Alumni News

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Kayla Andrews, Class of 2011 Howard University B.A. in African Studies Suma Cum Laude

Mariah Drain, Class of 2011 Spelman University B.S. in Health Science

She is currently working on her Master’s of Health Science at Meharry Medical College with hopes to matriculate into their dental school next Fall.

Madison Guy, Class of 2011 Howard University B.B.A. in International Business

Elijah Hubbard, Class of 2011 Southern Methodist University B.S. in Sport Management B.A. in Corporate Communication and Public Affairs

Alexander Huerta, Class of 2011 Saint John’s University in Minnesota B.A. in Communication; Minor in Nutrition

Lauren Jackson

Texas Christian University B.S. in Coordinated Dietetics

Paxton Marks, Class of 2011 Ohio State University B.S. in Business Administration Taylor Mitchell, Class of 2010 Baylor University Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations & Business (focus on entrepreneurship and marketing)

Nakeie Montgomery, Class of 2011 Duke University

Bachelor’s in Political Economics, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Currently pursuing his Master at Duke's Fuqua School of Business

Isaiah Willis, Class of 2010 Howard University B.A. International Business

Entered the workforce as Procurement Analyst for Bank of America in Charlotte, North Carolina

GRADUATE & POST GRADUATE DEGREES

Sidney Stubbs, Class of 2016 Texas Southern University - Thurgood Marshall School of Law Juris Doctorate She is a Family Attorney and works as a Litigation Paralegal at Khavari & Moghadassi (K&M) Attorneys at Law, P.C.

ST. PHILIP’S ALUMNA RETURNS TO GIVE MOVING COMMENCEMENT SPEECH

Mariah Burdette, valedictorian of St. Philip’s Class of 2013, a graduate of Bishop Dunne Catholic School, gave the 2021 commencement address to the graduating 6th Graders of the Class of 2021. Below are a few powerful excerpts from her presentation:

“Sixth grade, you must set goals no matter how impossible they may appear. This alone however is not enough. The second chapter and eleventh verse of James in the Bible says – Faith without works is dead. In order to achieve these goals, you must put actions behind your words and pursue these dreams relentlessly. It is only through hard work and dedication that great achievements become possible. Now, these big goals may appear frightening at times. But what truly matters is not how much the goal frightens you, it’s how you rise up and conquer your fears to achieve things you’ve only dreamed of. Remember, with a great amount of consistency and determination, anything is possible.”

Embrace being a novice, because being a novice is the first step to being excellent.

“Embrace being a novice, because being a novice is the first step to being excellent.” “When you embrace beginner status you not only cultivate a growth mindset, but you learn to find a sense of comfort in even the most uncomfortable situations.”

“I was once told that your personality is a combination of the people you spend the most time with. There is great truth to this sentiment. This train of thinking has compelled me to continue to surround myself with fellow St. Philip’s alumni who I know are morally and spiritually upright and devoted to their own self- improvement and the improvement of their communities. They are great people who I know will help make me a better person.” “Continue to build up the most important relationship you’ve fostered during your time at St. Philip’s, your relationship with God. Not only is He a great listener and friend, but His unconditional love and forgiveness will always be there for you in your time of need.” “There are few bonds that can compete with the tight knit community built on love and mutual support that you all have fostered during your time here.” “Remember, to enjoy the beautiful gift of now that God has given you because tomorrow is not promised.”

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL RULES McKenzie Morgan, Class of 2021 – 7th grader at Bishop LIFE

Dunne Catholic School

AFTER Recent graduate and alumna, McKenzie Morgan is thriving at her new school with help from the lessons she received at St. Philip’s. “One of the many things I’ve learned from my time at St. Philip’s, that ST. PHILIP'S has been very important in my new environment, is to never dim my light or suppress who I am as an individual. Most importantly, the faculty, staff, parents, and teachers of St. Philip’s taught me the immeasurable value of the power of God and his son Jesus Christ.”

In addition to her positive attitude, she has immersed herself in sports and cultural clubs at Bishop Dunne Catholic School. “I am currently in my last season of volleyball for the semester and am a part of the African American Awareness Club, a club that highlights African American leaders, and prominent holidays celebrated and fought for by African American leaders throughout the school.”

McKenzie continues to navigate the new halls and atmosphere with grace and her strong faith. “My experience at Bishop Dunne thus far is great. I am still adjusting to the changes and the new policies, but so far, it’s been an amazing experience. I’m learning how to apply my love for Christ and His love for me, as I would not be who I am or where I am without Him and His presence.”

Jack Honeyman, Class of 2019 – 9th grader at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts

You know you attend a performing arts school because there’s always a buzz in the air. It’s one of the reasons Jack is really enjoying his freshman year. “I love it! The great thing about Booker T. is that something is always going on. It's also great that everyone is creative. You get to see great costumes and spontaneous performances down the hallway.”

Jack is in the Theatre Conservatory and a member of the Asian Student Union and Music Club. He’s also involved in the Gospel Choir and will be performing in the Ten-Minute Plays in December.

He recalls his time at St. Philip’s with fond memories and lessons to last a lifetime. “I love St. Philip’s. The best part of the school is the people, the community. I'll never find a community with as many extraordinary people as

there are at St. Philip's. They taught me that you're never alone, even if you think you are. They accept me and love me with open arms. They make school feel comfortable and safe, and it's one of the few places that I call home.”

“St. Philip’s taught me to accept everyone as they are and to look past the face-value of a person and see their dimensions. They also taught me about time management and hard work. Finally, St. Philip’s taught me to be curious and to ask questions: specifically, the ones people like to ignore.”

COLLEGE MOVES

Nina Edwards is one of eight new students in the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS) at Prairie View A&M College, selected for the United States Department of Agriculture’s 1890 National Scholars Program. She graduated from Mansfield Lake Ridge High School in May 2021. She is a finance major and was named a USDA/1890 Scholar. As an incoming Freshman, Nina received a full scholarship to earn a degree in an agricultural-related discipline and work within the government upon graduation. As such, she was selected by the USDA Forest Service - National Civil Rights Office.

“I am so blessed that I was able to receive an education at St. Philip’s School and Community Center. Not only did the school help me academically, but it also helped me grow spiritually. The staff and administration greatly assisted me in my journey; they are the reason I had so much exposure and opportunities. I would have not had it any other way, I am thankful for my St. Philip’s Village.”

Her mother, Nickisha Fowler, shares similar sentiments about her experience as an alumni parent. “St. Philip’s was definitely an experience and family oriented. Parents may not see the immediate benefits, but the lifelong impact cannot even be put into words.”

Not only did the school help me academically, but it also helped me grow spiritually.

PROFESSIONAL PIVOTS

Jenae Andrews, Class of 2008

Accepted a new role as an Academic Advisor with National Education Partners, an organization focused on cultivating student development and empowering students to persist through individualized engagement and course planning.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

He graduated college in the middle of the pandemic but that didn’t stop alumnus, Jacob Gonzalez, Class of 2010, from making the most of his career and path forward. After graduating from the Episcopal School of Dallas, he matriculated to St. Edward’s University and earned a BBA in Finance in 2020.

Jacob’s love for the stock market and trading led him to pursue a career in finance. “My curiosity for the stock market led me to want to learn more about banking and its role in the economy.” He is currently an Analyst at JP Morgan Chase & Co, Commercial Banking, Product Strategy.

At a young age, St. Philip’s encouraged him to make a place for himself in and out of the classroom. “St. Philip’s helped harness my love for numbers at a really young age. I was part of the math team and was lucky enough to go to state in 5th and 6th grade. It also helped me find my voice. As the only Hispanic kid in my class, it was easy to focus on the differences between my classmates and me, but through awesome teachers, friends, and staff, I learned to celebrate what people have in common rather than focusing on the differences. Along those lines, I participated in the spelling bee, performed a rap song in front of the entire school, and the poetry contest. This helped me learn how much I love public speaking.”

The sky is the limit as Jacob shared his plans, despite the challenges of navigating such a unique time in history. “I graduated in the middle of the pandemic which made work a little tough, but I’ve loved every moment of it. In the last year, I started an Alumni Association for Bridge Lacrosse, which I participated in during my time at St. Philip’s. I plan on staying in Dallas for the foreseeable future. In the future, I hope to find my way into the NBA as a General Manager, President of Basketball Operation, or an executive role (way down the line).”

The lessons he learned at St. Philip’s were multifaceted with memories full of both joy and fun but also historical lessons. “My favorite memory is the 6th grade field trip we took to the Grand Canyon. All the boys got in trouble for throwing acorns at one another. It was a really memorable trip.” “Finally, St. Philip’s showed me the dark history of the US that many tend to ignore. Through the 5th grade Civil Rights trip, I was able to learn and appreciate the true history of America.”