Ready for Their Next Chapter

High Jump’s annual Moving Up Ceremony is the culminating event to honor students’ two years of hard work. Each graduating High Jump student gets to walk across the stage and receive their certificate—a physical reminder of all the work they’ve put in over the past two years and of all that they’ll carry with them as they continue onto their futures.

We make space to hear from one student from each campus to inspire their peers with their story of how High Jump has helped shape the young scholars they are today. We also invite a program alum to speak to the graduating cohort, offering the perspective of someone who was once in their shoes and who can impart some words of wisdom as they prepare for this next exciting chapter of their lives.

At this year’s Moving Up Ceremony, Leonardo (Latin Campus), Nathaneal (Parker Campus), and Denisse (Lab Campus) all shared reflections on their time in the program, while High Jump alum Roman (Cohort 23) celebrated their accomplishments and prepared them for continued success on their journeys.

Here’s a taste of what they each had to say:

Leo

I’m feeling all sorts of emotions. Mostly, I’m very thankful for the opportunity to be here tonight with my High Jump family and Cohort 34. We did it! Before I share a little about myself, I want to thank my mom and my dad. For the past two years, they got me out of bed and made sure I got to High Jump. They always encouraged me and reminded me this would be a valuable experience. When we made this commitment, we knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but it would be worthwhile. And that was definitely the truth.

We are all here for a reason. We are here because we achieved something together. For me, celebrating this achievement means celebrating new friendships, special memories, learning from one another, personal growth, and knowing that this community is always going to be here for me.

I’m so proud of everyone who is here for dedicating your time, being open to learning new things, and for growing academically and socially. Congratulations, cohort 34! And good luck on your next chapter.

Denisse

High jump has taught me a lot about myself. From academics to how to have healthy and strong friendships. I have always liked school, but I never felt challenged until I came to High Jump. When I started attending High Jump, I found myself in a place that welcomed me, but also challenged me to learn more about myself. This helped me build my self confidence and develop a bigger and more diverse community which allowed me to find my own identity and motivation. 

Throughout the high school application process, I was worried about some of the challenges that I knew I would face. Either because of how I look, where I’m from, or who my family was. But High Jump really reinforced that I should feel worthy of being at any school and hold on to my values no matter where I attended. In the end, I felt supported and accomplished, and I am really proud and excited to be heading to Choate Rosemary Hall this August!

I am really proud of all of our successes and how we have grown together. I want to remind all of us that we should hold on to our values and beliefs. Don’t let others diminish who you are and find the right people who will support you. We are all capable of good things. I wish everyone the best year on their journey in life. I’ll be rooting for all of you!

Nathaneal

I am deeply honored for the opportunity to speak at this monumental event. I would also like to thank my parents for their support. They are the reason I’ve reached where I have in my academic journey, and I’m infinitely grateful for them. Overall, I had a great experience in High Jump, and I’ve made lots of good friends here as well. Now, I’m not going to lie, there were tough moments, but I didn’t quit, and I’m so grateful that I stand here today, having completed the program. Without High Jump, I wouldn’t have met my new friends or have learned about scholarship opportunities like the Daniel Murphy Scholarship. 

High Jump also gave me the opportunity to explore different options for high school. A year ago, I wouldn’t even have considered private school, but I will be attending one this fall at the Latin School of Chicago. But, that is enough about me. Now, I congratulate all of you, my fellow peers, on this accomplishment. I am proud to be moving up into this new chapter of our lives together as the 34th cohort of High Jump, and I know we will all accomplish great things in our futures.

Roman, Cohort 23

I stand before you today, not just as your speaker, but as a fellow High Jump alumni in the road of resilience and perseverance. Like many of you, I am a proud daughter of immigrants. 22 years ago, my family immigrated from Ethiopia as refugees seeking opportunities in a new land. We faced language barriers, financial struggles and the daunting task of adopting to a new country. But through it all, my parents worked tirelessly to pave a path for my four siblings and I. 

High Jump was like my secret weapon on that path. Thanks to High Jump, I felt prepared to tackle all the advanced coursework when I went to Lincoln Park’s IB program. The High Jump advantage then allowed me to soar in high school and join other academic enrichment programs like Chicago Scholars and Upward Bound which were a huge help in getting me into my dream college: Pomona College in sunny Los Angeles, California which I was fortunate enough to attend with a full-tuition Posse Scholarship.

Each of us has a story, a timeline marked by pivotal moments, decisions, and the unwavering support of our loved ones and community. I invite you to reflect on the people and experiences that have shaped your journey to this moment. Think about the challenges you’ve overcome, the sacrifices you’ve made, and the triumphs that have brought you here today. But more than just reflecting on the past, I want you to look to the future with courage and determination. You see, each one of you is not just a graduate, but a future leader. A changemaker. And a force for transformation in your communities, your schools, and the whole wide world.

Now, high school may seem scary, but it’s also incredibly important. It’s a time for growth, discovery, and self expression. Embrace every opportunity that comes your way, never close a door, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. 

One quote I will never ever forget is that there are three types of people in this world. People who make it happen. People who watch it happen. And people who say what happened. And as High Jumpers, we make it happen. Congratulations, High Jumpers. Your journey is just beginning, and I cannot wait to see the incredible things that you accomplish in the years to come

We congratulate all our our students on this incredible achievement and cannot wait to see the amazing things they will accomplish.