Honoring our Great-Hearted Veterans: Destiny Yahola

On this Veteran’s Day, we are privileged to count among our faculty and staff the men and women who have worn the uniform of our nation’s armed forces. Their courage, discipline, and devotion to service embody the same virtues we cultivate in the minds and hearts of our students.

Destiny Yahola is a first-grade lead teacher at Great Hearts Roosevelt. But previously, she was military police – Master at Arms 3rd class (MA3) in the United States Navy for four years. “I was in Bahrain for two years and Souda Bay Greece for two years before ending my contract,” she explained.

Yahola said she initially joined the military because of a sense of duty. “But I also wanted to serve my country and that drive has not left me,” she shared. “I see myself doing the same in my effort to teach first grade. I learned discipline and perseverance when it is most difficult and challenging. I learned that it is okay to struggle through something, it helps us grow. All of these lessons I learned in the military helped since getting out of service but has helped me especially being a teacher. Kids require a sort of adaptability that the military also helped prepare me for.”

On behalf of the entire Great Hearts community, we extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served. Your courage in defense of our country and your continued commitment to forming young hearts and minds inspire us daily. Thank you for living out the virtues that make both a great citizen and a great educator.

Do you have a story or know of one that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org.

Submit a student application to a Great Hearts Academy by visiting: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/.