A Letter from the CEO
Dear Maya Family,
It’s hard to believe, but we are already counting down the last days of summer and looking forward to the new school year. Over the past few months, the heat has reached new heights and the Maya Angelou Schools has kept busy creating more capacity to support our students.
But before we move on to the exciting changes in store, I must congratulate all of our students who walked across the stage this year. They are the reason we do the work we do, and nothing better represents our mission than seeing their proud smiles on graduation day. We are so proud of the Maya Class of 2016, who received more than $1 million in scholarships and over 70 acceptances to various institutions across the country.
I am also pleased to introduce two new additions to the Maya family: Clarisse Mendoza, Chief of Schools, and Charles Jackson, Chief Operating Officer. Their knowledge and experience have already made an impact on our schools this summer, and I cannot wait to begin the new school year with them on board.
When students arrive next week, they will see changes to the building. We are so excited to finally have a new gymnasium that will provide a space for our students to engage in teamwork and sports, as well as gather together as a school. The entrance to the high school building has improved, with a redesigned structural flow to better facilitate entry and exit for our students, staff, and visitors.
Meanwhile, our summer school students were earning while learning, as many of them participated in the Summer Youth Employment Program. In this newsletter, we feature some of the great opportunities our students had this summer, and we recognize their accomplishments in the workforce.
Finally, the Maya Angelou Schools was honored to host the March on Washington Film Festival screening of “And Still I Rise,” a documentary featuring Dr. Maya Angelou’s life and legacy. The directors of the film, as well as Dr. Angelou’s grandson and See Forever Foundation Board Member, Colin Johnson, were in attendance and spoke to our students about the impact of Dr. Angelou’s life and work.
We are honored to have her as our namesake of the Maya Angelou Schools and look forward to many more years educating our youth in her spirit. As Dr. Angelou once wrote, “love life, engage in it, give it all you’ve got;” and with that, I wish you a loving and happy rest of your summer.
As ever,
Heather