
Life is a continuous journey of learning. Embrace every opportunity to expand your knowledge, not just within the confines of classrooms but in every aspect of life.
Seek wisdom from experiences, be curious, and cultivate a hunger for knowledge that transcends the boundaries of formal education.
Your abilities are not fixed; they can be developed through dedication, hard work, and resilience.
Treat others with empathy, understanding, and consideration. Each person you encounter is on their unique journey, facing their own challenges
Libby can usually be spotted at school events and visiting our classrooms to bring a little joy and inspiration to our explorers. She never fails to offer a helping hand and she loves meeting new students. If you want to join in the fun, we’re enrolling new TK through 8th grade students for Fall 2024.
About Kavod
Kavod is a tuition-free public charter school in San Diego committed to growing the next generation of bilingual, globally aware leaders who will make the world a more respectful place. We offer modern Hebrew and Spanish to diverse TK-8th graders alongside a rigorous curriculum, the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, and enriching electives. As a small, non-religious elementary and middle school, we are consistently ranked as a top 10% charter school in California and the nation. Kavod means respect – we believe respect makes a world of difference. Enroll with Kavod today!
