From looking back on their academic journey to this point, to looking forward to embarking on new journeys and career, hear from the class of 2021 in their words as we celebrate their accomplishments in our ongoing Seniors Speak Series.
What have you loved most about your KIPP DC high school experience?
I loved the field trips and bonds I made.
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
One of my favorite teachers is Mr.Knight. He has helped me grow as a student, especially in Math. Our class has become a family we can reach out for help to one another anytime despite any differences.
What has been your greatest accomplishment at KIPP DC?
My academic growth and my ability to push through remote learning with good grades.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to go to college as a full time student or join the Air force.
What words of encouragement or wisdom would you give to KIPPsters of all ages?
HYou can do anything as long as you put your mind to it. Be the best you you can be. All the hard work will be worth it in the end.
Damoni, KIPP DC College Preparatory
What have you loved most about your KIPP DC high school experience?
That we have supportive teachers and administration that always keep us on the right track.
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
My favorite teacher would have to be Mr.Ferguson. I met him 9th grade and he’s just been one of my favorite teachers. He has always pushed me to work hard and is a teacher I know I always can go to.
What has been your greatest accomplishment at KIPP DC?
One of my greatest achievements is participating in the dual enrollment program at both UDC and Trinity where I studied personal finance and psychology.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to go to college, major in nursing and start my career right after college.
What words of encouragement or wisdom would you give to KIPPsters of all ages?
To enjoy your years in school and do your work.
Steven, KIPP DC College Preparatory
What have you loved most about your KIPP DC high school experience?
The environment and being able to have fun with my friends.
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
Ms.Beck was my favorite teacher and still is. She is more like family than a teacher. She has always looked out for me and believed in me.
What has been your greatest accomplishment at KIPP DC?
Having over a 3.5 GPA all 4 years of my high school career.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend college to major in structural engineering.
What words of encouragement or wisdom would you give to KIPPsters of all ages?
Be the best you can be at all times.
Kayla, KIPP DC Somerset College Preparatory
What have you loved most about your KIPP DC high school experience?
I enjoyed attending the sports events. They were really fun.
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
Mr. Marvin. Although he didn’t teach me this year he has been my favorite teacher.
What has been your greatest accomplishment at KIPP DC?
One of my greatest achievements is being invited into the National Honor Society.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to go to college to continue my education.
What words of encouragement or wisdom would you give to KIPPsters of all ages?
Don’t stress yourself too much. Everything moves at its own pace. Work hard but don’t overwork yourself.
Naima, KIPP DC College Preparatory
What have you loved most about your KIPP DC high school experience?
Participating in Theater.
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
My favorite teacher would have to be Mr. Knight.
What has been your greatest accomplishment at KIPP DC?
Joining theater and starring in two plays including In the Heights and Newsies.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to go to college and major in business management.
What words of encouragement or wisdom would you give to KIPPsters of all ages?
Do your best, focus, don’t let others distract you,
Nakayla, KIPP DC College Preparatory
What have you loved most about your KIPP DC high school experience?
Seeing how I’ve grown. Being able to hold my 4.0 even when things get harder each grade. Also some teachers and people I met were helpful.
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
No favorites but the teachers who taught me the most and helped me grow I appreciate because I learned new ways of tackling texts, problem solving, essays, AP tests, even how to take these things beyond that year of high school to the next or beyond.
What has been your greatest accomplishment at KIPP DC?
Getting a 5 on the PARCC for English. Passing the computer science AP test. Being able to have the highest score of my class for Anet in 10th grade. All A’s. Not giving up. Highest grade in Spanish 1 1oth grade year. Passing musical theater ninth grade. Being able to handle being apart of taking advanced math since ninth grade. National Honors Society. Track practice in ninth grade even though there wasn’t a team then. Being a soccer manager. Helping others when work was hard and fixing my own mistakes as well.
What are your plans after graduation?
I want to attend a four year college and possibly in Economics or social work
What words of encouragement or wisdom would you give to KIPPsters of all ages?
Make every year count. YOU are in charge of how you start and how you finish. The most important years of high school include all FOUR YEARS. ALL. Do not slack off. Do not let your friends influence you to do other than great. Also keep people you care about in track while keeping yourself on track. Carry your weight the most and show them an example of being great and on top of school. Don’t do work at the last minute.
