Çisem Kaço from Türkiye is the YES Student of the Month
The YES program proudly announces Çisem Kaço from Türkiye as Student of the Month. She was placed in Kenilworth, Utah, and attends Carbon High School in Price, Utah.
Çisem Kaco has been dancing her way through her program year, both literally and figuratively. Çisem’s love of dance has allowed her to share her culture and connect with her community. She included traditional dancing lessons in her International Education Week presentations, taught dances to extended family members at a family Thanksgiving dinner and even demonstrated a Turkish dance to a church congregation.
When she isn’t dancing, Çisem has enthusiastically embraced every aspect of life in Utah during her exchange year. At home, Çisem cooks meals weekly and contributed traditional food to her host family’s Thanksgiving dinner. Host mom Belinda says: “It has been a joy to host Çisem and watch her achieve the goals she has set for herself this year. She pushes herself outside her comfort zone, asks questions, and makes things happen for herself. Her enthusiasm for life and adventure is really something special.”
At school, Çisem is a member of the 4-H Teen Council and is currently preparing to perform in the school production of Treasure Island. She maintains straight A’s and especially loves her Fashion Design class. Çisem tried a new sport, wrestling, and was a featured "Athlete of the Week." She loves the natural beauty of Utah and enjoys river rafting, hiking, star gazing and camping.
She volunteers with Carbon Caring for Kids, making weekend meal kits for children, and helped with the Christmas Light Parade, painting life-size donkeys and sheep for an award-winning float. With over 80 hours served already, she’s well on her way to achieving 100 hours of community service. She has made many friends and is a great example to her peers, sharing her culture enthusiastically as an ambassador of her country.
Congratulations, Çisem!