✨🎓 A Day to Remember: Celebrating the Class of 2025 at Crispus Attucks YouthBulid Charter School

What a beautiful and emotional day it was as we gathered to celebrate the Crispus Attucks YouthBuild Charter School Class of 2025. From the first welcome to the final diploma, the entire ceremony was a powerful reminder of how far our students have come—and how bright their futures are.

The energy in the room was electric as Mr. Timothy Hoke, CACS Assistant CEO, kicked things off with warm and inspiring opening remarks. You could feel the pride in the air, from the staff lining the stage to the families cheering in the audience. Then came a moment of unity and purpose as soon-to- be graduate Joharalise Camilo led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance and the school’s mission statement—a reminder of the values that have shaped these young adults.

Densel Sanchez offered a heartfelt invocation that truly grounded the day in gratitude, and the welcome address from Brianna Elliott and Yrenny Mateo Cedeno brought smiles, laughs, and even a few happy tears. These student speakers shared memories, dreams, and appreciation for the journey that brought them to this milestone.

Leila Delgado led us through a round of recognitions.

Keynote Introduction by Rep. Carol Hill-Evans:

“Good evening, and congratulations, graduates! It’s my honor to introduce our keynote speaker for this evening. Dr. Sherry L. Washington is a dedicated educator, consultant, and community leader with over 30 years of experience. She is the founder of SRW Consulting, LLC and a proud CA kid who made history as the first principal of CA YouthBuild Charter School.

“She is a champion for equity in education, a leader in countless organizations including the York NAACP, and a passionate advocate for youth and underserved communities. With a wealth of experience, heart, and dedication—please welcome my friend and phenomenal woman: Dr. Sherry Rowland Washington.”

Dr. Washington’s words were powerful—filled with wisdom, encouragement, and a call to action. It was the kind of speech that will stick with our students for years to come.

Keynote Address by Dr. Sherry Rowland Washington:

“How y’all feel? It feels good to be home. First, thank you to all the family, friends, parents, staff, and administrators for having me back home. It’s an honor to stand before you. Crispus Attucks holds a place in my heart.Today marks not just the end of a chapter, but a celebration of legacy, transformation, and family. At Crispus Attucks, you’re not just walking across the stage—you’re walking into a legacy. A family. Let me show you what I mean—if you are a CA kid, whether daycare, Rising STARS, YouthBuild, or Birth Through Care—stand up. See that? That means this is more than a building. It’s a village. A family.

“I’m a CA kid. Ms. Martino was my daycare teacher—and later, she yelled at me too! But she also guided me. So did Mr. Simpson, Ms. Orr, and many others.

“They showed me that legacy isn’t about blood—it’s about who you bond with. At CA, I found my voice. I learned I didn’t have to shout to be heard. I didn’t have to fight with my fists—I could fight with my words, my mind, and my pen. And they taught me to give back. So look to your left. Look to your right. That’s your CA family—your support system. We’re here to lift you up and help you get to where you’re going.Helping others isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are. At CA, we reach back and lift others as we climb.”

“So as you step into the world and someone says, ‘I’m a CA kid’, you say it with pride. You’re stepping into a legacy. A fire-breathing, heart-moving, all-day kind of legacy. Take every lesson, every challenge, and every victory CA gave you—and make it count. Leave your mark. Reach back. Bring someone with you. Because here at CA—we stand tall together.”

🙌🏽 CEO Jacqueline Martino-Miller: Honoring the Village Behind the Vision

One of the most touching moments of the evening came from our CEO, Ms. Jacqueline Martino-Miller, who reminded us that true education is a community effort.

“The work that’s done here at CA is village work.”

“None of us can accomplish anything alone. Be patient with me for a moment because I have to acknowledge the village so we can appreciate our scholars’ journey. We know all of you are a part of the village, so we say thank you to everyone who came tonight to support the CACS scholars’ journey. But tonight, I want to shout out some special people: Parents, guardians, and grandparents—please stand.

“Crispus Attucks Charter School Board of Trustees—please stand. I love you all. You’ve given your time, your love, and your expertise to our organization. Thank you. Alumni—please stand and be recognized. You are the role models. Keep carrying those lights. We need you to keep carrying the torch. CACS staff and hall monitors—please come forward. Gather on the stage.

“Your teamwork and positive spirits create a safe, supportive, inspiring, and loving environment for our scholars to grow and thrive.”

“Thank you for going above and beyond—for lifting each other up and for always putting our scholars first. I’m incredibly proud to work alongside such an exceptional team.

“We started a tradition at the Charter School in 2010. Our scholars present handwritten thank-you notes to the specialists in their lives who supported them.

Scholars—please stand. This is your moment.”

It was a beautiful reminder that behind every graduate is a network of champions, mentors, teachers, and family members who stood beside them every step of the way.

Throughout the program, students were celebrated for their growth, resilience, and accomplishments.

  • Maria Fuentes, CACS Bi-Lingual Teaching Assistant highlighted the amazing contributions of our AmeriCorps members.

  • Toby Orwig, CACS Construction Manager awarded students with HBI PACT Certifications—a testament to their career readiness.

  • Willie Green, CACS Senior Case Manager and Chamika Wright honored perfect attendance with sincere admiration.

  • And awards for construction, turnaround, perseverance, leadership, and more were presented by members of our incredible team, including Miguel Garcia,Construction Assistant, Valerie Zahm, Tim Hoke, John Coon, Laura Metheny, Patricia Lackey, and Pierce Mosebrook.

One of the most touching moments was the Valedictorian Address, delivered with grace and gratitude by Nahiomy Toro Casiano. Her message reminded us all that hard work and heart can carry you through any challenge.

Finally, the Class of 2025 walked across the stage to receive their diplomas from Louise Doweary, Ms. Jacqueline Martino-Miller, Mr. Hoke, and Mr. Daniel. Cheers rang out, cameras flashed, and proud families stood to applaud as Derek Daniel, CACS Principal, officially presented the graduating class.

This wasn’t just a ceremony—it was a celebration of transformation, resilience, and the limitless potential of our youth. To every graduate: we are so proud of you. You’ve shown us what determination looks like, and we can’t wait to see how you shape the world.

Congratulations, Class of 2025. Your journey is just beginning—and we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way. 💛🎓💙