School Year 2022-2023 | Vol. 12 Issue 1 | |
STUDENT LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
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The Juvenile Advisory Council is an initiative started by Cook County government to address concerns about the level of youth violence in Chicago. Last school year, six ASA students participated in JAC, helping to identify factors that trigger violence in the community. Among the participants were: Jordan Harris, Amya Hearring, Jaliyah Luckett, Reshaun Johnson, Antonio McCaley, Kyla Robinson and Melvin Rodgers. This school year, the JAC has grown to a total of 18 students.
Other student leadership activities included Reshaun Johnson participating in a youth budget engagement roundtable initiative of Mayor Brandon Johnson.
ASA is always on the lookout for opportunities for students to stretch themselves in leadership activities, including encouraging more involvement by the student council.
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ASA ALUM JOINS STAFF
ASA was pleased to add a new staff accountant to our staff, particularly pleased because the staffer is an ASA alum. Leroy Woods (Class of 1998) attended ASA when it was confined to one floor. The school has since tripled in size. “When I came back and noticed the expansion, that showed how much the school has succeeded,” says Woods
He recalls having no particular goals in high school. “I was floundering, not sure what the next step was.” He joined the U.S. Army after graduation and served for four years, then worked various jobs for several years before going back to school. He attended the College of DuPage and transferred to Northeastern University where he earned a degree in accounting.
Woods remember math teacher Shakiru Nasiru, who retired recently (see story below) as someone who broke down concepts to make them easier to understand. Ironically, Woods didn’t like math at the time but went on to a career in accounting.
His advice to current students: You might not have a picture of where you are going in life, but don’t let that stop you from finishing your education” and going on to more education or a career. “Along the way, you’ll figure it out.”
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MAJOR STAFF CHANGES AT ASA | |
After more than 20 years of service by two beloved staffers, ASA goes into the 2023-2024 school year missing two esteemed staff members.
Beloved math teacher, Shakiru Nasiru, (better known as Shak) retired at the end of the 2022-23 school year. Shak, who retired after nearly 25 years, was well known for his insistence that students show the work that lead to their answers.
ASA's beloved receptionist, attendance clerk and all-around friendly greeter, Minnie Brandon passed away early this school year.
Ms. Brandon was known for her welcoming smile and grandmotherly advice to students to keep them on track. After more than 20 years at ASA, Ms. Brandon will be dearly missed.
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GRADUATION 2023
ASA celebrated the Class of 2023, with keynote speaker Dr. Jason Frazier, Valedictorian Wadell Collay and Salutatorian Aarion Walker.
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Academy of Scholastic
Achievement
4651 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60644
773-921-1315
https://www.asaschool.org
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