ELLIS seniors share resilience and success as school raises $65,000 for graduates

English Language Learners and International Support Preparatory Academy, ELLIS, raised more than $65,000 in scholarship funds for its 62 seniors graduating this June — a crucial need in the wake of rising college tuition costs and reduced federal aid.

Principal Norma Vega launched the Marble Hill school in 2008 with the intent of designing a space for newly arrived immigrant students. Eighteen years later, the energy is “exponential,” Vega said, as volunteer support from the community, as well as the amount of money donated, rises each year. Funds can go toward gaps in college tuition, dorm supplies or transportation, among other things.

One student, 19-year-old Jezebel Macias, said she is attending Baruch College in the fall to study business. Three and a half years ago, she came to the Bronx from Ecuador, and soon found a community at ELLIS. She said she spoke little English and had never left her home before, but being among supportive staff and other students with similar life circumstances made her more comfortable.

Macias said she is especially proud of her progress with Regents exams. The test involves a heavy amount of reading, and when she took it, Macias was still working on her English. On her third attempt, she emerged with an 83 out of 100, a 20-point jump from the first time.

Another graduating senior, Shannel Figueredo, 19, said she will be joining Macias at Baruch and is looking to study political science. Figueredo moved three years ago from Cuba, and said a new language, new culture, new city and new friends were daunting. She expressed similar gratitude for the environment she found at the school.

“This school and this country made me realize how strong we are,” Figueredo said. “As a woman, as a student, as immigrants. It showed me another side of the world, another perspective. Each day I learn something new that I know is going to come with me in the future.”

Macias and Figueredo said they want others to know the extent of immigrants’ dedication and capabilities. Macias explained that even though it was intimidating at first, she was able to find her own journey, be a part of communities and take advantage of opportunities.

“We are the future of this country too,” Figueredo said. “We came here to support this country — to get a new life, a better life, and to be better each day.”

The money raised at ELLIS truly goes a long way, as two alumni — 28-year-old Ouma Diop and 27-year-old Emely Lopez — shared they relied on the funds provided while they were in college. Lopez, who said she worked over 25 hours a week as a full-time student, still struggled to cover costs before receiving money from ELLIS.

“For undocumented students, doors are often closed before we even have a chance to knock,” Lopez said. “Education can quickly become something that felt out of reach.”

Lopez received her green card last December. She said a diploma is a ticket, not just for her but for her family. Her husband, who she met at ELLIS, was also formerly undocumented and obtained a green card in order to join the military. They are celebrating their eighth anniversary in a few weeks.

Diop is a first grade teacher, and also became a mom while she was a student at ELLIS. She said support from the school, and a financial cushion, was critical.

“When someone believes in you like that, it hits differently,” Diop said. “It makes those late nights studying feel purposeful. It makes the exhaustion feel temporary. It makes you realize that your dream didn’t just die.”

ELLIS counselors Jackie Peña and Heidin Bernard emphasized this belief is core to their teaching approach. Peña said the level of determination and resilience in her students is incredibly rare. 

Bernard said that a lot of their students are immediately dismissed by others, and ELLIS staff works to create a space where students can become leaders in the arts or sciences, among other subjects. He added there is a misconception that as an international transfer school, the students are rushed through classes and into the closest community college or GED prep program, with little ongoing support. That’s far from the truth, he said, and the staff at ELLIS works to ensure students harness their potential.

This is also a reason why ELLIS continues supporting their students past graduation, emotionally and financially. Ninety-five community members donated to the annual fund for seniors, according to longtime volunteer Katherin Valyi. Valyi played a key role in organizing the fundraiser, with help from the Riverdale Neighborhood House and Christ Church Riverdale.

Dylan Lopez Contreras, an ELLIS student who recently arrived back home after spending 10 months in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention, said at an event celebrating the donations May 7 that he wishes the best for the graduating seniors. He also extended his gratitude to the ELLIS community for their support while he was detained.

His mom, Raiza Contreras, also expressed her congratulations. She said nothing is ever impossible, and her son’s return is proof of that.