Graduation celebrations took place throughout the month of June at our nineteen community-based, alternative high school campuses. This post features some of the accomplished young women who were the valedictorians of their classes.
Association House High School
Lilianna Lozada demonstrated hard work and perseverance as she excelled in STEM studies that displayed a truly remarkable aptitude for robotics and coding. She feels strongly that these fields of study will benefit immensely from the increased enrollment of female students. Lilianna plans to continue to develop her skills in these areas as she enters the Chicago City Colleges next fall.
Academy of Scholastic Achievement
De’Armonie Lee has without reserve shared her love of education with her peers at ASA, family and friends. She takes pride in her awards for citizenship, perfect attendance and the honor roll. The educational needs of young children is a priority for her, as she intends to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education at the City Colleges of Chicago starting this coming fall.
Aspira Antonio Pantoja High School
Gladys Duarte has always combined a strong positive attitude alongside a deep passion for learning. Whatever the circumstances may be, she strives to meet, and even exceed, the academic goals set before her. Accepted at both the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in Pennsylvania, as well as Northeastern Illinois University, she is thoroughly confident that she will be successful at whichever university she chooses.
CCA Academy
Stephanie Young has consistently earned honors during her academic career at CCA as well as excelled in student leadership – leading her peers on camping trips and the restorative justice team. Last fall she participated in a program sponsored by Chicago Women in Trades. This summer Stephanie and her family are relocating to Mississippi where she will pursue a career in brick masonry.
Innovations High School of Arts Integration
Sihan Hussein was born in war-torn Ethiopia and emigrated with her family first to Somalia, then alone to the United States in search of a better life. She enrolled in IHS in September of 2015, where she gained English and academic proficiency, enabling her to become the recipient of the Jim Stone Scholarship Award and Valedictorian of the Class of 2017. After graduation, Sihan has chosen to pursue a career in the medical field, enrolling at Malcolm X College with the goal of becoming an ultrasound technician.
Charles H. Houston Alternative High School
As the president of the Academy’s Student Council, Janice King is an acknowledged student leader. Somehow, while excelling academically in school, Janice also managed to work full-time at Macy’s Water Tower store. This fall she begins her studies at Clark Atlanta University where she will major in finance.
Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Puerto Rican High School
Anna Martinez has an impressive litany of academic and leadership successes on her resume. Her proudest accomplishment, however, is as the new mother of a beautiful baby girl. In the fall, Anna will attend Wilbur Wright College of the City Colleges of Chicago where she will begin her baccalaureate studies.
Truman Middle College High School
Valedictorian Jasmin Hernandez graduated with distinction and advanced placement college honors. Jasmin’s passion for learning was sparked by her insatiable curiosity and her love of reading, especially in the field of sociology. This fall Jasmin begins her studies at Harry S. Truman College.
It’s really amazing what accomplishments can be achieved with even the smallest amounts of support from community and government. Really inspiring stories, hope these kids have scholarships to continue their educations!