Alumni Collective 2026
Full Circle of Formation: WJA Alumni Return to Lead the Next Generation
Dear Friends,
My name is Anthony Haynie III, valedictorian of the WJA Class of 2010 and 11th and 12th Grade Engagement Coordinator in the Office of Student and Alumni Success. In creating this 2026 edition of our Alumni Collective, it was both an honor and a full-circle moment to interview and spotlight three fellow alumni who have returned to the Academy with a shared commitment to serve. What stood out most during our conversations was how natural they felt. They weren’t formal interviews; they were genuine, easy exchanges rooted in shared experience and brotherhood.
As a young Black man who has experienced the value of therapy firsthand, I found it natural to connect with Terrance Bridgers and discuss the impact he has as a Black male counselor. Hearing him describe the importance of helping Black and Brown boys be vulnerable and express their emotions at such a formative age was deeply meaningful. Reconnecting with my Class of 2010 brother, Kyven Jones, was equally powerful, seeing the lessons he imparts in the classroom come alive on the basketball court as he coaches the very same young men. And observing Kyle Wade’s care and patience reminded me how much intentional effort it takes to keep WJA running smoothly, ensuring every detail is handled so the school can continue to thrive.
Having alumni in the building creates an instant sense of connection and credibility with the students. We’ve walked the same halls, met the same expectations, and navigated the same challenges that make WJA both demanding and transformative. That shared experience gives us a unique ability to guide them with authenticity, not from theory, but from lived understanding. When we offer advice or encouragement, it comes from a place of having been exactly where they are, and genuinely wanting to see them thrive.
Our presence also sends a powerful message: this place mattered to us. It shaped us. And it still means enough that we chose to come back and invest in the next generation. We are here because we believe in what WJA did for us, and we want to pay that forward by putting students in positions to succeed long after they leave these walls. Personally, my goal is simple but deeply meaningful — to help guide another young man toward becoming a recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, just as WJA once helped position me. If we can continue creating pathways that extend beyond these walls and into life-changing opportunities, then we are truly honoring the legacy and spirit of WJA.
With gratitude,
Anthony Haynie III WJA Class of 2010
• Georgetown Preparatory School
• B.S., Syracuse University
Mission
A tuition-free Catholic school, Washington Jesuit Academy provides a nurturing, individualized, and comprehensive education to fourth through eighth grade boys from underserved communities in and around the Nation’s Capital. We support and inspire our students and alumni from enrollment through high school, college, and beyond as they find their purpose through education and develop as Men for Others who make a difference in their communities and society.
Fourth Grade through a Lifetime
WJA’s Office of Student and Alumni Success (OSAS) empowers our current students and alumni to make the most knowledgeable and informed decisions about their future 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 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.
The 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, essay-writing 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.
Interviews Conducted and Features Written by Anthony
Haynie III and Rosie MacInnes
ofStudent and Alumni Success
OurImpact
462 graduates since 2002
24 alumni with or pursuing master’s degrees
2 alumni pursuing doctoral degrees
17 alumni in public service careers (military, police, fire, EMS)
From Student to Role Model Dominic Haire
• St. Albans School • B.A., St. John’s University
• M.A., St. John’s University
English Teacher /
Co-Director
of Ignatian Spirituality
Returning to WJA as a teacher has been both surreal and deeply encouraging for Dominic Haire. He remembers the teachers and staff members he admired—those who believed in him and helped shape his character. Today, he finds himself in a similar position, serving as a role model for students who now look up to him in the same way he once looked up to others.
Although stepping into this role has taken time to fully embrace, moments of affirmation remind him of the impact he is making. A recent note from a student, expressing gratitude for the guidance and encouragement he received, reinforced the importance of his work. Knowing that he is helping young men feel valued, supported, and loved—especially amid today’s social challenges—has strengthened his commitment to education and mentorship.
One lesson from Dominic’s own time at WJA continues to guide his work every day: determination. He believes strongly that students must learn to show up for themselves, take initiative, and not wait for others to do the work for them. As a new teacher, husband, and lifelong learner, he understands that growth never stops. He strives to model leadership both at home and in the classroom, demonstrating the same perseverance he hopes to instill in his students.
At times, Dominic’s students remind him of himself at that age, especially those who struggle with frustration or selfdoubt. He recalls having teachers who recognized his potential even when he could not see it himself. Now, he strives to offer that same encouragement to his students. When a student becomes discouraged by grades or personal challenges, he takes the time to listen and remind them that growth is a process. Through patience, understanding, and intentional guidance, he works to help students see their strengths and believe in their ability to succeed.
“There is one student who reminds me a bit of myself at that age. When I was younger, I was a little moody, and could get frustrated easily. I had teachers who would always look out for me and try to encourage me and remind me of all the things I was doing to be proud of and pointed out my success, even when I could not see that. I try to do the same thing for this student.”
• Dominic Haire
WJA Class of 2012
WJAClass of2025 96% accepted into a Catholic, private, or independent college preparatory school
Our graduates are continuing their academic journeys throughout the region
WJA Class of 2025
Archbishop Carroll High School (DC)
Bishop Ireton High School (VA)
Bowie High School (MD)
Charles Herbert Flowers School (MD)
DeMatha Catholic High School (MD)
Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School (MD)
Episcopal High School (VA)
Gaithersburg High School (MD)
Georgetown Preparatory School (MD)
Gonzaga College High School (DC)
McLean School (MD)
Ron Brown College Preparatory High School (DC)
School Without Walls High School (DC)
Sidwell Friends School (DC)
The Potomac School (VA)
WJA Class of 2021
Catholic University (DC)
George Washington University (DC)
Georgia Tech (GA)
John Carroll University (OH)
Merrimack College (MA)
Montgomery Community College (MD)
Morgan State University (MD)
Penn State Greater Allegheny (PA)
Prince George’s Community College (MD)
Saint Francis University (PA)
Syracuse University (NY)
Tufts University (MA)
United States Naval Academy (MD)
Mentors Then and Now Malik Thorne
• Archbishop Carroll High School
• B.A., Bowie State University Program and Administrative Assistant
For Malik, coming back to WJA was never about returning to a familiar place—it was about answering a call. As a student, WJA believed in him before he fully believed in himself. The teachers and administrators who poured into him showed him what it meant to be supported, challenged, and seen as a young man with potential. Years later, Malik felt compelled to return so he could be that same steady presence for today’s students, and to model the values that were instilled in him during his own middle school years.
Malik often says that what he learned at WJA stayed with him for life. The school taught him time management, accountability, and discipline—skills that shaped his character and set him on a path for long-term success. More importantly, WJA showed him how to carry himself as a man of integrity. By returning to work at the school, Malik can pass those lessons forward, helping students learn how to prioritize responsibility, make thoughtful choices, and take ownership of their actions in a world full of distractions.
As a role model, Malik is intentional about meeting each student where he is. He wants them to know that he once sat in the same classrooms, faced similar struggles, and learned how to push through challenges with the help of caring adults. Malik believes deeply in WJA’s mission and sees the school as an oasis for education—one that molds boys into responsible young men through consistency, care, and high expectations. His decision to return is rooted in gratitude and purpose, and his work today reflects the lasting impact made possible by the WJA community.
“WJA is an oasis for education, molding young men into responsible young adults…it’s a process. Everything they teach you, it will help you in life. It’s not like other schools.”
• Malik Thorne
WJA Class of 2013
•
Giving Back and Paying it Forward Kevin Rivera
Gonzaga College High School • B.A., Mount St. Mary's University
•
M.B.A.
Candidate,
Mount St. Mary's
University
Intern for the Office of Student and Alumni Success
Giving back to WJA is deeply personal for Kevin, because it is the place that helped shape the person he is today. Though he graduated ten years ago, the impact of his time at WJA has never faded. Spending long days alongside classmates and teachers who consistently pushed him to grow academically, personally, and morally left a lasting impression. Beyond middle school, that support never stopped—WJA continued to guide him through high school and college, offering help with internships, financial decisions, and life’s bigger questions. That ongoing commitment showed Kevin that WJA’s care for its students extends far beyond graduation, reinforcing his desire to return the same support that was so freely given to him.
WJA Class of 2016
Now working at WJA, Kevin sees giving back as something that goes far beyond a job title. While the school has changed in appearance over the years, its mission has remained constant: forming Men for Others. As an alumnus, Kevin connects deeply with current students because he once sat in their seats, felt the pressure of exams like the SSAT, and understood the weight those moments can carry. His own experiences allow him to meet students where they are, reminding them that they are more than a grade or a test score and that they are stronger than the challenges they face. In doing so, Kevin pays forward the encouragement and belief that his teachers once showed him.
Kevin’s understanding of service has also evolved over time. As a student, service often meant participating in organized programs, like visiting residents at Carroll Manor, without fully grasping the long-term impact. Today, Kevin sees service as a state of being present, not just “showing up.” Service now means being part of something greater than himself, actively listening to those around him, and using his own experiences to support others in ways that are not always obvious. For Kevin, it is about getting back to the basics of humanity and having genuine conversations and connecting with others, even in simple ways, such as asking someone how their day is going. He now understands the impact that service can have on individuals and how it holds little value unless one’s heart is truly in it. As human beings, Kevin believes it is our responsibility to be there for others and to assist when we can, just as others have assisted us before. Only in this way can humanity continue to grow and strive for good.
“As human beings, it is our responsibility to be there for others and to assist when we can, just as others have assisted us before. Only in this way can humanity continue to grow and strive for good.”
• Kevin Rivera
Terrance Bridgers
• Landon School
• B.S.W., Delaware State University
• M.S.W., Louisiana State University
• Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)
Wellness Associate
When Terrance Bridgers returned to Washington Jesuit Academy, he couldn’t help but notice the unmistakable scent of middle schoolers in motion that occupied the school halls when he was a student. “The air is definitely still a little congested,” Terrance jokes. But beyond that, the school felt the same: “The brotherhood, the familiar faces on the staff, the camaraderie, being prayerful, the energy, and the loving community…Yeah, that hasn’t changed at all.”
Terrance now serves as one of the school’s social workers and describes his return as God’s alignment. During his final semester of college, he was working at Home Depot and facing graduation without a clear job offer. That’s when Mr. JB Gerald, former Director of the Office of Student and Alumni Success, called to check in about his future plans. Mr. Gerald, a strong believer in the power of alumni presence, had long envisioned former students returning to make an impact, even imagining a day when an alumnus might one day lead the school. “T-Bridge,” as Mr. Gerald called him, shared his desire to pursue social work, but he also had his doubts. With little professional experience, Terrance questioned what he could truly offer the young men at WJA.
He thought back to the impact his counselors, Mrs. Adrienne Biel and Ms. Brittany Livingston, had on him. Could he fill their shoes? Could he make the same difference for today’s students? Though hesitant, encouragement from his mother and continued support from Mr. Gerald helped him recognize the significance of the opportunity before him — serving as a Black male counselor for Black and Brown boys. In a field largely dominated by women, Terrance understood the importance of representation and the value of students seeing someone who not only looked like them but also understood their lived experiences. He saw the role as more than a job. It was a chance to be a steady, positive influence: to reassure young men that it is okay to express themselves, to talk about their emotions, and to view counseling as a space for growth rather than weakness.
Terrance had always wanted to work with at-risk youth, particularly Black and Brown boys, and WJA felt like the perfect fit. The opportunity to pursue his master’s degree while serving the school locked in the deal, turning uncertainty into purpose and bringing him back home to give back.
For Terrance, “coming home” means returning to familiarity and purpose. A proud graduate of Delaware State University, he compares returning to WJA to a more personal and meaningful kind of homecoming. “Homecoming is something every alumnus looks forward to,” he says. “And I look forward to walking into WJA every day.”
And Terrance walks into WJA with one goal in mind: finding meaningful ways to pay it forward to the young men who look to him as a role model. He is intentional about giving students the support and guidance he wishes he had more of as a student. That mindset led Terrance to create CALM (Combining All Lessons on Mindfulness), an extension of the social and emotional learning he teaches in the classroom. Through
the club, he builds connections across grade levels while promoting wellness and self-awareness. Students take part in fun challenges, yoga sessions, and mindful walks to the local recreation center, creating space for both camaraderie and personal growth.
As an alumnus, Terrance also understands the importance of relatability. Being closer in age and having once walked in their shoes, he connects with students in a way that feels natural and authentic. At times, students prefer to talk with "Mr. B," as he is affectionately known, rather than another counselor. In those moments, Terrance sees the real impact of his presence. As a student, he did not have a male counselor to confide in – a reality that now fuels his purpose. While he recognizes how different he may be from other teachers and staff, Terrance views that difference as a strength. “Representation really matters,” he says. “All faculty members are not the same. We all have different qualities that we add to the puzzle. [The students] can pull something from every last one of us.”
Terrance credits his former Social Studies teacher, Mr. Danny Haley, with teaching him the importance of mental fortitude. Learning how to handle adversity helped shape him emotionally, intellectually, and personally, and those lessons now show up in his work every day. He also points to several other educators who looked after him during his time at WJA, including Mr. Sean Johnson for his inclusivity and uplifting encouragement, Mr. Gerald for accountability, and Mr. Kevin Winston for his calm demeanor. Mrs. Biel was also instrumental for her open-door support and Mr. John Scheibel for his understanding of student dynamics. Their collective influence has
helped shape how Terrance now communicates with and cares for the students he serves.
Terrance never shied away from being held accountable as a student. In fact, it’s what helped make his relationships with his teachers so meaningful. When he wasn’t taking care of his responsibilities, they made sure he knew it, and those moments helped shape the man he is today. When Terrance’s students need a reminder to refocus, he simply tells them to “lock in.” They respond not out of fear, but out of understanding. They know Mr. B holds them accountable because he believes in them and wants the very best for their future.
With many students aspiring to be athletes, he is intentional about reminding them that academics must come first. His approach reflects the same big brother–little brother relationships he once had with his own teachers. Today, Terrance proudly steps into that same role, guiding, supporting, and holding students accountable as a professional, just as others once did for him.
Class of2005
Kyle Wade
• Gonzaga College High School
• B.S., Bowie State University Business Associate/ Facilities Director
Kyle Wade is part of Washington Jesuit Academy’s inaugural graduating class. He also made history as the first alumnus to return to WJA in a full-time role in 2016. Having dedicated nearly 13 years to the Academy, three as a student and ten as a staff member, Kyle offers a unique, full-circle perspective on how the school has grown and evolved over its 24-year history.
“WJA isn’t much different now when it comes to our foundational values and the environment we create for students,” Kyle says. “However, the resources available to both the school and students have grown tremendously, opportunities I couldn’t even dream of.”
WJA has come a long way from the days Kyle once walked the halls. Kyle recalls having 10 kids to a class, having recess in the school’s parking lot, and having only two sports to play.
“Students now have greater access to technology and more opportunities to grow through clubs and field trips,” Kyle says. “The staff can also work smarter, not harder, thanks to increased support, upgraded infrastructure, and more refined daily operations. WJA is becoming more of a local household name, and the ceiling is sky high.”
Kyle describes returning to his alma mater as both humbling and pride-filled, a responsibility that carries weight, but not in an uncomfortable way. Rather, he sees his role as an opportunity to help push WJA forward and be part of the school’s continued evolution. He is intentional about honoring the foundational values that were instilled in him as a student and ensuring those same principles continue to be passed on to today’s students.
For Kyle, returning to work at WJA wasn’t always part of the plan. But once he stepped back into the building, he quickly understood the significance of both his presence and his purpose. Coming back to the place that helped shape him reinforced what he believes has always been WJA’s greatest strength: its culture.
“It’s unheard of,” Kyle says. “There are people I speak to who barely remember the name of their middle school, let alone return to visit the school. So the fact that we have that culture ingrained is very important; and it speaks volumes.”
Kyle credits Mr. Howard Blue for staying connected with him during his final semester at Bowie State University, even inviting him back to WJA for a tour and to meet members of the business office. As graduation approached, Kyle had one potential opportunity on the table, but it wasn’t firm, and he wasn’t completely sold.
For Kyle, returning to WJA felt different; it felt like foundation. Meeting the team in the business office, reconnecting with familiar faculty and staff members like Ms. Rosie MacInnes, Mr. Bill Whitaker, and Mr. Bob Wassman, and being reminded of the school’s mission and community gave him a sense of clarity. The idea of coming home to a place he loved — rather than stepping into a high-stress environment elsewhere — brought peace of mind.
“Those were the selling points,” Kyle says. “After that, fast forward nine years.”
Nine years later, having worked as a Business Associate and Facilities Director, Kyle is still in awe of the position he holds, serving as an example for the very young men whose shoes he once filled as a student. When he steps back and takes in the full-circle nature of his journey, he describes it as “surreal, borderline unbelievable.”
He remembers the long 12-hour days, the 11-month school years, and the lessons that extended far beyond the classroom, especially learning what the Jesuit motto Men for Others truly meant. That value, instilled in him during his time as a WJA student, now guides him daily in his work.
For Kyle, being a Man for Others — going the extra mile, serving with intention, and putting others before himself — feels almost second nature. It’s not something he has to force; it’s something that has been ingrained in him since his earliest days at the Academy. Now, he draws on that same foundation to guide the young men at WJA. Leaning on his shared experience as a former student, Kyle offers advice, perspective, and encouragement to help them carve out their own paths with confidence and purpose, just as others once did for him. Kyle also understands the power of representation and hopes to see even more alumni involved in the life of the school. As a product of WJA, he has a deep understanding of
the Academy’s mission and believes that alumni serving in administrative, teaching, and graduate support roles help ensure that mission remains vibrant and impactful for generations to come.
“You have individuals that genuinely care here,” Kyle says. “It’s not just a job to them. They want to be here, and they want the kids to capitalize on everything being offered. Having alumni in various roles makes it easier to keep pushing the ‘WJA Way.’”
The “WJA Way” isn’t just a motto, it’s a culture. It’s students staying connected long after graduation, forging their own paths, and returning to visit far more often than is typical for a middle school alumni network. This culture of brotherhood, Kyle believes, truly sets WJA apart. It’s also the hope he has for the next generation, that they, too, will carry the “WJA Way” forward and make it a lasting part of their lives.
“When I have doubt in my life, I know how to practice faith. WJA provides an early experience that teaches care, work ethics, and higher expectations for the future, for their fellow man. Teaching me that being a Man for Others is a choice that starts with education and development of a mission. And now I can face challenges rather than dodge them and embrace difficulty – not letting it define me.”
• Isaiah Coffer
FullCircle
Isaiah Coffer
• St. John’s College High School
• B.A., La Salle University Associate High School Readiness Coordinator
“WJA believed in me before I fully believed in myself, and now…” is a truth that continues to guide Isaiah. When doubt shows up in his life, he knows how to respond with faith rather than fear—something rooted in his early experiences at WJA. The teachers who cared deeply, set high expectations, and modeled what it meant to work with purpose instilled in him a strong work ethic and a belief in what his future could hold. It was there that he learned being a Man for Others is a daily choice, one that begins with education, self-development, and a clear sense of mission. Because of that foundation, Isaiah learned to face challenges instead of avoiding them, to embrace difficulty without allowing it to define him.
Being both a product of WJA and a steward of its future is a source of deep pride for Isaiah. As a WJA alum, he sees stewardship as the responsibility to create better opportunities for young men walking the same halls that once shaped him. Living out the mantra Men for Others by paying forward the dedication he received is not only fulfilling, but an honor. Through his presence and commitment, Isaiah hopes to send a clear message to students: their future is in their hands, and they are more capable than they may yet believe.
WJA Class of 2012
Kyven Jones
• Bullis School
• B.S., Albright College
• M.A.T. Candidate, Trinity Washington University Faculty
Kyven Jones returned to Washington Jesuit Academy in 2018, just one summer after graduating from Albright College with a degree in Marketing and Advertising. While working for a makeup company, he received a phone call from Mr. JB Gerald, former Director of the Office of Student and Alumni Success, offering him the chance to volunteer during study hall and help with the basketball program. What Kyven considered a “no brainer” would become the start of a full-circle journey back to the place that helped shape him and a commitment to giving back to the community that first invested in him.
It was the love, opportunities, culture, and sense of family he experienced as a student that ultimately brought Kyven home. Arriving at WJA midway through his seventh-grade year, he says that same spirit of togetherness still fills the halls today. “I still see the passion from teachers and the strong relationships from teacher to teacher and teacher to student,” Kyven says. The long days and months spent at the Academy helped shape who he is today and why returning to WJA felt so meaningful. “The lessons learned, the hard discipline, and the rigorous academics made for a brighter future for me,” he says. “If I can have a part in shaping the next generation, I would love to make that same impact.”
“Fourth Grade Through a Lifetime” is more than just a slogan at WJA; it’s a commitment Kyven lives out daily. Just as his former teachers, including Mr. Howard Blue and Mr. John Scheibel, supported him beyond the classroom, Kyven makes it a point to do the same for his students. Whether it’s attending birthday parties, showing up at basketball and football games, or giving students rides home, Kyven spends much of his weekends investing in their lives outside of school.
Known affectionately as “Coach K,” Kyven often sees himself in many of the students he teaches. That connection fuels both his passion for teaching and his approach to discipline. He brings an upbeat, positive energy to school each day, knowing that many of his students face challenges outside the classroom. As an alumnus, he relates to them on a deeper level and works to make WJA a safe haven. He also understands the power of alumni presence. When former students return, Kyven invites them to speak to his class, giving current students role models who once sat in the same seats. “Students look up to alumni,” he says. “If we can provide role models for our guys, we should definitely continue to do that.”
Looking Ahead
Abraham Mekonnen
• St. Anselm’s Abbey School
• B.A., LeMoyne College Front Desk Coordinator
Looking ahead, Abraham feels hopeful for the next generation of WJA students. More than anything, he hopes they are given even greater opportunities than his generation had and that they find success in whatever paths they choose. He wants them to feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow into confident individuals who are ready to make a difference. In his view, each new class builds
on the one before it, and he believes the future holds incredible potential for WJA students to achieve more than ever.
Abraham also sees alumni continuing to play an important role in shaping the future of WJA. By staying connected and involved, alumni help create a shared sense of community that people can rely on. He believes this is already happening, as graduates give back through their WJA Class of 2014
When Kyven walked the halls of WJA, teachers like Mr. Blue, Ms. MacInnes, Mr. Scheibel, and Mr. Andrew Deyell gave him more than instruction; they gave him confidence. They pushed him to strive for his goals, to believe in his potential, and to dare to be great. Long after his time at the Academy ended, their support never wavered. Through high school and college, those same educators continued to advocate for him, helping him secure internships and opportunities that placed him in spaces he never imagined he would occupy.
Now back at WJA, Kyven carries those lessons forward by leading through example. He focuses on being a positive influence for students, whether through his energy and actions, his words, or how he handles conflict.
“There’s value in having positive influences in the building to look after,” Kyven says. “I try to put that at the forefront when I’m teaching, when I’m disciplining, or generally when I’m moving in the WJA community.”
Kyven encourages students to keep an open mind and not be afraid to speak up. Drawing from his own experiences, he urges them to try new things, meet new people, and continue growing, just as his teachers once helped him do.
When Kyven looks toward the future of WJA, he hopes the next generation can go even further than those who came before them. “Let’s see more guys in Ivy Leagues,” Kyven says. “We can do more and accomplish more with the resources, the connections, and the ever-growing network that WJA has.” With 462 alumni who have gone on to do impressive things, Kyven believes the true measure of success is seeing the school continue to grow and improve. For him, there is no greater feeling than returning to WJA and seeing it stronger than when he left.
That growth is already happening. Kyven sees alumni returning every day — volunteering, working in roles such as teachers, development staff, and counselors, and showing up to support students at athletic events. Their presence reflects a deep connection to the school and a shared commitment to giving back.
Kyven admits he didn’t always have this vision for WJA. He credits the school for believing in him before he fully believed in himself. Now, he sees himself not only as a product of WJA, but also as a steward of its future — a valued member of a community shaped by resilience and purpose. As Kyven proudly puts it: “WJA is family! WJA is legacy! WJA is ME!”
time, mentorship, and support. Their involvement strengthens the bonds between past and present students and ensures that WJA remains a place rooted in connection and care.
If a current student told him they wanted to one day return to work at WJA, Abraham would encourage them to pursue that goal. He would ask for more details about their interests and aspirations so he could recommend steps to help them become a strong candidate. He believes that coming back to serve the same community that helped shape you is a meaningful goal and one that is absolutely achievable with preparation and dedication.
“We stand on the shoulders of giants,
and in turn allow others to stand on our shoulders to build a better future for ourselves and others.”
• Abraham Mekonnen
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