By Merecedes J. Howze, Pittsburgh Public Schools
Pittsburgh Perry High School’s 2014 graduating class is filled with a diverse group of individuals. Class of 2014 seniors are local Northsider’s, while others come from all over the city to take part in their magnet program. Led by Pittsburgh Perry teacher Sharon Brentley, 19 Perry seniors have already accumulated an average of 12 transferable college credits from Community College of Allegheny County through a STEM program.
Let’s meet some of the shining seniors at Pittsburgh Perry:
Thorne Griffith, 18
Plans after Graduation: CCAC- General Studies
“I had fun but I learned a lot too,” said the soft-spoken senior. Thorne has always lived on the Northside and attended schools Pittsburgh Morrow and Rooney before spending his high school years at Pittsburgh Perry.
Plans After Graduation: Pittsburgh Technical Institute (PTI)- Computer Drafting – Army National Guard
In June, Trevon will attend advanced individual training for the Army National Guard. After training, he plans to serve his full 8 year term with the Guard. In October, he will start classes at PTI majoring in computer drafting.
Trevon had many stops before he arrived to Perry. Starting at Pittsburgh Oliver High School, he also spent a school year at the Student Achievement Center, calling the alternative education center in Homewood a “great school”.
Malik Cobb, 18
Plans After Graduation: Take over the family business, West End Cafe
Malik transferred from Pittsburgh Oliver High School after his sophomore year and found the transition to be eye opening.
“It’s empowering because I know I am not the only one,” said Malik. At Pittsburgh Oliver, he was one of two African-American gifted students. But, at Pittsburgh Perry, he joined many other African-American gifted students. With a larger gifted population, the school better supported his needs.
Keimel Beard, 18
Plans After Graduation: CCAC- major undecided
“I am anxious to leave Perry in hopes to better my education.”
Keimel has what most people call “senioritis.” Although he cherishes the countless memories he has at Pittsburgh Perry, Keimel is eager to leave and begin adulthood and college life.
Keimel is a part of the WE Promise program, a District initiative to ensure African-American males are on track to receive the Pittsburgh Promise.
Sherika Williams, 17
Plans After Graduation: Point Park University- Civil Engineering
Sherika currently has 9 college credits from CCAC that she plans to transfer towards her civil engineering degree at Point Park University. During her four years at Perry, Sherika cites her work with the arts, such as school performances and musicals, as her favorite high school experiences.
Sherika is a high honor roll student.
Thaddeus Morris, 19
Plans After Graduation: International Brotherhood of Electrical (IBEW) Workers- Education Department
Thaddeus plans to take advantage of the classes and training courses at the local union of IBEW. The group provides scheduled trainings and courses, and finds employment for students in the electrical field. Thaddeus wants to receive an engineering degree.
Thaddeus is a high honor roll student.
Willie Jones III, 18
Plans After Graduation: Penn State University (Main)- Mechanical Engineering
In the fall, Willie will have a huge advantage as a college freshman at Penn State University. Since taking classes at CCAC, he has already earned more than a semester worth of college credits. Willie currently has a 4.00 GPA
