Group of district students celebrate graduation from school, Step-Up Mentorship Program
(05/17/19) Earlier this month, a group of young men set to graduate from Anoka-Hennepin schools’ proved they can “step-up.”
On May 9, 30 students from across the Northwest Suburban Integration School District (NWSISD) consortium, including six from Anoka-Hennepin, celebrated graduation, not only from school, but from the Step-Up Mentorship Program.
The program is facilitated by the NWSISD, and was created to support and prepare boys for the increased rigor they will encounter in high school. Those who participate receive additional guidance and are involved in mentorship activities throughout their high school careers. The program helps promote student achievement by encouraging students to focus on four educational concepts: aspirations, expectations, opportunities and achievement.
The Step-Up celebration event included a video of participating students from across the years, testimonials, and comments from Step-Up team leaders, student statements, and a recognition of graduates. The prevailing theme among the students was how the Step-Up program became a family — a brotherhood — which in turn impacted their lives.
Anoka-Hennepin students participating in the Step-Up Mentorship Program who are graduating:
- Shy Abron-Sayers from Coon Rapids High School (CRHS).
- Terrence Davis from Champlin Park High School (CPHS).
- Noel Kaiyeepu from CPHS.
- Benjamin Kpanaku from CPHS.
- Moise Madiumba from CRHS.
- Jaleel Ramey (Khabeer) from Blaine High School.
In addition, the Cannon Family Scholarship was established to recognize an outstanding Step-Up mentorship graduate. CRHS’s Moise Madiumba was named this year’s recipient, which required students fill out an application and meet specific requirements to be considered for the $1,500 scholarship.
The future looks bright for the graduates, and after high school graduation, almost all plan to continue their education at a post-secondary school of choice and/or branch of military.
To learn more about the program, visit the NWSISD website.