Read More ...

Why did you choose CICS-Wrightwood? 

My parents chose CICS Wrightwood for me because it was a neighborhood school where they had the opportunity to choose  what was best for me-a school where its curriculum is tailored to the community and student's needs. They also chose Wrightwood because there was a sense of community from teachers and staff and more importantly, the academic support available to succeed inside and outside of the classroom.

What were your favorite classes at CICS-Wrightwood?

My favorite class at Wrightwood was 5th-grade science. I can remember the first day of class-just like it was yesterday. My teacher taught me all about the microscope and how to use it-that鈥檚 when I fell in love with science!  I remember asking my teacher so many questions about the microscope and the amazing things you can do with it. This ultimately led me to enter into the science and medical field as a college student and now as a medical school student at Loyola University's Stritch School of Medicine. 

Describe the campus culture you experienced at CICS-Wrightwood.

At CICS-Wrightwood, the campus culture was clearly making sure every student felt valued and appreciated. This is what stood out for me and my family-the  sense of community and feeling valued! 

Were you part of any extra curricular activity and what did you enjoy about the CICS campus? What made these experiences so enjoyable?

I participated in flag football and band. My involvement in these activities were so important to me because I enjoyed the competition of football, and I was excited to accept the challenges associated with learning to read musical notes and play an instrument;especially in front of an audience. These extracurricular activities have taught me the importance of competition, but also to be disciplined. 

Did you have a mentor, teacher or other staff member at CICS-Wrightwood who inspired you? 

Yes. Mr. David Lewis who was the School Director/Principal, played an instrumental role in my childhood experiences at Wrightwood. He always made sure the students realize their true potential; he personally encouraged me to go beyond the norm. Every day, he reminded us that we were truly valued and appreciated. These are words that still echo in my head today.

How did CICS-Wrightwood help prepare you for your future education and career goals?

CICS Wrightwood instilled the importance of self-discipline in me at an early stage of my education. This is a great skill to have and I learned how to apply it throughout my undergraduate college career, and even now in medical school.

Share an experience from your time at CICS-Wrightwood that was especially memorable. 

One of my most memorable moments at Wrightwood was my 8th-grade graduation where I was the school鈥檚 first valedictorian. That moment was truly a special one because our graduating class was the first from CICS-Wrightwood (Class of 2009). We started our journey at CICS-Wrightwood when we were in the 5th grade back in 2005. I am proud to say that my class paved the way and established a culture of family focus and excellence at CICS-Wrightwood. I will always consider Wrightwood a critical part of my childhood memories.

Keven Stonewall Jr. graduated from CICS Wrightwood in 2009. He is one of three siblings who attended CICS Wrightwood. After high school, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2016, and currently attends Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine.

Why did you choose CICS Wrightwood?

School choice is important for my parents, so they chose for me to attend CICS Wrightwood because of its location, family-oriented culture, and intentional educational curriculum. My sibling and I were some of the first students at CICS Wrightwood when it first opened.

Read More ...

CICS Northtown Academy, Class of 2014
Northeastern Illinois University, Class of 2018

My name is Yadira Alonzo and I am 18 years old. I graduated from CICS Northtown Academy in 2014, and I am currently a full-time student at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU). I grew up in Mexico, then moved to Albany Park in 2007.

Read More ...

CICS Ralph Ellison, Class of 2011
Ohio State University, Class of 2015

I鈥檓 the first in my family to attend a four-year university. I grew up on the south side of Chicago in a single-parent household鈥攊t was just my mom, my younger sister, my older brother, and me. My mom has been an accountant for over twenty years, and she鈥檚 been my number one influence. I attended CICS Ralph Ellison from 2007-2011, and one of the things I appreciated the most was the familial atmosphere. All of the teachers at CICS Ralph Ellison played vital roles in my education and made me motivated to succeed. My principal, Dr. Wilson, was an important part of my progress鈥攕ince he and I came from similar backgrounds, he served as a very positive black male role model for me.

Read More ...

CICS Basil, Class of 2007
CICS Ralph Ellison, Class of 2011
Howard University, Class of 2015

My father is a carpenter, and my mother is a police dispatcher for the city. They鈥檙e both from the South Side. My father went to trade school, and my mother is in college now- she decided she wanted to go back to school and get her degree. She and I will graduate at the same time, actually.

Read More ...

CICS Longwood, Class 2014
Kennedy King College

CICS Longwood graduate LaCrese Smith was recently featured in The Chicago Defender for her part in a student delegation from Kennedy King College, which is up for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. LaCrese and other Kennedy King students spoke with the Aspen team about Kennedy King鈥檚 work preparing students for future college and careers. In this profile, she shares her college experiences, future goals, and how she keeps her younger siblings on track.

Read More ...