Jumpstart Spotlight: Meet the Marie Reed Reeders and Langdon Leaders!

Image Courtesy of Francesca Jonica

By Francesca Jonica

This is an independently submitted op-ed for our Quill section. Views and statements made in this article do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Tower.

Last week, we got to meet four Jumpstart members from the Langdon Bubble Guppies group at The Catholic University of America. This week, we’re taking a trip across town to spotlight members from the Marie Reed Reeders and one dedicated member from Langdon.

Marie Reed is a bilingual school that integrates the arts into its curriculum, while Langdon Education Campus serves students from PreK through fifth grade, preparing them to make an impact in a changing world. Jumpstart members bring energy, dedication, and creativity to both schools, making a lasting impression on the children they teach.

Let’s meet Mia Ventura, Cayden Drost, and Ashley Dina from the Marie Reed Reeders, along with Nancy Molina Otis from the Burrough Bumbling Bees.

Meet the Marie Reed Reeders

Mia Ventura, a freshman international business major from Hyattsville, Maryland, is passionate about giving back to her community. A fan of R&B music, she first heard about Jumpstart through friends and was eager to get involved. For Mia, the most rewarding part of Jumpstart is spending time with the kids and seeing the excitement on their faces when the team arrives in the classroom.

“I also enjoy team bonding and building new friendships with my peers,” Ventura said.

Cayden Drost, a sophomore electrical engineering major from West Haven, Connecticut, joined Jumpstart to help kids and make a positive impact in their early education. A fan of rap music, he first heard about the program through a previous member and was eager to get involved. For Cayden, the most rewarding part of Jumpstart is building meaningful relationships with the children.

“My favorite thing about Jumpstart is making connections with the kids during session,” Drost said.

Ashley Dina, a sophomore nursing major from Bowie, Maryland, brings a special energy to Jumpstart. A fan of alternative R&B, she joined to help children and has found the experience deeply fulfilling. For Ashley, working with kids is more than just a job—it’s personal.

“I love working with kids, it heals my inner child to see kids happy,” Dina said.

Meet Nancy Otis from the Burrough Bumbling Bees

Nancy Molina Ortiz, a sophomore at Catholic University majoring in International Business with a minor in Philosophy, discovered Jumpstart at the university’s job fair. Drawn to the opportunity to work with children, she quickly became involved in the program.  

“I love seeing how the kids grow, learning new things, and meeting new people here at CUA,” she shares.

Originally from Washington, D.C., Nancy also enjoys Latin music and is passionate about making a positive impact in the community through her work with Jumpstart.

From Marie Reed to the Burroughs, these Jumpstart members are making an impact in classrooms and beyond, shaping young minds while forming friendships and lasting memories. Their dedication to education and service shows the heart of Jumpstart’s mission.

Want to meet more inspiring Jumpstart members? Stay tuned for next week’s spotlight!