Future Institute
The real test of a high school education is how it plays out afterward. CAN graduates are successful, hardworking, and are making contributions in diverse fields. Here are just a few of the many paths taken by Concept Alumni.

Alumni Spotlight
(Week of Apr 4, 2016)

Jayana Stokes

Jayana Stokes is an is an alumna of Horizon Science Academy Cleveland High School, Class of 2014. Currently, Jayana is a sophomore at Bowling Green University majoring in early childhood education.

Briefly, describe your career path.
I am currently a sophomore in the Inclusive Early Childhood Program at Bowling Green State University. I aspire to establish a licensure in early childhood regular and special education with the training to be an early intervention specialist. After graduation I plan to teach in the Cleveland area while furthering my education. I plan to further my education with a master’s program at Kent State or Cleveland State to become an administrator, then to open up a group home for children with special needs.
 
What are you passionate about in your work/school?
I am very passionate about children as whole. I love working with young children and inspiring them. I am especially passionate about children with special needs, working with them, seeing their potential through, and fighting for a quality education for them. Lastly I am passionate about my impact on the world. I just want to make a difference where a difference is needed.
 
Where is your career headed?
I plan to help teach and lead the children of greater Cleveland and ultimately create better school and home environments for children with special needs. Though I am in school for education it is because I love working with children and due to the many certifications I will receive with my dual major I will have many possibilities for career outcomes. However I do know that I will work with young children in some aspect.
 
How has your Concept Schools experience helped shape your success?
Concept Schools prepared be for college in so many ways. I had a few teachers that held me to exceptional standards to pull out my highest potential. I was offered PSEOP classes which allowed me to get a head start and see what college education was actually like. I also took various AP courses that allowed me to gain a plentiful amount of college-level information. Lastly the amount of support and resources that have been provided to me through the Alumni network since graduation has been extremely helpful.
 
How are you a game changer?
I realized in coming to college I wanted to do something that I loved doing, which was working with children. I know that being a teacher is a “regular” career. However I do not plan to be a regular teacher. I want to go above and beyond my job description and shape futures and pathways. I want to change our upcoming generations and allow them to see and have possibilities that were not provided to me. Even if I cannot change the “game” for myself, I want to change the game for the generations after me and allow them better opportunities.
 
What is the most amazing or interesting thing that’s happened to you since graduating?
Well, I kind of moved in a way. My mom moved to California so in a way I live there, I go there for breaks from school.
 
Your favorite high school memory?
My favorite high school memory would have to be after prom. We had a successful after prom, and I played a major role in this event.
 
How do you support and participate in the Concept Alumni?
Since I am still in college it’s kind of hard to be able to participate in Concept Alumni, but I meet with the Alumni Guidance counselor every semester here at my school, and I attempt to attend the alumni events near me.
 

Concept Alumni Network (CAN) invites suggestions for Alumni Spotlights!
Do you know a Concept Alum(s) who has:
  • An interesting job?
  • An extraordinary story to tell?
  • Made a difference in his/her community?
  • Been a role model for others?
Contact us at alumni@conceptschools.org for more information

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