McKinley Tech

1. McKinley Tech McKinley Technology High School 2013-2014 First Semester Awards Ceremony

2. SCHOOL VISION McKinley Tech High Schoolwill 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.

3. SCHOOL MISSION The mission of the McKinley Tech HS Program is to be a professional learning community accountable to student achievement.

4. Introduction Presentation of Colors McKinley Tech JROTC Pledge of Allegiance Assembly

5. Welcome Dr. M. Louise Jones Campus Principal Danielle R. Green Assistant Principal

6. Phoenix Awards Students who have demonstrated tenacity, resilience and have risen from the ashes. Department Chairpersons

7. Phoenix Awards: English MakaiJackson 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

8. 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

9. Phoenix Awards: English JackelynMiranda 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

10. 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.

11. Phoenix Awards: Science Chemistry: Donovan Surgickstarted 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.

12. Phoenix Awards: Science Physics: Darryl Fullwoodstarted 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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! ChidinmaOnuoha 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.

18. Phoenix Awards: Art, Athletics JROTC JROTC Kristinia Jordan (11thGrade) AlizaBolling (9thGrade) 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 (12thGrade) The Athletic Departments takes great pride in selecting this student for his academics and diverse talents as a high school athlete.

19. Phoenix Awards: Library 11th/12th For the junior and senior top library reader awards: William Franklin, ChidinmaOnuoha, Jamal Noland and ShaniquaSheppard 9th/10th For the freshman and sophomore top library awards: Jasean Alexander, Porter Crumpton, N'Dea Jackson and Dionna Dawkins

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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 Slewionand 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

23. 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 NiaCoppedge.  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.

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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.

28. 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

29. Phoenix Awards: Social Studies Chika Enwerejiis 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.  

30. Remarks Dr. M. Louise Jones Campus Principal