#BetterMakeRoom for KIPP Philly’s Class of 2018!
On Tuesday, May 8, 2018 KIPP Philadelphia hosted its 8th annual College Pennant Ceremony. Each year, friends, family, teachers, staff, and supporters gather to celebrate KIPP Philadelphia high school seniors as they officially declare their college or post-secondary career decision. This year, 115 seniors proudly announced their post-secondary plans, which featured 46 universities, community colleges, and career and technical education training programs.
Meet four members of KIPP Philadelphia’s high school class of 2018, and learn how they plan to make a difference in the world following their journey to and through college.
Khaleanna Ferguson
Khaleanna Ferguson is a graduating senior at KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy. In the fall, she will attend Lycoming College, a four-year, liberal arts college in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Khaleanna plans to study Anthropology and pursue a career in public policy, while fulfilling her passion for art and history as a museum curator.
Willie Smalls
Willie Smalls is a graduating senior at KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy. Willie is proud to declare that he will attend Morehouse College, a historically black college, in Atlanta, Georgia, in the fall. He plans to study Math education and pursue a career as a Math teacher. Willie credits his academic success to KIPP Philadelphia for “providing him the opportunity to experience a high-quality education” and allowing him to “express himself academically and personally” as an emerging leader and student.
Jayda Davenport
In the fall, Jayda Davenport will attend Mansfield University, one of fourteen state colleges within the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Jayda plans to study Early Childhood Education and minor in Business. She aims to one day open a network of daycare programs that educate young children and place them on an early path to academic success. Jayda’s advice to next year’s high school graduating class is “when the going gets tough, don’t stop.”
Todd Jones
Following graduation in June, Todd Jones will enroll in KIPP Philadelphia’s “Embark” program to pursue career and technical education training. Through the Embark program, Todd will receive ongoing career development and coaching support and be eligible for college research and exploration assistance. Todd plans to one day start a business that provides critical services to minority youth in under-served communities, granting them opportunities to avoid roadblocks and keep them on a path towards their potential.
Congratulations to KIPP Philadelphia’s graduating Class of 2018. Better make room, everyone, these brilliant KIPPsters are headed to a college campus, local business, or neighborhood near you!
