self-determination – Aspire Public Schools

Introducing Aspire’s 2023 Shining Stars Winners!

May 17, 2023

Aspire Public Schools is thrilled to announce our 2023 Shining Stars!

Anchored in Aspire’s Core Value of Agency + Self-determination, this award is given to one senior from each of our secondary schools. Winners demonstrate tenacity in pursuit of their post-secondary goals, and are heavily involved in their school and wider communities. Thank you to our generous supporters Richard and Theresa Crocker, who have made this award possible since 2015!

Congratulations to these incredible seniors, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish! Check out the highlight video below and read on to learn more about these students, reflections on their time at Aspire, and their future plans.

Bryan Buenrostro
Bryan has been with Aspire since 6th grade when he came to Aspire Golden State College Preparatory Academy. In the fall, Bryan will be studying architecture at UC Davis.

His favorite memory at Aspire: Going around school and being recognized by almost everyone and being able to start new conversations with anybody, forming new friendships.
His advice to younger students: Live life in the moment because time goes by, and by the time you know it, high school is over and so are prom, hanging out with friends, and the simple high school experience you can not get back.
In his post-secondary life, Bryan is most excited about… following my dream career and living the college lifestyle.

Jared Lazo
Jared came to Aspire Langston Hughes Academy as a 6th grader. After graduation, he is excited to study music.

His favorite memory at Aspire: Visiting various colleges for a field trip this year. It was a bittersweet moment hearing my peers laughing and joking on the bus for what will be one of our last memories in which we are all together in one space.
His advice to younger students: Just enjoy yourself. Talk to new people, listen to new music, eat new foods, learn new skills, immerse yourself in meaningful hobbies and experiences, and prioritize your relationships and well-being. Of course, work as hard as you can, but don’t be hard on yourself because your life hasn’t even begun yet.
In his post-secondary life, Jared is most excited that… college will provide me with the environment and resources to explore my interests and connect with those who share these interests. As a music producer and pianist, I can’t wait to meet other musicians. Perhaps I can join a band and jam with them, or perhaps I will create a collaborative album with a close friend.

Jamielle Leones
Jamielle came to Aspire Richmond California College Preparatory Academy as a 7th grader. After graduation, she will attend UC Berkeley to study environmental engineering.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: I’ve always regarded my school as a colorful, creative, and close-knit community. This can be proven when you first step inside, and you can find social justice portraits in every corner and feel the warm, friendly welcome of our school staff and students. Despite how small our school is, we are big on a sense of belonging. And my favorite memory of hosting the API town hall in May of 2021 with my Asian Pacific Islander Student Union represents that. During my junior year, my friends, AAPISU, and I worked together to bring our school a town hall dedicated to Asian hxstory. We put together decorations, activities, games, fun educational lessons, and more. Leading up to that point, we also enjoyed spending time with each other and held a cultural potluck where we brought and shared food from within each of our cultures. Overall, in that time of year, I had a fun time organizing the event and seeing how much everyone values diversity.
Her advice to younger students: Honestly, just make the most out of your years at school. This means enjoying it as much as possible. Although it is heavily emphasized to work diligently for post-secondary education like college, your whole world shouldn’t strictly revolve around it. It’s not ideal if it means jeopardizing your mental health and even your relationships. You still have a lot ahead of you. Use the time that you have to find what you are passionate about and maintain that instead of stressing or dictating what could happen in the future. Find balance between your work ethic and happiness to live life to the fullest.
Jamielle is excited about her post-secondary life because… I’ve recently been watching “day in the life” vlogs of a college student. The “college core” aesthetic seems so cute that I am looking forward to it–like making breakfast for myself, studying in a library with an iPad and an Apple Pencil, or walking around campus with friends 🙂

Alondra Limon
Alondra came to Aspire Lionel Wilson College Preparatory Academy as an 8th grader. After graduation, she plans to major in political science.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: When I was elected to be student body president. Knowing that the entire student body trusted me with this position felt like an honor for me.
Her advice to younger students: Do not make choices based on what other people think. Do what is best for you and never give up regardless of the circumstances.
In her post-secondary life, Alondra is most excited about… discovering more about myself and meeting new people outside of just my high school.

Matthew Marquez
Matthew has been with Aspire since the 3rd grade. After graduating from Aspire Pacific Academy, he will attend UC Irvine to study business administration and finance.

His favorite memory at Aspire: Math field days. I only attended twice at my time at Aspire but the competition with other students and being able to come out on top individually was a great accomplishment for me. Other than that, graduating from both elementary and middle school leading up to my graduation of high school is something very special to me to be able to achieve as well.
His advice to younger students: Push yourselves and get into uncomfortable positions because the more you are challenged the better you feel when you accomplish your challenge. Do not slack off at school. Middle school is as important as high school as it prepares you for high school and all high school years are very important as they determine the available options for post high school.
In his post-secondary life, Matthew is most excited about… living and experiencing what a university life is all about. All that and learning new things from new people and learning what my future career will be through the next four or more years of my life. I am very excited to move forward in life as an adult.

Dinora Mezquita
Dinora came to Aspire Vanguard College Preparatory Academy as a 6th grader. In the fall, she will attend UC Davis and study political science.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: Being able to help at the senior signing ceremony last year. It was just such an amazing experience being a part of the journey of the seniors from that year and seeing them decide the next part of their life. Helping set up in general was also so much fun.
Her advice to younger students: It is okay to take a step back and take care of yourself. Enjoy the ride of being a high school student.
In her post-secondary life, Dinora is most excited about… doing internships that are related to my career choice.

Max Navarro
Max came to Aspire Ollin University Preparatory Academy as a freshman. He looks forward to studying economics at UCLA in the fall.

His favorite memory at Aspire: 11th grade Halloween Carnival. It was so much fun and it was the first event coming back from Quarantine so I was super happy to see everyone having fun in one place again.
His advice to younger students: Have fun by yourself. Go visit a museum, eat at that new sushi place, just spend time with yourself once in a while. It can be really relaxing.
In his post-secondary life, Matthew is most excited about… meeting new people from places around the United States or the world.

Lindsey Nguyen
Lindsey came to Aspire Benjamin Holt College Preparatory Academy in 6th grade. After graduation, she plans to attend San Jose State University to major in mathematics or math education in hopes of becoming a secondary math teacher.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: All of my favorite moments from my time at Aspire stem from community and connection with both students and staff. One that sticks out to me the most is Homecoming week my Junior year. This was my first time experiencing Homecoming from the Student Council point of view, fresh out of the pandemic. Homecoming week was the first event thrown by Student Council that was back in person. It was new to all of us and we were just running on pure excitement to be together again. The whole week of float building and parade preparation showed me how the class of 2023 came together as a community with open-mindedness and trust. Going into something so blindly with trial and error helped us all bond and grow together through the experience. After the whole event I felt so much closer to my class and that I think was the moment that we became a family. With such success, it kept our motivation to create new events which in turn created lasting memories.
Her advice to younger students: As a Connect Crew Leader, the number one advice that I give to the younger students is to make an effort to build relationships with your teachers and the adults on campus. My greatest accomplishments in high school wouldn’t have been made possible without the support of the adults around me. Not just teachers, but also counselors, campus staff, and the office ladies. Building good relationships can not only make you feel more motivated and excited to come to school, but also help you feel more comfortable to reach out and ask for help if you need it. It eliminates the feelings of fear and judgment for seeking help. It also just makes school more fun and exciting! I genuinely love seeing my teachers, counselors, and staff at school everyday and I truly treasure my time with them. I am forever grateful for their support!
In her post-secondary life, Lindsey is most excited about… networking and expanding my connections in college. Being at a smaller school has provided me with a tight, family-like community, and so I am curious to see what student life is like at a much bigger scale. I am also looking forward to expanding as a person and seeing who I grow to be based on my experiences.

Andrea Paz
Andrea has been an Aspire student since the second grade! After graduating from Aspire Alexander Twilight Secondary Academy, she will attend UC Davis to study political science in hopes of becoming a lawyer.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: It’s not a specific memory but all the connections I have built with my teachers. The connections I have with my teachers are something that I will cherish for a long time because they have supported, guided me, and given me resources that otherwise I would have had a hard time getting.
Her advice to younger students: If I could give a piece of advice to younger students it would be to keep moving forward and keep your goals in mind and the reasons why you are doing what you are doing. If I were to give a piece of advice to my younger self I would say to keep moving forward because it gets better.
In her post-secondary life, Andrea is most excited about… being able to pursue my career, meet other people who share my interests, and gain more independence to branch out of my comfort zone.

Introducing Aspire’s 2023 R.I.S.E. to Higher winners!

April 27, 2023

Huge congratulations to our second cohort of R.I.S.E. to Higher scholarship winners!

Anchored in Aspire’s Core Value of Agency + Self-determination, this award is given to outstanding Black seniors who are active members of their campus Black Student Union (BSU), and who are demonstrated agents of change in their community. The R.I.S.E. to Higher scholarship is generously funded by Aspire partners Charles and Karen Couric, to whom we are very grateful.

Read on to learn more about these scholars’ years at Aspire, what they learned from their experience participating in a BSU, and their future plans!

Anaya Washington
Anaya has been an Aspire scholar for her entire academic career, from kindergarten through 12th grade. After graduating from Aspire Alexander Twilight Secondary Academy (ATSA), she plans to study child development and psychology.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: All the fun we had in class with my peers and teachers.
Her advice to younger students: Don’t be too hard on yourself, it’s ok to fail.
Anaya’s experience in a Black Student Union: While in BSU I have learned a lot about other cultures including my own. I have learned about a lot of struggles that all Black people have faced throughout the years. I enjoyed all the opportunities we had to learn new things regarding BSU and being able to bring together and create a safe space for the Black kids in my school. It really gave us the chance to speak up about things we couldn’t talk about elsewhere because no one else understood.

Damian Beck
Damian has been with Aspire since he came to Aspire Golden State Preparatory Academy (GSP) in 8th grade. After graduation, he hopes to study real estate and business.

His favorite memory at Aspire: The field trips I had with my class and my grade.
His advice to younger students: Don’t overthink and always ask for help when you need it.
Damian’s experience in a Black Student Union: I learned what it meant to be in a community full of Black or African American students just like me.

Greg’Zhyaih Martin
Greg’Zhyaih came to Aspire Golden State Preparatory Academy (GSP) as a freshman. After graduation, she is excited to attend CSU Dominguez Hills to study child development.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: Going on all the field trips & doing all school activities!
Her advice to younger students: I would honestly say go for it! Believe in yourself & trust yourself. You can do it.
Greg’Zhyaih’s experience in a Black Student Union: I love the community we build & the fun activities we created.

Kaaliyah Bush
Kaaliyah came to Aspire Alexander Twilight Secondary Academy (ATSA) as an 8th grader. After graduation, she looks forward to pursuing a bachelor’s degree in theater and the dramatic arts.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: When I was on the cheer team, I miss the community building and the opportunity to make new friends and I did. Overall it was an amazing experience.
Her advice to younger students: Don’t lose focus but still enjoy your time because even when it feels like high school is never ending, once you get close to the end you’ll realize It really just flew by.
Kaaliyah’s experience in a Black Student Union: I really enjoyed the discussions, I finally felt like I had people that could truly understand and relate to my experiences. BSU helped me realize that I wasn’t alone in my experiences. I have gotten so many opportunities because of it and I learned about things that I never knew there was more to learn about. It has been an experience that I will forever be grateful for because I learned how to better advocate for myself and I will forever carry that with me.

Maiya Johnson
Maiya has been thriving at Aspire since kindergarten! After graduating from Aspire Benjamin Holt College Preparatory Academy (BHA), she looks forward to studying business administration.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: The days in elementary school where I enjoyed being a kid. Those years were the most memorable. I made some of the best friends that I still have today and it’s cool to see my transition from then to where I am now.
Her advice to younger students: Take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way. Involve yourself in as many things as you can and be comfortable with stepping out of your comfort zone because you never know where it could lead you.
Maiya’s experience in a Black Student Union: My experience as a member of the Black Student Union at my school was very enjoyable. Being able to come together as a community to have fun while supporting one another was very important to me. Attending the Black College Expo last semester I was able to bond with other members in a new element outside of school. I was able to connect with my peers through similar life experiences and I learned a lot about myself. As I move forward in these next 4 years I hope I can continue to be a part of amazing organizations like the Black Student Union.

Meah Smith
Meah came to Aspire Alexander Twilight Secondary Academy (ATSA) in 11th grade, and after graduation, will pursue a degree and career in nursing.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: I love when I need help I have many resources! I really love just laughing and connecting with my teachers and staff!
Her advice to younger students: You are who you hang around so choose wisely and make smart moves for yourself!
Meah’s experience in a Black Student Union: I loved that we are all connected with the same background. We are able to come together as one and really educate people about our troubles we face along with growing a family.

Priya Marshall
Priya came to Aspire Richmond California College Preparatory Academy (Cal Prep) as a 7th grader. After graduation, she is deciding between majoring in zoology, health science, or nursing.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: 8th grade promotion.
Her advice to her younger self/younger students: If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self it would’ve been to never give up on myself, and also to always trust the process and be patient.
Priya’s experience in a Black Student Union: Black Student Union at my school is a safe space and comfort zone for students. What I like most about Black Student Union would be being able to have a safe space and being around such positive and loving people.

Senoj Jones
Senoj has spent her entire K-12 academic career learning and growing at Aspire. After graduating from Aspire Benjamin Holt College Preparatory Academy (BHA), she looks forward to majoring in criminal justice.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: An after school program when I was in elementary school. They provided a lot of activities that I didn’t know would make great life skills and hobbies. For example, self defense, cooking, gardening, science, etc.
Her advice to her younger self/younger students: Advice I would give to my younger self is to be okay with making mistakes and to learn from them. By growing up in Aspire schools, it made me very sheltered and protected, which I appreciate because it got me to the mindset to be successful and to do something great for my life after high school. Though, I wish I spent more time trying new things instead of keeping the same routine because I didn’t want to deal with negative consequences. I feel that I missed out on some childhood or teenage things when growing up but in the end I accept it because I’m still successful without it.
Senoj’s experience in a Black Student Union: The thing I like most about BSU at Aspire is how vocal they are about Black excellence, and also how it provides different resources that can be beneficial to our future. I learned about self confidence and about Black activists during my time at BSU. I felt dissociated within my race and not as proud about it, but by joining BSU I am more confident and appreciative about my culture and to be Black.

Tai-Run Williams
Tai-Run came to Aspire as a 6th grader. After he graduates from Aspire Vanguard College Preparatory Academy (VCPA), he looks forward to attending college to study kinesiology.

His favorite memory at Aspire: Meeting everyone and everyone just greeting me with happiness, my 6th grade year.
His advice to younger students: Never wait until the last minute to finish everything, finish everything on time or early.
Tai-Run’s experience in a Black Student Union: For me, I loved how it was like a family and everyone was very close with each other. I learned a lot of new things about my history and also how to be a leader.

Veter Baker
Veter came to Aspire in 5th grade. After she graduates from Aspire Richmond California College Preparatory Academy (Cal Prep), she will study business.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: Making memories in class with my classmates.
Her advice to younger students: Take advantage of being young and live life to the fullest.
Veter’s experience in a Black Student Union: I love BSU. It’s become a place where I can just relax and be with my fellow Black students. I never truly realized the effect of not being around people who look like me had on my mental health until I was around them. I have learned that you never truly know a person until you know them, what you see in the halls isn’t enough to judge the kind of character they have.