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.
Aishah, KIPP DC Somerset College Preparatory
What have you loved most about your KIPP DC high school experience?
I love coming to school everyday and see my teachers and friends.
What words of encouragement or wisdom would you give to KIPPsters of all ages?
Always follow your heart and dreams.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I want to attend college
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to be in my career field as a medical assistant.
Andre, KIPP DC College Preparatory
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
My favorite teacher is Mr. Brown. He has always lead by example and been a role model.
What has been your greatest accomplishment at KIPP DC?
My character growth.
What words of encouragement or wisdom would you give to KIPPsters of all ages?
Remember to work hard but always have fun.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on going to college.
Taylor, KIPP DC College Preparatory
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
My favorite teacher is Mr. Bratton because the class is fun and engaging and the work we get applies to real life and it’s not just “busy-work.”
What has been your greatest accomplishment at KIPP DC?
My greatest accomplishment at KIPP DC has been bringing up my grades even more.
What words of encouragement or wisdom would you give to KIPPsters of all ages?
The words of encouragement or wisdom I would give to KIPPsters of all ages are to keep working hard.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans after graduation are to go to college for Entrepreneurship and Computer Science.
Aniya, KIPP DC Somerset College Preparatory
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
My favorite teacher is Mr.Farid because he always pushing me beyond my limits and teaches me life lessons along the way. Every day he teaches you something new, no matter if its about school or if its a life lesson.
What has been your greatest accomplishment at KIPP DC?
Taking at least 1 AP class.
What words of encouragement or wisdom would you give to KIPPsters of all ages?
Be True to yourself never give up and ALWAYS push for greatness.
What are your plans after graduation?
I want to attend college after graduation.
Ma’Shia, KIPP DC College Preparatory
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
My favorite teacher is Ms.Moore because she understands me and she helps me a lot with school and home situations as well.
What have you loved most about your KIPP DC high school experience?
Never giving up even when it got hard.
What words of encouragement or wisdom would you give to KIPPsters of all ages?
If you put your mind to it you can do anything.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend college after graduation.
Kyla, KIPP DC College Preparatory
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
Ms. Jenna Kane because she was just a fun person and someone I could come to personally. I love her.
What have you loved most about your KIPP DC high school experience?
The field trips and making friends.
What are your plans after graduation?
Go to college, major in journalism and communications and minor English.
What words of encouragement or wisdom would you give to KIPPsters of all ages?
Never give up! Sometimes you may feel the pain and stress and want to quit. But don’t, because in the end it’s worth it
Tynasia, KIPP DC College Preparatory
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
My favorite is Ms.Keys because she has taught me so much with dance and she treats her Dance Ensemble as if we were her actual family.
What has been your greatest accomplishment at KIPP DC?
Being able to keep my grades up in school because it wasn’t easy.
What have you loved most about your KIPP DC high school experience?
I have loved the people that I have met at KIPP DC from the students to the teachers.
What are your plans after graduation?
I want to go to college for business for four years then go to community college for two years for culinary arts.
Regina, KIPP DC College Preparatory
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
My favorite teacher is Mr. Knight because I had him for all four years of high school and he’s just the best.
What words of encouragement or wisdom would you give to KIPPsters of all ages?
Stay strong it’s all worth it in the end!
What are your plans after graduation?
I want to go to college and major in criminal justice.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself in a courtroom being a big time lawyer
Erin, KIPP DC College Preparatory
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
Mr. Manuel! Mr. Manuel’s teaching skills were on another level. He really made seemingly boring lessons into appealing lectures. I’ve never had a teacher actually make me WANT to do my work no matter how hard it was. He was popular among students and many thought highly of him. Mr. Manuel definitely deserves my utmost respect. He is truly an amazing teacher.
What have you loved most about your KIPP DC high school experience?
The friendships and moments I have created, whether good, bad, or embarrassing.
What words of encouragement or wisdom would you give to KIPPsters of all ages?
Take it easy, Your mental health is more important than your school work. Teachers are human too and they will be understanding and grateful that you decided to confide in them about your issues. They’re ultimately there to help and better you!
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m planning on attending Chaminade University in Hawai’i
Amoni, KIPP DC College Preparatory
What have you loved most about your KIPP DC high school experience?
I’ve loved the effort put into extracurricular activities. When things come together at KIPP DC it really is a beautiful setting.
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
My favorite teacher is Mr. Bratton because he has no cut cards. I appreciate how he engages us like young adults.
What has been your greatest accomplishment at KIPP DC?
My greatest accomplishment would be making it to my senior year.
What are your plans after graduation?
I want to go to college to pursue my dream of being a doctor.
Chaiya, KIPP DC College Preparatory
What has been your greatest accomplishment at KIPP DC?
Having over a 3.0 gpa my whole high school years.
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
Mr. Corbin and Mr.Ferguson because they are both understanding people who will admit if they’ve made a mistake. Also they’re strict in a fun way.
What are your plans after graduation?
I want to go to college and major in psychology.
What words of encouragement or wisdom would you give to KIPPsters of all ages?
Just keep pushing!
Dariyah, KIPP DC College Preparatory
What have you loved most about your KIPP DC high school experience?
The people that i have meet and the teachers.
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
My favorite teacher is Ms. Loveridge because she always checked up on me and made sure I was caught up with my work. If I wasn’t she would help me. She was also someone I could talk to if I was upset.
What words of encouragement or wisdom would you give to KIPPsters of all ages?
Always focus on your work and be true to yourself!
What are your plans after graduation?
I want to attend college and become a neonatal nurse.
Donnell, KIPP DC College Preparatory
What have you loved most about your KIPP DC high school experience?
Being able to talk and communicate about anything to any adult in the building. It’s outstanding and they show the real definition of staying strong and family.
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
My favorite coach is Mr. Walker because he is always there to give that extra push when it’s needed and he always make sure I finish strong.
What words of encouragement or wisdom would you give to KIPPsters of all ages?
Your time will come, stay humble, have fun and make sure you give it all you got and never quit!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself being successful and doing what I love in life.
JaKayla, KIPP DC College Preparatory
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
Coach Wade because she believed that I could better each season of volleyball and outside of volleyball. Coach Disalvo he knew the real me and was the first teacher I opened up too; along with Mr.Pitts they believed in me when I thought I couldn’t do it. Mr.Laws even though he left his spirit was always beautiful like he was really like a father or uncle figure who you could talk to him about anything and everything. Lastly Mr.Garcia because he pushed me and was a remarkable teacher!
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend college after high school.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Having an apartment or house. Starting to move forward into my last years from college into becoming an psychiatrist.
What is a pro-tip you want to leave with the rising senior class of 2022?
It’s okay if you don’t completely who you are yet.
Miara, KIPP DC College Preparatory
What has been your greatest accomplishment at KIPP DC?
Being accepted into the National Honor Society.
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
Mr. Knight because he really knows and understand his students and he looks at situation from both sides.
What are your plans after graduation?
I want to attend college after graduation.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Either in the military or having a family in a house outside of DC. Just taking advantage of life and traveling.
DeQuan, KIPP DC College Preparatory
What has been your greatest accomplishment at KIPP DC?
My greatest accomplishment is making the dean’s list 11th grade.
Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?
My favorite teacher is Mr.Thomas because he doesn’t sugar coat anything and he always tries to push you to your full potential.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend college after graduation
What words of encouragement or wisdom would you give to KIPPsters of all ages?
I know the work may seem like it is overwhelming but just keep going don’t give up. And it’s ok to take a break and enjoy high school once in a while make sure you cherish the little things out of high school because you only get to be in high school once.
