Moving Up! and on to New Things
At the 2025 Moving Up Ceremony this May, High Jump held space for a celebration two years in the making. Moving Up is the culmination of two years of hard work for students ready to embark on their high school journey. Held at the Diane and David B. Heller Auditorium at Francis W. Parker School in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, the ceremony serves as the culminating event to honor the hard work of each and every graduating High Jump student.
Cohort 35 began the program in the summer of 2023, following their 6th-grade year. After completing 700 hours of challenging yet rewarding work, students and their families gathered to celebrate this milestone event.
This year’s event featured student and alumni speakers, as well as the distribution of High Jump diplomas, which include a certificate of completion, a photo of a student’s campus cohort, and a gift for graduates. The gift, assembled by our 2025 Benefit Committee, included a notebook, stickers, an inspirational quote memento, and a handwritten note of encouragement.
Throughout their time in the program during their 7th- and 8th-grade years, students have dedicated two summers, numerous school-year Saturdays, and countless hours to building paths full of hope and success for their futures. They’ve grown as scholars and as leaders. They’ve built a community with their peers. They’ve fortified their confidence and found their voices. They’ve explored their existing passions and discovered new ones. And they’ve prepared themselves for high school and this exciting next chapter of their lives.
Following the ceremony, we spoke with members of this 35th graduating cohort to find out what they are most excited about as they embark on this new phase of their educational journey. We asked, “What are you most excited about for high school?” Here’s what some of the students had to say:
“Sports! Sports, and friends. I’m thinking of getting back into martial arts, that’s my main sport. For sports in school, probably track and volleyball.” – Kali, Cohort 35, Lab Campus
Anthony, whose younger sister will be joining High Jump’s 37th cohort this summer, said, “The new experience and meeting new people.” – Anthony, Cohort 35, Lab Campus
“Meeting a bunch of people.”– Karen, Cohort 35, Parker Campus
“Meeting new people and the classes.”– Isaac, Cohort 35, Parker Campus
“I’m most excited about meeting new people and exploring new opportunities that High Jump prepares you for. High Jump readies you for new experiences and helps you explore your choices.”– Mohab, Cohort 35, Parker Campus
“Meeting new people and making new friends in general.”– Israel, Cohort 35, Latin Campus
Emotions were high, and the event was cherished by all who attended because High Jump has genuinely made a difference for these students in ways they will experience for years to come.
High Jump has expanded from 16 students in 1989 to over 225 new students each year in our Scholars program. However, not every academically driven middle school student has the opportunity to attend High Jump.
We need your support to help us reach more students in more communities so they can pursue their dreams.