Mrs. Meribel Swank, Wendell High School’s new ESL teacher, brings a rich background of academic excellence and leadership to her role. Originally from the Philippines, she graduated cum laude from St. Louis University, where she was both the debate captain and yearbook associate editor of the School of Education. Her dedication to learning and community involvement began early—she graduated valedictorian in elementary school while serving as student council president. In high school, she showcased her creativity and passion for the written word as an active member of the school paper, playwright of an original school production, and composer of her class graduation song.

Since 1999, Mrs. Swank has impacted countless students at the middle school, high school, and tertiary levels, both in her home country and in China. Her professional drive for academic excellence is underscored by her extensive credentials, including a TEFL certificate from Thailand and TEFL-C and TEFL-C Advanced certificates through Columbia University.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Swank is a technology enthusiast who enjoys computers. She loves JC, Superman, photography, leisurely walks, badminton, biking, listening to Christmas, Christian, and Chinese songs, drawing, swimming, and spending time with family and friends. She cherishes the memory of her late husband, and finds joy in her contemplative eldest son, Angelo Miguel, a Physics-Engineering student at BYU-Idaho; her cat-loving, soccer-playing 8th- grade son Jorel Joseph (JJ); and her artistic, water-loving 4th-grade daughter Meri Joel (MJ).