Chrystal Westerhaus is the Founding Principal at United Schools of Indianapolis, Avondale Meadows Middle School.

“I interpret Surge being a movement and not a program. I believe that the Surge Academy fosters leaders looking to not just make an impact but also make a change. I have always felt that I want to be a part of a change for people that look like me, but I often feel alone in my thinking. I tell myself that by being a founder of a school, I am leading a small movement, but I am hungry for something bigger. I want everyone to know how great and capable our children are, all of our children are. I want our children to have the educational experience that they deserve.”