STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Palmer Elementary School 4th Grader Roxanna Grande Gomez
Uses her voice to uplift others
Posted: March 25, 2026
Roxanna Grande Gomez always takes the extra moment, whether sharing a kind word with a classmate in the hallway, translating for a teacher or listening when an ear is needed.
The fourth grader has attended Palmer Elementary School since kindergarten. School staff describe her as a role model who “leads with kindness, shines with intelligence, honors her culture, and stays true to herself.”
Grande Gomez is bilingual and one of her strengths is being able to learn and communicate in both English and Spanish. This allows her to connect with more people and celebrate different cultures.
“Because sometimes other kids don’t know other languages, so I just like to help out,” she said.
She’s an outstanding student, with her favorite subjects being Virginia studies because it allows students to learn history and related arts because of the variety of subject matter covered. As NNPS students participate in the Every Day Counts attendance contest this month, it’s noted that Grande Gomez has missed just one day this school year.
“The more I go to school, the more I get smarter,” she said.
Palmer is a great place to learn because teachers make learning fun and help student understand their lessons when extra attention is needed, according to her.
Grande Gomez is soft-spoken, inquisitive and always eager to engage with others. She brings her friendly smile, positive attitude and best effort to every school day.
It’s very important to Grande Gomez to treat others with respect, listen carefully and show empathy.
“So people are shown not to bully,” she said. “I like being kind because it makes me feel happy, and I’m proud of how I’m kind to people.”
Grande Gomez enjoys participating in the WeLeap after school program, saying it helps students with their upcoming Standards of Learning tests. In February, she had a speaking part in presenting Palmer’s Black History Month program and spoke about Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Virginia.
This shows courage, leadership and pride, according to school staff. Standing up to share knowledge and honor history of another culture takes confidence and heart, they added. It shows she understands the importance of using her voice to uplift others.
At home, Grande Gomez likes to spend time outdoors and often plays soccer and volleyball with her brother and sister.
She’s confident in who she is and isn’t afraid to think differently, try new things and stand out in the best way, according to school staff. That kind of individuality makes a school community stronger and more vibrant.
“She’s a true Palmer Panda through and through,” said Erin Weaver, reading specialist.
Visit Student Spotlights on the Newport News Public Schools website.
