THE TRIUMPH OF GRADUATION 2015
From the march into the Columbus Park Refectory to the tossing of caps, the graduating class of 2015 celebrated their milestone to the cheers of family and friends. More than 50 students weathered the challenges of senior year to meet their goal of graduation. ASA is proud of its graduates. Delivering messages of inspiration to the graduates were keynote speaker Attorney Mazie Harris, valedictorian Samaria Porter, and salutatorian Jakeemah Cotton.
Visit the photo gallery on our school website and Facebook page for more pictures.
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ASA LOOKS FORWARD TO
INCREASED STUDENT ENROLLMENT
Student enrollment at the Academy of Scholastic Achievement is increasing from 184 to 220 for the 2015-2016 school year. ASA has also submitted a proposal to Chicago Public Schools for additional slots. The increased enrollment will mean more opportunities for students on the West Side of Chicago to access a positive, quality education. ASA offers students caring teachers and staff and great facilities, including a state-of-the-arts science lab and a well-equipped collaborative learning environment that integrates technology and learning. All of our resources are utilized to offer a rigorous curriculum rooted in personal and social development, with an emphasis on social and economic justice.
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MASS INCARCERATION PROJECT FOCUS OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT PROJECT
ASA students joined their counterparts in Youth Connection Charter Schools this past year in researching the terrible impact of mass incarceration on American society and our local neighborhoods. As part of its project, ASA students worked to help with efforts to restore review of a juvenile court judge before an adolescent's case can be transferred to adult courts. The project included a visit by representatives of the Juvenile Justice Initiative, Julia Sportolari and Kanako Ishida (pictured from left to right in photo below) to speak to students. Students signed a petition to change state laws to restore juvenile court review of cases involving adolescents. ASA student Serenity Stoudemire, who helped present ASA research at a YCCS youth summit, joined YCCS resource coordinator Kimberly Hopson for an interview with George Blaise, host of WCIU's 24 N. Halsted, a public affairs program (see photo above).
Visit the photo gallery on our school website and Facebook page for more pictures.
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Alumni News: 
FRANKLIN PLANS FOR NAVY CAREER
Albert Franklin (Class of 2014) is enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He'd dreamed of being in the Navy since 7th grade. Albert studied the service branches and decided on the Navy because of the benefits it offers. Albert left in mid-May for 6 weeks of boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Base, to be followed by 12 weeks of training in computers for his career as an Operations Specialist. Following training he will ship out for five years around the globe, stationed in Japan, China, Hawaii and France, as well as New York and Chicago. Albert expects to make a career in the Navy, serving 20 years, then return to Chicago to start a business. He transferred to ASA from North Lawndale College Prep. His advice to students: "keep your street life and school life separate and try to learn as much as you can."
FORMER MVP, HUMPHREY SHARES FOND MEMORIES OF ASA DAYS  Coach Jones and Marcus Humphrey show off uniform for #44. Marcus Humphrey (class of 2004), valedictorian and "most valuable player" on the Trojans, returned for a visit and reminisced about his days as Number 44. Marcus just returned to Chicago after 9 years in the U.S. Army, where he worked as a diesel mechanic, stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan and South Korea. Marcus came to ASA from Currie where he admits he was constantly in trouble. A friend directed him to ASA where he met Mr. Jones and played on the basketball team. Marcus remembers well what Mr. Jones would say when he was late to class: "You're too late for today and too early for tomorrow." After graduating from ASA, Marcus went to Chicago State University before joining the military. Impressed with the changes he sees at ASA, Marcus advises students to take full advantage of their "good second chance. So, don't give up on what you want to do in life. I think I've made a successful life when things could have gone the other way."
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