When Canaa Schoffner first walked into Meridian High School as a freshman, she brought with her a lifetime of experiences shaped by movement, change, and new beginnings. Born in Tamms, she spent parts of her early childhood in Georgia and later in Belleville, Illinois, where she attended larger schools. Each move introduced her to new environments and new people. But when her family returned to southern Illinois to be closer to relatives, Meridian became the place where she began to feel grounded.

Now a sophomore, Canaa has spent the past two years building a life at Meridian—one defined by friendships, family, and a growing sense of direction.

Her family is a central part of her world. With a large and close-knit group of siblings, home is always filled with energy. She lives with her parents and two of her siblings, including her younger brother Kael Schoffner, an eighth-grade student at Meridian. Her older sister, Izzy, has already completed her GED, marking another step forward for their family.

At school, Canaa has found something just as important: connection. “What I like about school is seeing a lot of my friends,” she said. “And we have good teachers who act like parents to us.”

That sense of care has made a lasting impression. She speaks warmly about teachers who have encouraged her and helped her feel supported, including Ms. Justice, Ms. Ruiz, and Ms. Jasmine, a substitute teacher whose presence made a difference in her daily experience.

Those relationships help create the kind of environment where students feel comfortable and confident. And for Canaa, that environment has made Meridian feel like more than just a place to attend classes. “It’s a good place to be,” she said. “Everybody’s like family.”

That feeling of belonging extends beyond the classroom and into the activities she participates in throughout the year. Canaa is involved in four different sports: volleyball, basketball, track, and softball. Each season gives her a new opportunity to challenge herself and be part of a team.

Volleyball is her favorite. “I like diving,” she said, describing the moment when instinct takes over, and she commits fully to the play.

That willingness to push herself carries into basketball as well, where she plays on the varsity team. “We had a good team this year,” she said, reflecting on a season that brought growth and shared success.

Track offers a different kind of challenge. Instead of running events, she chose to compete in shot put. “I don’t like running, so I did shot put,” she said with a smile. “I did really well my first year. I hit like three different PRs.”

Softball is another sport she enjoys. In the past, she has played shortstop and right field, positions that allowed her to stay active and contribute to her team. She looks forward to continuing her involvement and building on those experiences.

Her goals extend beyond high school athletics. Canaa has already begun thinking seriously about her future, and she knows the direction she wants to take. “I want to go to college to get my RN so I can be a labor and delivery nurse,” she said.

She has already taken steps toward that goal by signing up for Meridian’s CNA program next year. The program will give her hands-on experience and prepare her for the path ahead. She is also planning to attend nursing school opportunities over the summer, building her knowledge and preparing for what comes next.

For Canaa, Meridian has become more than just a school—it has become a place where she has built friendships, discovered her interests, and begun shaping her future.

After experiencing larger school systems, she appreciates the unique environment Meridian provides. The smaller setting makes it easier to connect with people, build relationships, and feel supported. Each day, she walks into school surrounded by people who know her, encourage her, and stand beside her. It is a place where she belongs.