This year’s high school graduates demonstrated resilience, determination, and a commitment to their goals. Our alumni continue to prove what can be achieved through hard work and a strong support system. With dedicated guidance from our Graduate Support team and valued partners at UPRVA, the Class of 2022 AJC alumni are taking the next steps in their educational journeys and will attend: Old Dominion University Electrician Apprentice School Longwood University Virginia State University James Madison University Christopher Newport University Hampton University Virginia Tech (Full Ride) Hollins University (Full Ride) Virginia Commonwealth University Randolph Macon University Norfolk State US Air Force  Pictured above: Our partners at UPRVA alongside Tae’Veon (JMU) & NyKeila (CNU)

Our graduating 8th grade Lions were celebrated this week by the families, staff, volunteers, community partners, and friends who have walked alongside them during their time here at AJC. We are especially proud to recognize this year’s award recipients, pictured below. Thank you to everyone who joined us in uplifting our students and surrounding them with the love and support that will carry them into the next chapter! Markaya James, Assistant Director of Graduate Support, alongside rising 9th graders, Mercy, Dyasia, and Zyanae. As they transition to high school, AJC alumni will branch out across the city, guided by our Graduate Support Program and our partners at UPRVA. Grads will go on to attend: Armstrong High School Cristo Rey Richmond Highland Springs High School Rise Academy St. Catherine’s School The Steward School Thomas Jefferson IB Program Trinity Episcopal School Wherever they’re headed, they know they are always welcome and loved here

As a sixth grader, Ja’Meen told Mr. Maruca he would one day serve on the board—and now he’s doing just that. “I’m 100% a product of AJC’s mission,” he shared. “I want to be an example of what’s possible.” He’s been busy since we last connected with him in November, turning a vision into action. After pitching a trades program for East End adults to an executive committee at Woodfin, he successfully launched and led a five-week pilot with their backing. The program attracted dozens of applicants and combined exposure to careers in welding, HVAC, and plumbing with life skills like financial literacy and resume building. Today, several participants have landed jobs in their chosen trades, with opportunities to continue their training to achieve certifications—and Ja’Meen has stepped into a full-time role with Woodfin as a Work Force Development Specialist. Pictured here, he recently returned to AJC to speak at

Ce’Asia, a 2022 AJC grad, recently stopped by to volunteer and we got to catch up and hear about her journey since leaving AJC. Reflecting on her time at AJC, Ce’Asia spoke emphatically on the kindness and the care she received from teachers. It’s that same sense of support that continues to bring her back – whether to volunteer or to work during her summer breaks. Now a senior at Rise Academy, Ce’Asia has taken on leadership roles as both a student ambassador and a class representative for the Student Government Association (SGA). She has continued to excel in mathematics, a subject she has enjoyed and succeeded in during middle school. With high school coming to a close, Ce’Asia plans to attend Old Dominion University, where she will major in applied mathematics and minor in business. While she is still exploring her ultimate career path, she knows she wants to