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Through tears and laughter, anxiousness and great pride, 30 students from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) presented the highlights of their high school career from May 3-5, as part of their Senior Exit Portfolio Presentations.

“I want to say thank you for not giving up on me and wanting the best for me,” said Ajane’ Muhammad, concluding her presentation through watery eyes.

 “It has been a joy to have you at Charter,” said Gina Washington, CHS director. “I’ve seen how you’ve grown. It’s been wonderful.”

“Who is this person?” joked Willis Young, CHS assistant director. “It’s like you’re not the same person who started here.”

 Muhammad was one of 10 seniors who presented portfolios on May 5 to Washington, Young, Bridget Nelson, CHS instructor; Shawn Roundtree; CHS social worker counselor; Barbara Lane, CHS retired instructor; Kevin Vysoky, CHS substitute instructor; Levi Molenhour, CHS graduate assistant; and Upward Bound BEM counselors Gloria Banks, Percy Bean and Ed Schuessler.

“When I first came here, I had a bad attitude and no one could tell me anything. But everyone, especially Mr. Young and Mr. Roundtree, told me that kind of attitude would not get me anywhere. Then I realized I needed to change, and I wanted more for myself,” said Muhammad, who wants to study nursing.

Leon Gillespie II told the portfolio panel that he plans to become a chef. With his mother, Vonetta Wright, in the audience, Gillespie told of his transformation into a willing and learning student while at Charter.

“My mother made me come and insisted that I stay,” he said. “I was given a bag of lemons and decided to make lemonade. I also met Mr. (Johnathan) Tate, and he became a mentor to me.

“I also credit Ms. Lane,” Gillespie continued. “I wouldn’t say she was mean, but she was a teacher that wanted you to learn. It was in her class that I learned to take good notes.” Gillespie has been accepted to Harris-Stowe State University, St. Louis Community College and Southwestern Illinois College.

Also making a metaphoric change was DeAmbra Loveless.

“Academics weren’t my strongest suit, and it was always my weakness,” Loveless said. “I thought I would never get into college. I thought I would never get on the honor roll. But many teachers had told me that I had the ability to be smart.”

Loveless also admitted that she used to flounder with self-confidence.

 “This year I decided to try and make a change. I wanted to see if I could get on the honor roll and prove to myself that I’m worth it.”

The senior landed on the CHS honor roll for two semesters, and she has been accepted to six universities and two colleges.

 “You took every hit and came back bigger and better,” said Banks. “You were tenacious in asking for help to get admitted to colleges and universities. Your light is so vibrant and before you know it, you will be Dr. Loveless.”

 The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students, who are career- and college- ready, upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students' talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century.

Photos:

Leon Gillespie II, SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) senior, listens to a remark from Johnathan Tate, CHS instructor.

DeMarco Neal, CHS senior, makes his Senior Exit Portfolio Presentation.

CHS Senior DeAmbra Loveless refers to the “Reflections” portion of her presentation.