2024ALUMNICOLLECTIVE
Derrick Aikens WJA Class of 2016
Tevin Gaiter WJA Class of 2007
Jared Bynum WJA Class of 2014
Derrick Robinson WJA Class of 2009
Inaugural Alumni Graduation Speaker
Jared Bynum (WJA 2014, Georgetown Prep 2018, Providence College 2022, Stanford University 2024), became the first alum to be the keynote speaker at graduation as part of WJA’s commitment to give accolades to our graduates and provide a platform on which they can communicate with and provide an example to current students.
“Who makes a conscious decision to attend school 11 months out of the year, and for almost 12 hours a day? We did. It took me a while, but I realized one of the greatest lessons I learned here was that everything good in life requires a sacrifice. Most kids don’t want to spend 11 out of 12 months in a classroom. But, for us, sacrificing our long breaks made us better. For us, the longer school days made us better. For us, we needed to sacrifice to put ourselves on a path to make our futures better, to make our futures brighter.”
—Jared Bynum (WJA Class of 2014)
Our Difference
Mission
The mission of the Washington Jesuit Academy is to provide a high quality and comprehensive education to boys from low-income communities, offering them a safe, rigorous academic setting and advancing their spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical growth.
Vision Statement
For 22 years, Washington Jesuit Academy has asked the question: What more can we do for our students, families, and our community? In 2005, three years after we opened with an inaugural class of sixth graders, we produced our first graduating class—our first group of WJA Alumni. Our focus on providing more for our young men, even upon their graduation, resulted in the creation of The WJA Office of Student and Alumni Success.
This program is specifically designed to encourage our young men to strive for success throughout their lifetime. Our continued commitment can be summarized through our Philosophy: Educating, Empowering, Encouraging, Engaging without Enabling. We believe that every student will learn to lead a purpose-driven life as a member of their community, becoming a reflective, action-oriented citizen whose focus will be on improving the lives of those most in need.
Impact:
415 WJA Alumni serving as Men for Others in their communities
86.5% of the WJA Class of 2019 (12th Grade Graduates) enrolled in college
99% high school graduation rate for WJA Alumni compared to the national average of 84%
77% of alumni enrolled in college compared to the national average of 41%
64% of WJA Alumni complete college degrees compared to the national average of 37.5%
3% of WJA Alumni enlisted in the military
33% of WJA Alumni entered in trade school, service industries, or the workplace
Graduate Degrees:
14 Masters degrees
2 Doctoral degrees
Our Program
4th Grade Through a Lifetime
The Office of Student and Alumni Success (OSAS) includes Rosie MacInnes (Director of Alumni Relations), Uyo Ekandem (High School Readiness Coordinator), Isaiah Coffer (WJA Class of 2012, Associate High School Readiness Coordinator), and Anthony Haynie (WJA Class of 2010, OSAS Graduate Assistant). The OSAS team empowers our current students and alumni to make the most knowledgeable and informed decisions about their future in order to pursue a lifetime of success.
While our students’ time on Varnum Street is foundational, their formative years continue well past their tutelage here. The mentoring, coaching, and academic and social supports extended to our students following their graduation is critical to ensuring that they have every resource at their disposal to prosper.
Extensive high school preparation begins in the seventh grade. OSAS works with our students, side-by-side, to evaluate
realistic and appropriate options for high school. This is paired with an emphasis on standardized test preparation, academic excellence, and diligent work ethic in order to ensure that our students are equally, if not more, prepared for high school than their peers from neighboring schools. Providing for a seamless transition helps accelerate a WJA alum’s progress in high school and beyond.
OSAS continues to provide unparalleled resources to WJA’s diverse community of graduates while they are in high school, as we provide a variety of support while our alums are pursuing higher education. This includes SAT test preparation, assistance navigating the Common Application, essaywriting practice, and guidance on financial aid applications. Whether our graduates apply for college, enter a trade or the workforce, or pursue a public service career—we are their biggest advocates, and we teach them how to be advocates for themselves. This commitment and the culture of brotherhood and betterment that exists among our community is lifelong, and its impact is great.
We Are WJA
Community Leader
Tevin Gaiter graduated from the Washington Jesuit Academy in 2007. He has been fighting fires and protecting the District of Columbia for 12 years and now serves as a sergeant for DC Fire & EMS.
Tevin joined WJA from his local public school in Southeast, DC. With challenges in his neighborhood and behavioral setbacks in the classroom, his mother wanted to forge a different path for him. His principal heard about the Washington Jesuit Academy and its approach to education and recommended that his mother apply for him to attend.
He remarks that during his first year at WJA as a sixth grader, his class quickly became a tight knit group—fast friends who bonded over sports, music, and their shared backgrounds.
Tevin adds, “I did not know the blessing that was bestowed upon me.”
He appreciated the structure that WJA provided and took full advantage of what the next two years had to offer. As a 7th grader, he got to know friends, teachers, and most importantly, himself better. He took on more responsibility as a student and individual and found sports at WJA. Through basketball and football, he better understood discipline and commitment. He tried soccer and realized that he could fall in love with a sport he never imagined he would enjoy. His 8th grade year was both joyous and heavy. He vividly recalls the playful laughter and conversations of gratitude among his brothers, for all that they had learned and would take with them.
“We would not be where we are in life now if it wasn’t for WJA—core values, respect, discipline, being a Man for Others. These are values that I carry in my life outside of work but also apply to my profession now.”
During an assembly at his high school, Friendship Collegiate, the DC Fire Captain approached the stage and asked students if they wanted to make a difference and serve their community. Tevin always wanted to help people and signed up to be a cadet following the assembly. It was a natural fit.
Tevin reflects that “We would not be where we are in life now if it wasn’t for WJA—core values, respect, discipline, being a Man for Others. These are values that I carry in my life outside of work but also apply to my profession now.”
When Tevin was away from WJA, he could be found at the local firehouse down the street from his home. Another space offering safety, Tevin enjoyed playing basketball and spending time with the firefighters when they were not on calls.
His journey from cadet to sergeant speaks to his authentic commitment to being a Man for Others. Tevin advanced through rigorous training as a cadet, spent time as a “probie,” and earned his rookie status after testing and close evaluation by the fire chief. With 24hour shift times for multiple days, a firefighter’s work schedule is not for the weary. From his time at WJA, Tevin was well acquainted and prepared for a rigorous schedule. He remarks, “the idea of going to school 12 hours a day was unreal, now I work 24 hour shifts—this is nothing to me, I’ve been doing this since 6th grade.”
He’s advanced in seniority throughout his time as a firefighter, learning from mentors and becoming a mentor and leader himself. He was promoted to sergeant last December.
Alumni in the Arts
Jerrel Silvers graduated from the Washington Jesuit Academy in 2006. His love for the arts started here on Varnum Street and has taken him all across the U.S. and overseas as an artist and choreographer.
Jerrel Silvers, known affectionately as Sheldon, graduated from the Washington Jesuit Academy in 2006 as part of only the second class of graduates. He began in the 6th grade and describes his time at WJA as an “experience [he] would never forget.”
He notes several of his experiences that impacted his education. Jerrel describes the hands-on approach his math and science teachers used, as well as the interactive experience of testing water for pH levels. This deep engagement with the material inspired him along his academic journey. He recalls that relationships defined what WJA really was and continues to be—a family. Teachers were warm, comradery among students was strong, and he and his classmates felt grounded in a bigger picture and vision.
Notably, WJA is where Jerrel first explored his passion for the arts. During WJA’s Summer Program, a partner organization offered a videography class to students, where Jerrel had his first experience editing videos and acting. He starred in a WJA Shakespeare production and developed a passion and excitement for theater.
“The arts started here for me. They fueled me.”
accumulated positive attention and praise. Stepping into a filmmaker role, he honed his shooting skills and shared his production of “Beat Your Feet” style dances that originated from go-go music. Jerrel continued filmmaking and dancing and has traveled to various cities in the U.S. as well as London, Poland, and Brazil for his highly-sought choreography.
Jerrel states, “The arts started here for me. They fueled me.”
In high school, Jerrel further explored his passion for the arts by immersing himself in art, dance, and choir. He graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 2010 and began interning at various dance studios in the city.
He then worked at the Dance Institute of Washington (DIW), a minority-led dance equity organization in DC and served as an instructor for a Creative Movement class. Jerrel was also an instructor for the DIW’s Positive Direction through Dance program, which combined dance with life skills instruction for its students.
Jerrel’s love for videography, sparking from WJA, complemented his passion and involvement with dance. He purchased his first camera in 2014, and his dance videos
In addition to instructing, filming, and choreographing, Jerrel danced for the Washington Wizards as part of one of their first co-ed performance dance groups. He was then recruited by the Washington Commanders’ Command Force hip-hop dance team and advanced from a rookie to a team captain in just one year.
Jerrel’s journey is not just about his artistic achievements but also about his spiritual growth. He remains connected to his faith through Gospel Dance, a connection he credits to WJA for planting seeds of spirituality in him. His faith has grown, and he is passionate about creating a space for others to feel God’s presence through dance. This aspect of his journey is a testament to the values instilled in him at WJA, and they continue to shape his life and career as an artist and choreographer.
Giving Back
Derrick Robinson, software engineer, graduated from the Washington Jesuit Academy in 2009. Fifteen years later, he walks the same hallways as a tutor and mentor to current WJA students.
He entered WJA as a 6th grader and valued the close relationships between students and teachers, that still hold true today—as two of his closest friends are WJA alumni. He recalls the small class sizes and notes that “with 12–13 people in a class… you can’t really hide.” Derrick also highlights that his WJA education taught him time management and structure, which provided him with a strong foundation throughout high school, college and his first work experience.
Derrick graduated from Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School in 2013 and further pursued his education at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC. He participated in a 4-year program for computer engineering, and maintained a busy schedule, balancing school and work. As was the case at the Academy, he benefited from the close-knit community and friends that he made. He was part of the National Society for Black Engineers, attended robotics camps, and landed an internship at Wells Fargo. His experience at Wells Fargo demonstrated how many options were available to him in
technology and engineering fields, and he continued his work at Wells Fargo following his graduation. Derrick served as a System Quality Assurance Analyst and has held additional positions as a software engineer. He currently works for VetsEZ, an IT contracting agency.
While attending WJA, Derrick was grateful for and inspired by volunteers from outside of the Academy who dedicated their time to tutor students. As a result, he always wanted to be able to give his time and counsel to WJA students, the way it was given to him.
Since returning to Washington, D.C. in 2021, Derrick has served the Academy as a teaching assistant, taught math and reading during Summer Program, has donated school supplies and currently hosts a study hall for students every Tuesday and Thursday. He provides academic assistance and is building meaningful relationships with each student he meets.
The bonds of brotherhood are strong. Students closely watch and admire those who came before them and who have made a legacy of students and alumni serving as Men for Others. Derrick’s presence as a mentor is felt and embraced by all. His reinvestment in our community is one of the best outcomes we could imagine for our alums.
Family Ties
The Akabi-During Family immigrated to the U.S. from Sierra Leone in 2016. Their oldest son, Franklyn graduated from WJA in 2020, and their middle son, Chaizlyn, is in the 6th grade. They have all been deeply impacted by the Academy.
The Akabi-During family came to Washington, DC, in November 2016, seeking better opportunities. Their oldest son, Franklyn, attended a local public school until one of his teachers recommended WJA. Mr. Akabi-During correctly understood WJA to be a private school, administering a highlevel education that was fully funded, requiring no tuition. He asked—“is there such a thing?”
Yes, there is.
Franklyn interviewed and took required assessments before he was accepted to WJA as a 7th grader. The Akabi-During Family embraced WJA, appreciated how the Academy approached education and communicated with families to ensure their sons were best positioned for success. Franklyn struggled to adjust to WJA’s expectations, but faculty worked closely with the Akabi-During’s to help him. Mrs. Akabi During notes, “The way WJA is set up, there is open discussion—they involved us in their plan to help Franklyn.”
WJA continued to educate, embrace, and work closely with Franklyn to ensure he was on the right path. Mrs. AkabiDuring states, “They built [Franklyn] up. They take you how you are, work on you, nurture you, and make you the best that you can be.” Franklyn was accepted to DeMatha Catholic School in 2020 and will graduate this year.
During high school, he was accepted to participate in the St. Albans School of Public Service (SPS), a program for rising seniors with an interest in public service that draws attendees from all over the United States. Franklyn met lawyers,
Pictured: Mrs. Akabi-During, Chaizlyn (Grade 6), and Mr. Akabi-During
journalists, members of Congress, governors, and foreign dignitaries. He states, “Interacting with them [showed] me what being a Man for Others really means. At WJA, we stand on this, repeatedly being told its importance. Seeing it in action on such a grand scale further demonstrates the necessity of this idea and places like WJA and SPS.”
Mrs. Akabi-During further explains her thoughts on the Academy, stating “WJA doesn’t stop at graduation. They follow them through. They followed Franklyn throughout high school, checked in on him, made sure he had everything. They made sure he had books and had open conversations about things.”
Franklyn was recently accepted to Dickinson College and will pursue a pre-law track. Chaizlyn has had an equally inspiring experience at WJA. Chaizlyn, nervous about beginning at WJA after witnessing Franklyn’s rigorous coursework, felt at home and found his place, sharing, “WJA actually gives the kids time to adjust to the school, make new friends, and meet teachers.” He describes WJA as academically challenging but emphasizes that he is up for the challenge and works diligently to be successful. He is notorious for earning “First Honors” (a 4.0 GPA) and helping others silently, behind the scenes, without seeking reward. He has become more independent and navigates setbacks with grace and resilience.
Mr. and Mrs. Akabi-During express their hope that Franklyn and Chaizlyn will become mentors and offer their services to the Academy as needed. They aspire for the siblings to discover opportunities to give back by facilitating access for others. The two siblings are nurtured by WJA and cherish the sense of belonging that the institution gave them. They hope to pay forward the same feeling of warmth and comfort to the upcoming scholars at WJA and to give back to the community.
Pictured: Franklyn (third from right) attending the 2024 Graduate Dinner with his fellow alums of the WJA Class of 2020
WJA Alumni Entrepreneur Spotlight
Jabari Greenwood
Jabari Greenwood graduated from the Washington Jesuit Academy in 2011. He has dreamt of owning his own business for years. Through key professional experiences, he developed a genuine interest in the contracting industry and now co-owns Built 2 Last Contracting, LLC.
Jabari graduated from the Washington Jesuit Academy in 2011. He describes his time at the Academy as “pivotal,” citing meaningful connections with classmates, learning focus and organization, and benefiting from male role models. He specifically notes the teachers’ role as mentors—as they always had something else to add to students’ knowledge and skill base, such as religion, culture, finance, and stocks.
He recalls that “everyone involved with the school was there for the building and betterment of young men.” Jabari played basketball and football at WJA and felt that his education experience at the Academy molded him and prepared him for his next steps.
After graduating from WJA, Jabari attended Gonzaga College High School. Accustomed to a long and stringent schedule, he easily adjusted to high school and embraced a new opportunity to network and utilize the resources available to him.
“Everyone involved with the school was there for the building and betterment of young men.”
After graduating from Gonzaga in 2015, Jabari was accepted to the University of Kentucky, where he redshirted for football as a freshman. He enjoyed the competitive environment and was introduced to money management and finances in his coursework. Jabari then transferred to Towson University and studied Communications while continuing to play football.
During his junior year at Towson, Jabari contacted his WJA Sponsor, Peter Carroccio, and asked for guidance in pursuing a career in commercial real estate. He was then connected to an opportunity at Cushman and Wakefield, a global real estate firm, and applied to serve as an intern. He learned the ins and outs of invoicing, design, administrative duties, and networking.
After graduating from Towson, Cushman and Wakefield hired Jabari to assist with Property Management. Jabari took initiative and expanded his skills through exploring invoicing, vendor communication, and contract management, all of which were beyond his assigned duties. While learning about contracting, Jabari remained close with a friend who had completed trade school and was also business-minded. Jabari and Tyree combined their skills in contracting and trades to start a company that can subcontract various types of work.
Jabari is now a co-owner of Built 2 Last Contracting, LLC, a contracting company that takes pride in its business integrity and commitment to providing clients with honest and high-quality work for residential and commercial projects. Their team of sub-contractors prioritize building strong relationships and being honest with their clients. The company provides invoices and estimates, and specializes in renovations, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as electrical engineering, moving and hauling services, painting, and deep cleaning. They model hard work and professionalism and have provided services to over 20 schools in the Washington, D.C. region.
All-Class Alumni Reunion
On June 3, WJA hosted its very first Alumni Reunion, which included classes 2005—2023. Over 250 people, including alums, their families, and former and current faculty attended this event, which was a collective celebration of the growth and accomplishments of our graduates as well as our extensive community.
Office of Student & Alumni Success Programs Include:
WJA High School Placement Program (Grades 7 and 8)
Test Preparation (Grades 7 – 11)
9th & 10th Grade Engagement Program (Transition to 9th Grade and Test Prep Resources in 10th Grade)
11th & 12th Grade Engagement Program (College, Trade School, Service, Military, & Workforce Readiness)
Monthly In-person High School Checkins from WJA OSAS Staff (Grades 9 – 12)
Assistance with College & Trade School Applications and Financial Aid Processes (Summer Boot Camp)
OSAS College Tours with High School Juniors & Seniors (Beginning Summer of Junior Year)
Post-High School, Post-College, and Workforce Support (Career Readiness)
Alumni Reunions Class of 2005 – Present
Alumni Study Hall Tutor Program (Alumni will participate in the WJA extended day Study Hall Program)
Extracurricular Activities & School Functions Support/Attendance (WJA OSAS Team Members)
Scholarship Application Assistance (11th Grade)
Financial Advising for scholarship offers with families (12th Grade)
900 Varnum
Alabama A & M University
Alfred University
Benedict College
Bowie State University
Bucknell University
Capitol Tech University
Catholic University
Clark Atlanta University
Columbia College (Chicago)
Coppin State University
Delaware State University
University of Delaware
Dickinson College
Dillard University
University of the District of Columbia
Fayetteville State University
Fisk University
Frostburg State University
George Mason University
Gettysburg College
Grambling State University
Hampton University
Harrisburg University
College of Holy Cross
Jackson State University
John Carroll University
Johnson C. Smith University
Keystone College
Kutztown University
Lincoln University
Livingstone College
Louisiana State University
University of Louisville
University of Lynchburg
University of Maryland
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Marymount University
McPherson College
University of Michigan
Morehouse College
Morgan State University
Mount St. Mary’s University
North Carolina A&T University
North Carolina Central University
Norfolk State University
Old Dominion University
Pace University
Pennsylvania State University
Randolf College
Robert Morris University
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Salisbury University
University of South Carolina
South Carolina State University
State University of New York at Oswego
Talladega College
Temple University
Tennessee State University
Towson University
Tuskegee University
Villanova University
Virginia State University
Voorhees University
Washington Adventist University
Winston-Salem State University
York College (PA)
(202) 832-7679
info@wjacademy.org