IN-Tech Academy marches towards success
Smiling seniors filed into the cafeteria at IN-Tech Academy on the morning of Dec. 6, where they received black crewnecks emblazoned with the message, “Futures Ignite College and Career March.”
The high school’s principal, David Weissberg, adopted the march in 2023, which stems from a tradition started in 2011 at Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School in Manhattan. At the end of the year, high school seniors marched from their school to the nearest post office, to drop off their college applications. Although today, applications are filed electronically and the march has become symbolic.
At IN-Tech, the morning was filled with speeches and applause, all culminating in the walk around the neighborhood, meant to honor the hard work of the students. The group left the building to the cheers of neighboring elementary school students from P.S. X037 Multiple Intelligence School. They walked east on West 230th Street and made a left on Godwin Terrace, where they were greeted by students from P.S. 207, the Godwin Terrace School. They then made a right onto West 231 Street, before marching down Corlear Avenue, where they were met with more shouts and cheers from P.S. 7 Milton Fein School, before returning back to campus.
Senior, Jahar Sencion, said he’s been looking forward to this day since he saw his sister participate in the school’s march last year.
“I think it was very powerful because applying to college and taking that next step in your life is such an emotional moment,” Sencion said.
He added, he’s happy to know there are so many people who support him as he continues on his life journey. Next for Sencion, he hopes to attend Howard University in Washington, D.C. and study finance.
His classmates, Heidy Jimenez and Ianna Lee, share similar sentiments on feeling the support of their school and community as they prepare for college and future careers.
“I never had anyone that supported me like that, knowing there was a community behind me celebrating my every move it felt really endearing,” Lee said, “I’m not alone in this journey and people are there to support me.”
Lee has attended IN-Tech since the sixth grade and anticipates studying early childhood education when she graduates. She shared that she feels prepared by her school and the opportunities it presented her with, including the ability to attend a college program at Columbia University in the city this summer.
Jimenez said the march reminded her of her childhood, growing up in the neighborhood, making her nostalgic for what she will leave behind when she goes to college.
She shared she plans to pursue a degree in biology and eventually become an obstetrician, helping to bring life into the world.
“The most important thing is the people around you and the people who support you. It really helped me appreciate and learn how the people who are around you affect your growth,” Jimenez said.
The theme of the morning was encouraging the students to believe in themselves and surround themselves with people who uplift them.
Assistant Principal, Andrew Gooden was the first to address the students, reminding them of all the hard work they’ve put in to reach their goals and everything they have to look forward to.
“I want to encourage you as we continue throughout this year, for you to surround yourself with people who support and uplift you, just as you will uplift and support others in your circle,” Gooden said. “Find those friends who believe in your dreams and work together to achieve that.”
In 2023, the four-year graduation rate for IN-Tech Academy was 91%. The school services grades six through twelve.
The march is held in partnership with Futures Ignite, a city-based nonprofit committed to advancing school’s counseling and advocacy for BIPOC students to push them towards futures in careers and college.
Yemisi Yoosuf, co-chair on the board of directors for Futures Ignite, addressed the senior class.
“It's all about what you can conceive of, what you can believe in, and how you leverage those resources around you,” Yoosuf said.
Before the students donned their jackets for the 36-degree loop through the neighborhood streets, Denisse Alvarez, Futures Ignite college advisor, handed out worksheets to the twelfth graders and offered words of encouragement.
The sheets held prompts, pushing them to reflect on their journey and how they envision their future. The handwritten papers were then sealed to be returned to the students on May 1, the day when they would have to make the final decision of what college they would attend.
College application deadline is mid-January 2025.
“I hope the encouragement you get today feeds the fire you have within. You are marking your legacy today, tomorrow and for the future,” Alvarez said.
Keywords
IN-Tech Academy, Futures Ignite, college, career, march
