Distinctive Schools is buzzing with excitement, pride, and a touch of bittersweet farewells as we celebrate our incredible "Step Up" ceremonies across our campuses! This special time of year marks significant milestones for our youngest learners, our transitioning middle schoolers, and our high school seniors ready to conquer the world.
From our adorable Kindergarten graduates taking their next big step into elementary school, to our 6th-grade CICS Lloyd Bond students preparing to tackle middle school, and the confident strides of our 8th-grade scholars as they prepare for high school, each ceremony is a testament to growth, learning, and the strong communities our schools have built. We've watched our students grow as learners and individuals, and their curiosity, resilience, and joy inspire us every day.
And to our remarkable graduating seniors —this is your moment! Our seniors have navigated challenges, embraced opportunities, and honed skills that will serve them well in college, career, and beyond. We've seen them continue to grow into confident advocates, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative leaders. The Class of 2025 exemplifies the diverse paths our students forge, with 99% of CICS Longwood High School seniors graduating and securing over $40M in scholarships!
Among our graduates is Aalisha Mays, CICS Longwood High School’s Valedictorian, who heads to the University of Illinois on a full ride to double major in Communications and Psychology with a minor in Sociology. Aalisha credits CICS Longwood for fostering relationships and teaching life lessons, advising future students to "try your best, no matter what's happening in your life—your attitude toward success is everything."
Brice Green, CICS Longwood High School’s Senior Student Council VP, is turning his passion for technology into a career, pursuing cybersecurity through the Year Up Chicago program. "It’s good that I see a job that I have a passion for and I can do it," he shares. Brice shared that CICS Longwood, "set me up for success by teaching me different life lessons and building genuine connections... just talking to people takes you a long way." He highlights how Senior Seminar and college trips, including one with a cybersecurity program, helped solidify his path. His advice? "The sky's the limit—you can do anything that you think you can do. Just keep pushing because time doesn’t stop for anybody."
For La’Keyia White, who played volleyball for two years, her entrepreneurial spirit shines through. She'll attend NIU to study Entrepreneurship, focusing on expanding her business selling clothes, eyelashes, and keychains, noting Ms. Campbell in ONEGOAL helped her set goals and find programs that pushed her toward college. Her key advice: "Stay true to yourself, always do your work on time, don't procrastinate, and stay focused."
As each of our incredible students step out into the world and turn to a new chapter in their lives, we know that they carry the spirit of Distinctive Schools with them. We can't wait to see the incredible impact they'll make.
Congratulations to all our stepping-up classes! We wish you all the very best on your next adventures!