Generally, to be disoriented is to be lost. But this past year, we've taken the view of disorienting our students as a way of getting them to look at life from new perspectives.
Entrepreneurship has been a big part of that as we have encouraged students to tap into their creativity but to match it with marketing skills and an understanding of economics. The most visible part of their enterprising efforts has been the t-shirts students have designed and printed to market ASA and to show off their own branding ideas.
Disorienting experiences have also included field trips to the Museum of Science and Industry, the ultimate place for exploration, as well as the top floor of Malcolm X Community College to get a true hands-on feel for a career in health care through its simulated hospital.
A trip to the Garfield Park Conservatory connected students to an amazing resource in their own community, and travel to Navy Pier gave students a chance to have fun and check out Chicago's beautiful lake front and amusements at the pier.
Incentives Continue to Reward Students for Attendance and Classroom Performance
Reconnecting with Alumni
Each year former students come back to visit ASA. Last year, we started the year with a back-to-school rally featuring our most famous alumna, Da Brat. But we also had visits by others including two young women who have gone on to make their mark in the community.
Nachelle Pugh (class of 1992) turned the tragic loss of her son into a nonprofit organization to help creative youth. Pugh (pictured above with her grandson and Principal Nicole Simpson) founded the John Walt Foundation in memory of her son Walter Long, an aspiring rapper who was killed in 2017. The foundation supports youth interested in careers in the arts. The foundation sponsors an annual hip hop fest in a local park and sponsored a Feed the Westside event during the Covid outbreak.
Evelyn Phillips (class of 1990) went on to become a registered nurse as well as a restauranteur. Phillips (pictured below with Principal Simpson) ownsSplyt N Half Kitchen on Madison Street. The restaurant not only provides employment but healthy soul food options for the community.
GRADUATION 2022
After two years of outdoor graduation ceremonies, ASA was able to celebrate the Class of 2022 with in indoors graduation at New Zion MB Church. The keynote speaker was Ill. Rep. LaShawn Ford.
