Detroit Cristo Rey High School Celebrates College Decision Day

News Summary

Detroit Cristo Rey High School commemorated National College Decision Day with over 70 students celebrating their college acceptances. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate since its inception, with standout student Kaylee Razo receiving acceptances to elite institutions, including Harvard and Yale, all with full scholarships. Razo aims to pursue a pre-law track, inspired by her family’s immigrant story. The school emphasizes community engagement and professional development, vital in narrowing opportunity gaps for first-generation, low-income students.

Detroit – More than 70 students from Detroit Cristo Rey High School gathered at the Detroit Athletic Club to celebrate National College Decision Day, marking a significant milestone in their educational journeys. The school has maintained a remarkable track record with a 100% college acceptance rate for graduating seniors since it opened in 2008.

Among the graduates, Kaylee Razo stood out with her acceptance into several elite institutions, including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Notre Dame, and Georgetown, all with full-ride scholarships. Razo has chosen to attend Harvard, drawn to the vibrant environment of Boston and Cambridge.

Razo’s academic journey is deeply rooted in her family’s immigrant story. Raised in a small fishing town in Mexico, she initially viewed access to education as a distant dream. She aims to pursue a pre-law track at Harvard, with the aspiration of becoming an immigration attorney to assist families similar to hers.

Pauline Weber, the Director of College Counseling at Cristo Rey, highlighted Razo’s achievements as a reflection of the school’s supportive educational model. This model is supported by the Corporate Work Study Program, which enables students to gain valuable professional experience by working in business environments one day a week while also helping to finance their education.

For students wishing to gain acceptance into prestigious colleges, Razo underlined the necessity of distinguishing oneself academically and personally. The educational framework at Cristo Rey begins with a clear goal of opening doors to future opportunities, which is evident in their consistent success of 100% college acceptance for each graduating class since 2012.

Razo has gained real-world experience through her work with Ally Financial and Brooks Kushman P.C., where she has been exposed to the field of intellectual property law. Approximately 85% of Cristo Rey’s student body is Hispanic, with 15% identifying as African American, primarily hailing from low-income families.

The students at Detroit Cristo Rey High School engage in various essential activities, including internships, financial literacy classes, and community volunteer efforts. While the school has faced challenges in securing corporate work study placements due to economic uncertainties impacting partnerships, nearly 75% of its students are currently employed in entry-level positions across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and law.

The leadership at Cristo Rey underscores the significance of the work study experience, stating that it greatly contributes to building students’ confidence and securing future internships and job opportunities. Nevertheless, the school is actively seeking to bolster its corporate work study program, as budget cuts have led to a downsizing of previous partnerships with various companies.

Razo has expressed heartfelt gratitude for the guidance and support she has received throughout her educational journey. This assistance has played a pivotal role in narrowing the opportunity gap for first-generation, low-income students of color, allowing them to reach their academic goals.

The achievements of students like Kaylee Razo reflect the effective educational model implemented by Detroit Cristo Rey High School. The school’s emphasis on support, community engagement, and professional development through work experience continues to empower its students for future success.

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Additional Resources

• Detroit News: Cristo Rey Seeks Partners
• Wikipedia: General Knowledge
• Detroit Catholic: Immigration Conference
• Google Search: Education Programs
• Click on Detroit: SW Detroit Student
• Google Scholar: Work Study Programs