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Meet a few of CMSD's 2020 Success Stories
CMSD’s graduation rate has reached record highs for the District, adding to the success stories commonly found in Cleveland's public schools.
This project, now in its fourth year, profiles a small sample of graduates who exemplify the grit, drive and intellectual curiosity found in high schools throughout the District. It is by no means intended to offer a definitive list of highest achievers.
Also see: Congratulations Class of 2020
Seniors from all of the classes have overcome challenges. But this year's group faced an obstacle that did not confront their predecessors -- a global pandemic that shut down school buildings and canceled or altered cherished senior rites of passage.
In these profiles, the new graduates talk about their disappointments but also the hopes and dreams that brought them this far and will take them into the future.
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Somali immigrant aspires to tell stories of those who are overlooked
Halima was born in Somalia and came to the United States at the age of 2. She is vocal on causes such as feminism and racial justice and wants to make films that tell the stories of "people who are not normally seen on screen."
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Artist found safe space and thrived at CSA
Dallas once lacked confidence, but now she advises others to believe in themselves.
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Graduate with cerebral palsy sets example of determination
Domenico is headed to Cleveland State University and will seek degrees in mechanical and aeronautical engineering.
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Ginn Academy valedictorian lands at U.S. Air Force Academy
Tristan followed in the footsteps of a brother and role model who was also a Ginn valedictorian.
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Award-winning actress serves as a role model
Miraya performed in All-City Musicals, twice earning Playhouse Square Dazzle awards for high school musical theater.
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Graduate kept going to get diploma, create opportunities
Thomas lived on his own but stayed in school because "it was important for me to finish."
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Refugee finds a warm welcome at School of Global Studies
Mwenda's has a love for math. He will attend John Carroll and major in accounting.
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CSSM graduate gets full scholarship to Case, medical school
Justin struggled with a new culture after moving to America from Jamaica. He went on to become a top student.
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Garrett Morgan grad persevered through school, other issues, hopes to become sports broadcaster
Matthias is headed to Baldwin Wallace University. He plans to study sports management and become a sports broadcaster.
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Facing History graduate finds strength in overcoming challenges
Rosemary's story about a girl separated from her family by immigration authorities has been made into a short film. The fictional story is based partly on her own experience.
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Photographer will turn his focus to protecting the environment
Felix said time management was a challenge, but he managed to become co-valedictorian of his class.
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National scholarship winner wants to start construction company
Diego credits his success to his father, who came from Mexico to give his children a better life, and ACE mentors.
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Dedicated student recalls hardship of home country's civil war
Chol hopes to be admitted to a top college, start a business and "make a difference in the world.?
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Future surgeon is proudest of his volunteerism
Chukwuemeka cherishes an award that he says all University Hospitals volunteers receive.
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Graduate came back to Cleveland to finish school, prepare for college
Keyshliane wants to follow her grandmother and great-grandmother and become a nurse.