Peace Ikediuba: Don’t Knock Yourself out of the Game

“At a certain point in my life I stopped thinking about college because I knew I couldn’t afford it and it didn’t seem logical to even put myself through the process,” reflected Peace Ikediuba, an Ánimo South Los Angeles Charter High School alumna.

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Why This Founding Green Dot Student Came Back to South LA

Daisy Estevez, a social studies teacher at Ánimo Mae Jemison Charter Middle School, became a teacher in hopes of changing the lives and trajectories of students. Estevez was inspired by her teachers at Ánimo Ralph Bunche Charter High School (ARB) who helped change her life when she was a founding student in 2006.

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How Marching Band Changed This Alumnus’s Life

Band

“The Locke band has given me a purpose,” reflected Danny Velasquez, Alain LeRoy Locke College Preparatory Academy alumnus. “It’s made me more appreciative of music, taught me a sense of responsibility, and has really shown me the importance of collaborating with others.”

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Ánimo Compton Reignites Students’ Love for Learning

Compton

“When Brianna Chavez began attending Ánimo Compton Charter School in her seventh grade year she was shocked at how different it was from her previous school. “I was in world history class and I was stuck on an assignment and my teacher just came up to me and said ‘Do you need help?’

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Hillcrest Senior ‘Gives Her Best Shot,’ and Lands a Basketball Scholarship

Chancey Jackson, a Hillcrest High School alumna, is heading to Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville, Mississippi in the fall on a basketball scholarship. Reflecting on her senior year, Jackson is proud of the strong season she and her teammates had. The Lady Vikings were 14-0 this season, and were the top ranking team in the district.

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How This Student Grew Eight Grade Levels in English in Three Years

English

“Before coming here I couldn’t wait until the school day was over. Before coming here I would catch up on homework in my other classes and not pay attention,” recalled Klein Sanchez, a senior at Oscar De La Hoya Ánimo Charter High School (ODLH). “I just didn’t care, but being here it was like, ‘I have to get my grades up, I have to graduate, and get accepted into college.’”

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