Saturday Academy Recaps & Photos!
As part of October’s Saturday Academy, junior and senior Scholars attended the National Association for College Admissions Counseling’s (NACAC) College Fair at Navy Pier, where they were able to speak with admissions representatives from hundreds of colleges and universities across the country.
Sophomores began the year by laying their foundation of understanding related to their gifts, values, and passions as they created a personal action plan. Freshmen learned about SMART goals and set a few to kick off their high school career, guided by a reflection from former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
In Jr. LINK, our 8th grade Scholars learned about real-life superheroes, identified their own super powers, and then created an action plan on how they can use their super powers for good. Our 7th grade Scholars focused on activating their genius by crafting a personal vision statement to bring to life and use.
Scholars were asked: What is one thing you learned today as a result of Saturday Academy?
One thing I learned today is the importance of perseverance when tackling complex problems. We worked through challenging activities, and I realized that staying focused and not giving up helped me find solutions that I didn’t think I could at first. It was a reminder that patience and effort lead to progress.
– Mark K. McCalleb Jr, Class of 2030I learned about my greatest strengths. I also learned some of my short term and long term goals.
– Peyton Haynes, Class of 2029I learned about my skills and goals to set.
– Rune Fox, Class of 2029How having great time management is a passport for success.
– Laila Wooden, Class of 2028I learned that [LINK] cares a lot about Black excellence.
– Davina Adams, Class of 2028
At November’s Saturday Academy, our Jr. LINK Scholars met with high school counselor Adriane Jackson (a LINK Saturday Academy facilitator, college specialist, and high school counselor by trade) to learn more about the transition from middle school to high school.
Our high school Scholars engaged in personal assessments to better understand and describe their personality and strengths. In addition:
- Seniors updated us on their college application journey and successes. They also spent time learning tips and tricks on interviewing and engaged in mock interviews with each other.
- Juniors practiced their elevator pitches and learned the best ways to introduce themselves to others.
- Sophomores assessed their strengths and created self-portraits reflecting their goals, values, strengths, passions, gifts, and support systems.
- Freshmen learned about and discussed their personal and social identities.
Scholars were asked: What is one thing you learned today as a result of Saturday Academy?
I learned what excellence means and that it’s okay to not be a perfectionist.
– Ava Johnson, Class of 2030Excellence is a lifestyle.
– MyKael Perry, Class of 2030I learned that my strengths are being strategic and [having] emotional stability.
– Abdulatif Balogun, Class of 2027My passions need to be written before they are realized.
– Rainer Fox, Class of 2027You can be whatever you want. You can do anything your mind desires.
– Talia Cole, Class of 2026
At the November Class of 2028 retreat, the freshman Scholars took part in an engaging and foundational program centered around the theme “Who are you, and who are you becoming?” Throughout the day, Scholars participated in activities that encouraged self-reflection and exploration of their personal and social identities.
The freshman enjoyed community-building exercises that helped them connect with their fellow Class of 2028 cohort members, strengthening their sense of belonging and togetherness. In an impactful activity called “The Mask I Wear,” Scholars painted tote bags to visually represent the aspects of themselves they often hide or disguise in social spaces—and we encouraged them to embrace their true identities!
At the end of the retreat, Scholars wrote a letter to their future selves, sharing their aspirations and setting intentions for the growth and transformation they hope to achieve as they continue their journey as LINK Scholars and beyond.
At December’s Saturday Academy and Winter Celebration, high school Scholars heard about the experiences of three college seniors studying at Loyola University Chicago—Kayla, Jasmine, and Bassett—in our College Student Panel presentation. Also:
- Seniors discussed their current support system and network, how they can maintain and strengthen those relationships as they transition to college, and how to make new connections.
- Juniors engaged in a career interest assessment and learned about career clusters—including identifying the career cluster best aligned with their own interests and passions.
- Sophomores explored the change they wish to create and learned more about becoming a change-maker. Guided by the call to get into “Good Trouble” by the late Senator John Lewis and through viewing clips from the film Rustin, they began creating action plans to affect the change they desire to see.
- Freshmen assessed their learning styles and explored how to use them as they create goals
In our Jr. LINK programming, 8th grade Scholars discussed the transition to high school and prepared by creating different skits related to relevant scenarios, while 7th grade Scholars created vision boards aligned with their short-term and long-term goals.
We ended the day celebrating the upcoming season with games, food, and a holiday edition of musical chairs!
Scholars were asked: What is one thing you learned today as a result of Saturday Academy?
Be open [to] interacting with new people. Set boundaries & have [an] open mind.
– Haley Ward, Class of 2025Connections are really important in social life, careers, and friendships.
– Trinity Cowles, Class of 2025To apply myself to make connections in college because they can really be beneficial to me as life goes on.
– Jadyn Thomas, Class of 2025One thing I learned is to truly explore your field or profession. Also take many things into consideration when applying to colleges.
– Jayla Allen, Class of 2026
