ALUMNI IN THE
SPOTLIGHT No matter where their journeys take them, we stand beside our graduates as they go after their goals. Meet Ron and De’Janae, two KIPP Lanning Square Middle alumni who are pursuing two and four year college programs, respectively. Both have a desire to give back to their communities and have big goals for their futures.
Meet Ron & De’Janae!
T E L L M E A B O U T YO U R T I M E AT K I P P L A N N I N G SQ UA R E M I D D L E ? KIPP opened up a lot of doors for me. I had a really good connection with many of the teachers at KLSM, and they were always there for me. The thing that stands out the most was that I had opportunities to visit different colleges and see what life at college would look like for me. At KIPP, I learned the value of a strong start. If you don’t have one, you can dig a hole for yourself in the future, especially when it comes to your GPA. I was always taught to start strong and finish strong at KIPP. W H AT M OT I VAT E D YO U TO ST U DY B U S I N E SS? W H AT A R E YO U R P L A N S FO R A F T E R G RA D UAT I O N ? I am earning my associates degree in business and administration, and my goal is to combine my passions for entrepreneurship and public service. For example, I’m passionate about sneakers and would like to have a business buying
Ronald Torres, Jr. K I P P SC H O O L AT T E N D E D : KIPP Lanning Square Middle
CO L L EG E A N D G RA D UAT I O N Y E A R : Camden County College, Class of 2022 M A J O R /A R E A O F ST U DY: Business and Management, 2-Year Program
and selling them. After graduation, I’m considering joining the Air Force or possibly becoming a New Jersey State Trooper. I really enjoy giving back to my community. My family is a big part of my inspiration. My mom has always been an entrepreneur—she sells her own sweets and cakes. My grandmother was a city councilwoman in Camden, and my father was a marine and a corrections officer. All of them have inspired me on my current path. H OW H A S YO U R K I P P FO RWA R D CO U N S E LO R S U P P O RT E D YO U R J O U R N E Y ? My KIPP Forward counselor is Ms. Martinez and she’s the best. She’ll always respond to me whenever I need any advice; it’s like she's never off! I really appreciate the way she’s on top of me about due dates, or things like applying for FAFSA and making sure I have the correct credits for my degree so I graduate. She plays a big part in my success! 13
