McKinley Tech
McKinley Technology High School
2013-2014
First Semester Awards Ceremony
SCHOOL VISION
McKinley Tech High School will become
the highest performing HS program in
the nation through the integration of a
rigorous college preparatory and STEM
curricula, taught by master teachers,
that prepares students for the
challenges of the ever-changing and
competitive global market.
SCHOOL MISSION
The mission of the McKinley Tech HS
Program is to be a professional
learning community accountable to
student achievement.
Introduction
Presentation of Colors
McKinley Tech JROTC
Pledge of Allegiance
Assembly
Welcome
Dr. M. Louise Jones
Campus Principal
Danielle R. Green
Assistant Principal
Phoenix Awards
Students who have demonstrated
tenacity, resilience and have risen
from the ashes.
Department Chairpersons
Phoenix Awards:
English
Makai Jackson is Ms. Forde's Phoenix Award Recipient because he has
completely turned around in English Class. At first, while Makai was an active
participant in class, he rarely excelled on assessments and hardly did any
homework. Now he is a diligent student who is seeking
greatness. Congratulations Makai and continue this new found focus!
The phoenix award goes to Tony Edwary Perry Jr. for going from bring very
shy to communicating with his peers and teachers, and because he is
beginning to smile more in class.~ Ms. Jones
Khalia Scott has progressed and grown tremendously in Ms. Raught's English
class. She has mastered the art of grammar, structure, and critical thinking,
which is evidenced in her powerful writing capabilities. Khalia has pushed her
skill to the next level by entering a writing program sponsored through a local
college, where she was praised and commended for her excellent
command of the English language. She also moved from Proficient to
Advanced last year under the DC CAS. She is a phoenix on fire for writing
and we are so proud to honor her with this award!~ Desiree Raught
Phoenix Awards:
English
Rodney Brown began the year a little unsure and with one foot still in the 9th
grade. Since the first advisory Rodney has been working hard to set a clear
path and stead fast goals to achieve before the end of the year. He has
changed his demeanor and mindset and is on his way to a successful
second semester of 10th grade English. ~Mr. Tendler
Terrell Peterson has truly embraced the McKinley spirit and blossomed into
one of the most outspoken students in AP English Language. He found his
voice as a writer and is now lending it to the Slam Poetry Team. His honest
and insightful views are also coming out in his work. He is a real dreamer who
worked his way from the bottom up. ~Mr. Tendler
For the Phoenix Award, I would nominate Kaylah Anderson. She is not the
best student, but she is the hardest working. She revises her work multiple
times, stays after school for tutoring, and accepts help/interventions to make
sure that she stays on track. ~Kasha Hayes
Phoenix Awards:
English
Jackelyn Miranda is a deserving recipient of the Phoenix award. Jackelyn
has distinguished herself this year as exceptionally hard working and has
grown in her maturity as well. She advocates for herself and her own success
and has shown significant growth in her writing of essays and ability to
analyze very difficult literature. Jackie has risen from where she was before
and is an excellent example of hard work and character! ~Ms. Broudy
Adillio Alfaro: Adillo unflinchingly exhibits his intelligence. He has a unique
ability to make inferences and text connections which allow him to grasp an
authors purpose--and/or identify a theme. ~Mr. Sankofa
Phoenix Awards:
Science
General Biology: Geromy Edwards epitomizes what it means to be a hard
worker with integrity. Geromy struggled initially, but showed that with hard
work and perseverance anything is possible. Geromy not only excels in
Biology, but he is a natural leader and team player in the classroom. He is
honest, humble, and hard-working. His smile and kind attitude brighten up a
room. He is a true pleasure to have in class, and he helps to make the
classroom a positive learning environment.
Concepts of Physics: Tamera Wimbish has improved her test scores and
overall performance in Mr. Quinn's Concepts of Physics class
tremendously. She asks sharp, useful, clarifying questions, and races through
her classwork while helping others at her table. As one of the most improved
students in Concepts of Physics she takes pride in doing her work extremely
well.
Phoenix Awards:
Science
Chemistry: Donovan Surgick started off pretty bumpy in chemistry. However,
in second advisory, Donovan began show some characteristics a true
scholar. Even as the class content became more rigorous, Donovan
increased his overall grade by 10% from first to second
advisory. Additionally, in terms of independent effort and hard work,
Donovan doubled his HW completion rate. Even more impressively,
Donovan’s commitment to small things (like HW), increased his mastery by
20% from first to second advisory. What is even more impressive about
Donovan is that he did all this quietly, without expecting anything in return-he set a small goals and met them. I’m incredibly proud of his commitment
to chemistry and his growth.
Anatomy & Physiology: Arin Blake has a drive and passion for medicine and
science that motivates her to navigate through tough content and maintain
high standards. She is an underclassmen who is very mature and determined
to be successful.
Phoenix Awards:
Science
Physics: Darryl Fullwood started the year from a failing grade. He has
struggled in the beginning but has worked hard to earn and obtain a C+
grade during second advisory. Currently, he has an A- grade and seems like
the downfall in the beginning is never coming back. I have noticed his
growing interest in Physics and improvement in his critical thinking when he is
applying the simple concepts to his everyday surrounding events. Darryl has
shown drastic improvements in his homework turnouts (50% to 100%), better
test grades (60% to 83%), and full class participation (from 44% to 100%).
Darryl is complimented with this award to show appreciation for his hard
work and his great efforts. I am proud to have Darryl in my class for being a
consistent learner and his commitment to Physics. KEEP IT UP!
Environmental Science: Kheelum Brown goes the extra mile to ensure that his
group has everything they need to complete their project. He comes after
school for extra assistance and shows the passion and desire to be a
successful scientist.
Phoenix Awards:
Science
AP Biology: Taylor Shaw is the epitome of what an AP student should be. In class, Taylor
is always participating, helping to push to lesson forward while also asking great
questions to push the class deeper into the content. She clearly puts in countless hours
outside of the classroom, as everything she produces for the class is of high effort and
quality. Taylor is also an incredibly supportive member of our classroom and works very
well collaboratively and patiently with others, helping them to grasp the information
taught. She is a natural leader and I am proud to teach her.
AP Chemistry: Miles Johnson, like many students, struggled with the idea of having a
class everyday and, thus, really took some time to handle new material and
homework daily. In fact, during last year’s information session about AP Science, Miles
appeared a bit out of his element and undecided about how AP may or may not be
for him. However, since acclimating to the class’s expectations, Miles accepted my
challenge not to just try to do your homework. Its evident that Miles puts in an
incredible amount of effort to prepare for class and that he reserves time to check his
answers and to go back to re-think his problem-solving. Today, Miles is truly a model
for how to push oneself to think and work independently.
Phoenix Awards: Art,
Athletics JROTC
Epiphany Washington
Epiphany is handling the transition to high school with great success. In Art
& Design Foundations, Epiphany stayed a headed of her peers,
demonstrated mastery on many concepts and in doing so afforded herself
numerous opportunities to go above and beyond the course requirements
and expectations.
Eternal Fonville
Things started off a bit rocky for Eternal in Art & Design Foundations.
However, with a little assistance and motivation, Eternal was able to turn
things around. I am extremely proud of the tenacity and perseverance he
displayed during the 2nd advisory.
Phoenix Awards: Art,
Athletics JROTC
Diamond Green
Diamond reconnected with her love of visual art during the 1st semester of
Art & Design Foundations. She began the course a little shy and reserved
regarding her artistic abilities, but blossomed into a fully confident artist by
the course summation.
Laquisha Hawkins
Laquisha is what I would call a subconscious artist because she wasn’t fully
aware of her gifts in the visual arts realm until she was challenged. As a
teacher, it brought me great joy to see her use the “new found” art skills
proficiently during artwork production.
Phoenix Awards: Art,
Athletics JROTC
Shirley Curtis
Shirley is a gifted illustrator who has a knack for innovative design concepts.
She wowed us with her visual art projects and demonstrated a consistent
level of excellence on her course work throughout the duration of the 1st
semester.
Raunjae’ Payne
Raunjae’ achieved academic success in Art & Deign Foundations not
because she started the course with a plethora of art skills at her disposal.
Instead, she worked extremely hard to develop new skills. She spent time
honing these new skills, often times doing through an arduous trial and error
process. In the end, Raunjae’ emerged a success! Often times in art, what is
produced is not most important. Rather, the experience and the knowledge
gained from the experience supersede a final product.
Phoenix Awards: Art,
Athletics JROTC
Juan Torres
Juan is a gifted visual artist who yearns to learn more about his craft and to
develop his artistic skills. His attention to detail is impeccable and his
craftsmanship is one that I haven’t come across in all my years of teaching.
He has a phenomenal work ethic and always strives for excellence!
Chidinma Onuoha
Chidinma is the quintessential model student. She came to class each day
(on time), prepared to learn with required materials AND in proper uniform.
Can you say “The McKinley Way”? She is a very mature, goal oriented
student leader who is sure to succeed in the future with the continuation of
the diligent work ethics displayed during the 1st semester.
Phoenix Awards: Art,
Athletics JROTC
JROTC
Kristinia Jordan (11th Grade)
Aliza Bolling (9th Grade)
Christal Reeder (9th Grade)
The JROTC is proud to select these three outstanding students/cadets for
their academics and character of leadership.
Athletic Department
Anthony Carthen (12th Grade)
The Athletic Departments takes great pride in selecting this student for his
academics and diverse talents as a high school athlete.
Phoenix Awards:
Library
11th/12th
For the junior and senior top library reader awards:
William Franklin, Chidinma Onuoha, Jamal Noland and
Shaniqua Sheppard
9th/10th
For the freshman and sophomore top library awards:
Jasean Alexander, Porter Crumpton, N'Dea Jackson and
Dionna Dawkins
Phoenix Awards:
STEM
Bio-Tech
10th grade: Maya Bostick and Loni Dorn - Both students are new to our STEM as sophomores BUT
have already become leaders in our program. Maya completed a stellar science fair project
based on introductory practices in biotechnology and then took it to the next level! She
successfully collaborated with both junior and senior level biotechnology students to get the
project done. Loni is truly exceptional as both a mentor, tutor and coach to other novice
biotechnologists. She encourages others when the learning curve gets steep and works hard to
stay on top of her game! Both of these students are quite impressive.
11th grade: Taylor Shaw and Shakeithia Nicholson - This pair represent true examples of the much
sought after "Scholar Athlete". They have excelled as members of our JROTC and Varsity Track
team and all while balancing AP courses and the second and most demanding year of study in
the Biotechnology STEM Pathway, Biotechnology II. They are committed to mastering core
biotechnology methods and processes and are never satisfied with merely a surface
understanding of concepts explored in our STEM.
12th grade: Nia Jones and Kenneth Matthews - You could not find too better individuals to
represent the positive effect a meaningful, authentic, and real-world exploration of STEM content
can have on students. Both students work hard to overcome challenges and rarely can be found
making excuses for the added responsibilities they have outside of school. Both are outstanding
athletes, Nia with Cheerleading and Track and Kenneth with Football and Track, as well as
amazing students and individuals.
Phoenix Awards:
STEM
Mass Media
1. Jasmine Hill/10th Grade: Jasmine has vastly improved her editing skills
since day one. She is also becoming a more complete student.
2. Dimond Anderson/10th Grade: Dimond has improved each day since
August. She is still making strides, but her growth from academic skills to
behavior and participation has grown immensely.
1. Shaquante Simms/11th Grade: Shaquante has consistently improved since
his 10th grade year and this year he has shown continued growth.
2. Tarik Williams/11th Grade: Tarik has shown consistent behavior,
participation and overall skill set improvement since day one in August.
1. Lamia Jackson/12th grade: Lamia has shown consistency everyday with
her work in class and professional approach to her work.
2. Jalen Jones/12th grade: Jalen has shown tremendous growth as a student
and a professional young man. His approach to his work and skill sets have
improved throughout the year.
Phoenix Awards:
STEM
Engineering
Tamba House - Principles of Engineering - Tamba has turned the corner and has seen
the value of dotting the i s and crossing the t s. His attention to the details of the
course material has moved his grade back to where it should be.
Brandon Slewion - Aerospace Engineering - Brandon has come to the realization that
he can do this. AE is a lot of hard work, but persistence is paying dividends in an
improved grade and more confidence in his own abilities.
My 2 rising stars as juniors are Brandon Slewion and Jania Shaw
My 2 rising stars as freshman are Tiffany Tyler and Cameron Fuller
Sophomores:
James Haston
Tamba House
Seniors:
Wanita David
Juan Torres-Diaz
Phoenix Awards:
STEM
IT
10th Grade Ebony Mack B- up from an F. Ebony has grown significantly in
Cisco networking. She has worked hard to improve her grades despite some
serious personal issues at home.
10th Grade Donnell Jones. Donnell has gone from an F to an A, and has
become one of the best, most reliable students in class.
11th Grade Tiona Lancaster B- Tiona has grown significantly over the last
quarter. She has stayed late for extra instruction and help.
11th Grade Nia Coppedge. Nia has improved her work habits and her
grades consistently for the past two years. She works harder than any other
student in her class.
12th Grade Diamond Duncan. Diamond has matured tremendously in the
past 3 years, and her professionalism is an example to her peers.
Phoenix Awards:
Mathematics
9th
Devin Wilkins (Fishman): Devin brings energy and enthusiasm to Geometry class every
day; he is always willing to volunteer to do a problem on the board or help a
classmate, and he enjoys being challenged. He is making a commitment to bringing
this same energy and work ethic to all of his other classes as well!
Daisha Fields (Fishman): Daisha has shown dramatic improvement in her work ethic
since the start of the year and it is paying off. She completes all assignments,
participates in class and is extremely helpful to her peers – she will be an honors scholar
next year in Algebra II!
10th
Patrick Johnson (Lallinger): Patrick is an amazing student; hardworking, kind, never
afraid of taking on challenges, and always holding himself to the highest standards. He
is always cheerful and his positivity is contagious to the other students.
Kelia Chase (Fishman): Kelia seems to be gaining confidence in math with every
passing day; she completes all assignments, speaks up when she has questions, helps
her classmates and volunteers to explain problems – her work ethic and her grades
have skyrocketed.
Phoenix Awards:
Mathematics
11th
Oliver Borris (Fishman): Oliver is a tremendous student who leads quietly by example – he is always
willing to help a classmate understand a problem, or work a problem out on the board to show his
peers; he always has a smile on his face and has made a seemless transition to McKinley in his first
year here!
Cajonna Lewis (Mikulec): Cajonna has an incredible ability to reason with herself, which makes her
an excellent math student. When she gets an answer wrong, she does not allow herself to stop until
she finds her mistake. It is precisely this quality that is sought after by many colleges and universities,
as well as future employers. Cajonna fully embodies what it means to be a McKinley Phoenix.
Taylor Shaw
Taylor is by far my most diligent and responsible student. She comes to every class prepared,
focused, and engaged; completes all work on time, helps other students, and receives A's on
almost all assignments. She is an excellent student and great role model among her peers.
Jeremiah Johnson
Jeremiah is one of the most energetic students I have ever met. What impresses me is that he uses
his energy productively. Jeremiah is always the first student to volunteer to answer a question,
explain a concept, demonstrate a problem, and to assist a student. He does not hesitate to ask for
help and is not happy unless he masters the concepts, and will continue to work hard until he does.
Phoenix Awards:
Mathematics
12th
Kheelum Brown (Hammond) is a senior in my AP Statistics course.
Kheelum is a hard working students who always takes responsibility for
his course work. Kheelum always comes to class prepared and assist
his fellow classmates when challenging assignments are given.
Nicholas Tony (Stoica): Even when he stuggles with the material, he
is so determined to get it, that he comes to tutoring all of the time
and never gives up; his teacher is so impressed with his level of
motivation and dedication.
Phoenix Awards:
Social Studies
Ali Jackson - During second advisory, Ali transformed himself into a focused,
hard-working student in World History. Ali thrives on his successes and has
demonstrated that he can achieve highly when he applies himself and
commits to a task.
Brelyn Ruffin - Brelyn has proven through the second advisory that hard work
and determination lead to success at McKinley. She has shown grit and a
powerful work ethic, working through her frustrations to proudly accomplish
her goals.
Shelby Smith - She has risen to the standard of an AP Student and had
become a disciplined scholar. Asking high level questions and moving
outside her comfort zone.
Christian Bryant - A bright young man who has demonstrated the hard work
necessary for success. He has been an anchor for his fellow classmates as
well.
Phoenix Awards:
Social Studies
My 9th grade award will go to Taleda Johnson. Taleda is a kind, respectful,
and diligent student who has significantly improved in terms of her work ethic
and the submission of her assignments. Taleda is a leader during group
assignments as she is always working hard not simply to complete an
assignment, but to complete it well. Taleda's continued hard work will
undoubtedly make her among the top GPAs by the end of this year. Taleda
is an asset to the McKinley community and it is with pleasure that I
recommend her for the Phoenix Award. ~Ms. Kilbourn
Zachary Denny has improved significantly since his sophomore year. He is
consistently inquiring about his progress and makes every effort to
improve. Zachary is noticeably more organized and takes responsibility for
his grades and behavior. Since the beginning of the year, he has moved two
letter grades toward an A+. I am proud of his continued efforts to earn the
excellent reputation he deserves. ~ Mr. Taylor
Phoenix Awards:
Social Studies
Chika Enwereji is a dedicated student that always goes the extra mile in all
of her academic endeavors and never fails to demonstrate excellence in
the quality of her work and character. ~Mrs. Butler
Jermiah Johnson is student that truly holds all of the key characteristics that
will ensure him success in his future college and professional career. He goes
above and beyond in all that he does and pushes himself to a level that
exceeds most of his peer's standards. ~Mrs. Butler
Jordan Moody... exemplar student who has taken the challenge of taken
both AP Government and DC History and earned an A every quarter for
each class.
Noah Brownlee- He is a student who continues to challenge himself, and his
grade is a true reflection of hard work and determination.
Remarks
Dr. M. Louise Jones
Campus Principal