2nd Grade Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Teacher in Chicago, IL
William H. Ray Elementary School
2025-26 Fellow: Cynthia A.: “I have been teaching for almost 29 years at the same school in Hyde Park. I first became interested in the Pilot Light Fellowship after working with A Seat at the Table in partnership with the Evolved Network initiative. I am most looking forward to exploring and experiencing different types of food with my students that are reluctant to try new food items because of how it looks or smells. I was born in Accra, Ghana and came to Chicago in August of 1977. I’ve taught First, Second, and Third Grade students all at Ray Elementary School over the past 28 years. I love to travel, be out in nature, and spend time with my friends and family. I also enjoy reading, exercising, and cooking. I received my bachelor’s degree from University of Illinois at Chicago and my master’s from DePaul University.”
Favorite Food Education Standard: FES #5: Food Impacts Health.
The standard that resonates with me the most is Food Standard 5: Food impacts health. This standard resonates with me for several reasons. Eating properly keeps your body and mental capabilities healthy. Fresh food provides you with nutrients your body needs to maintain muscle tone, strong bones, skin elasticity, and proper immune support. Fresh foods are also good and if you’ve been eating them as long as I have, your body will crave them if you stop eating them. Few years ago, when I met my now husband, he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. He was given several medications which made him sick. After research I found that his condition can be maintained with proper nutrition. I cleared out his refrigerator and cabinets of canned food items and processed foods. On the weekends, I prepared baked proteins and fresh vegetables. Soon after he was temporarily taken off the medications.
A Favorite Food Memory or Recipe:
My favorite food memory is from my childhood. On birthdays, when I was young your parents would get a fresh chicken on your behalf and cook it with fresh vegetables and spices. Everyone will gather in the family compound and celebrate with you. Eating fresh chicken is a very special treat when I was growing up, because meat was expensive. The flavor of fresh chicken and the joyous feeling of being with family and friends has always made my birthday special. Fifty some years later, I’m still remembering the excitement.
What I’m Most Excited About as a New Fellow:
I’m excited for the opportunity to expose children to handling food and having children make decisions on their behalf.
