Graduate Spotlights
Saint Martin de Porres Academy graduates are thriving
at prestigious colleges and universities.
Kahdeem – Princeton University – Class of 2017
“SMPA taught me that the sky is the limit and nothing should hold you back from achieving your goals.”
Princeton University: Biological/Chemical Engineering major, Varsity Football, Summer Intern at Sikorsky Aircraft, Quest Scholar
Hopkins School: Varsity Football Captain, Varsity Basketball Captain, Lacrosse Most Improved Player, Student Union for Racial Equality, Hopkins Symphony Orchestra, School for Ethics and Global Leadership (Wash. D.C. Internship)
SMPA: First Honors (all 4 years), French Horn, Trumpet, Basketball, Breakthrough New Haven, Chess, Future Chefs, Peace and Justice
Lennix – Class of 2019 – UCONN
“My education has taught me what it means to be a true follower of Christ. I have learned how to more actively help those in need and how to recognize each and every person as my brother and my sister. I know that it is my duty to help those around me.”
UCONN: Accounting major, part of Business Connections Learning Community (learning how to succeed as a business major and getting the opportunity to network with employers from different companies), Gospel Choir, Voices of Freedom, Concert Band, Trombone Choir and Pep Band.
Sacred Heart Academy: Honor Roll, College Choir, Peer Connections, Volunteer at Local Soup Kitchen, Orchestra, Knitting Club, Neurovirology Intern at Johns Hopkins University, Nominated by peers to crown the Sacred Heart of Jesus during Enthronement Mass
SMPA: Trombone, Lacrosse, Field Hockey, Peace & Justice, Honor Roll, Breakthrough New Haven
Mishell – St. Lawrence University – Class of 2019
“Your gift of education is the greatest one we could receive because you have taught us how to fish, and we will teach future generations to do the same.”
St. Lawrence University: Bradley R. Evers Outstanding First Year Student Award, Semester Abroad in London, Thelomathesian Society Senator, Co-President of Model of American States Organization and Treasurer of the Euphrates North Country Chapter, African Student Union, La Sociedad Hispana, LINC Mentorship Program, Trained Sexual and Domestic Assault Advocate, The Fashion Club
Lauralton Hall: Academic Honor Roll, Recipient of the Laura LaFlamme Book Scholarship, Intern at Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Badminton Club, French Club, Art Club, Manager of Cross Country and Softball Teams, Peer Mentor, Youth and Government Club
SMPA: Honor Roll, Field Hockey, Basketball, Lacrosse, Drama, Peace and Justice, Future Chefs, Flute, Breakthrough New Haven
Alexandria – St. Michael’s College – Class of 2017
“Because of SMPA, things that I once envisioned are becoming my reality. This is a privilege I never imagined could be possible.”
St. Michael’s College: Psychology and English double major, Internship with The Safety Team, Founder of the Woman’s Self-Defense Course, Resident Assistant, Feminist Club, MLK Society, Residential Counselor for those with mental illness, Independent Study conducting research on what it takes for American minority students to succeed academically and socially at a predominantly Caucasian college
Mercy High School: Model UN, Mercy Ambassadors
SMPA: Honor Roll, Class President, Clarinet, Golf, Field Hockey, Cheerleading, Peace and Justice
K’Ron – Fairfield University – Class of 2018
“SMPA has provided limitless support in everything I have pursued, and I am immensely grateful and committed to giving back to them.”
Fairfield University: Computer Science major, Internship designing mobile applications at Rockit Solutions in Stamford, CT
Notre Dame High School: Honor Roll, President of Flag Football Club, Concert Band – First Chair Clarinet, Tri-M Music Honors Society
SMPA: Honor Roll, Clarinet, Guitar, Future Chefs, Peer Minister, Peace and Justice
Jaala – Chestnut Hill College – Class of 2020
“Education is essential to changing the world.”
Chestnut Hill College: Elementary Education major, Cheerleading Team, Chestnut Hill Activities Team, Student Life Work Study
Sacred Heart Academy: Senior Class Vice President, Student Government, Campus Ministry, Key Club, Shades of SHA, Photography Club
SMPA: Honor Roll, Flute, Lacrosse, Field Hockey, Peace and Justice, Swimming, Girl Scouts, Baking Club, Cheerleading
Manny – Hamden Hall Country Day School – Class of 2021
“SMPA has taught me that it is important to give back to others. Giving back to the community allows me to open the doors of opportunity to someone else, as they were opened for me.”
Applying to: Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Fairfield University, Fordham University, Johns Hopkins University, Quinnipiac University, Southern Connecticut State University, St. John’s University, Trinity College, UCONN, University of New Haven and plans to study medicine
Hamden Hall Country Day School: First Honors, Intern at Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
SMPA: Honor Roll, Piano, Clarinet, Interact Club (Rotary International) Vice President, Baseball, Basketball, Golf, Peer Minister, Peace and Justice
Jerell – Notre Dame High School – Class of 2021
“I believe that I am on a positive track in my life. I believe that I will go somewhere and do something with my life. I know that I will give back to my community.”
Applying to: Amherst College, Babson College, Bentley University, College of the Holy Cross, Fairfield University, Franklin & Marshall College, Lafayette College, Lehigh University, Muhlenberg College, Saint Anselm College, Skidmore College, Stonehill College, Union College, and Ursinus College and plans to major in business
Notre Dame High School: Honor Roll, President of Student Body, Student Council Treasurer, Captain of Basketball Team, Multicultural Student Union
SMPA: Honor Roll, Tuba, Interact, Peer Mediator, Peer Minister, Basketball, Baseball, Peace and Justice
