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Get to know some of the students graduating from Eastern Iowa high schools this month
Thousands of students are graduating this month from Iowa high schools. The Gazette this week is featuring graduating seniors from eight Linn County high schools. Six Johnson County high school graduates will be featured June 2 in The Gazette.
The students were chosen by school staff, including their principals, teachers and counselors. The Gazette asked them for recommendations of students who represent the diversity of Eastern Iowa, including students from different cultural backgrounds, those with different career goals or students who have overcome a challenge or obstacle in their education.
Here are their stories.
Oliviah Partee, Metro High School
Like many students, Oliviah Partee struggled with online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eventually, she landed at Metro High School, where she found classes and teachers she loved. She said, “It opened my eyes because the teachers here really actually do want to help you succeed. They help you until you get it.” Partee received five scholarships to Hawkeye Community College, where she plans to study digital mass media before transferring to a four-year university — possibly a historically Black college or university. She hopes to open her own podcasting studio someday.
Julio Chavez, Jefferson High School
Overcoming many early obstacles, Julio Chavez is setting his sights on nursing. A decade ago, Chavez immigrated from El Salvador, facing a new life in the Midwest with his brother and then his mother. Despite eventually living alone and attending several high schools, he persevered and graduated from Jefferson High School. This fall, he'll pursue a nursing degree at Kirkwood Community College. Chavez says he was inspired by his Jefferson biology teacher to go into nursing, “I’ve hit every goal I have strived toward, including graduating.”
Jake Wallrichs, Linn-Mar High School
Jake Wallrichs wants to travel to “every corner of the world.” The Linn-Mar grad plans to be a pilot. Wallrichs will study aviation and play tennis at the University of Dubuque. While at Linn-Mar, Wallrichs played tennis — a sport he “fell in love with” at an early age. He went to state for tennis his sophomore and senior years. His tennis coach said, “His mentality is he’s going to put his head down and get the job done. He’s a silent leader.”
Lavelle Dawson, Washington High School
LaVelle Dawson scored a “try” for Washington High School’s rugby team earlier this month at the state tournament, running about 90 meters with the ball to ground it in the end zone. When Dawson first went out last year for rugby, he couldn’t even catch the ball. His rugby coach says, “He’s an example for other kids to follow.” Dawson plans to attend Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls this fall. After he completes his associate degree in business, Dawson hopes to transfer to possibly the University of Northern Iowa to play football and further his education.
Byriaha Cox, Kennedy High School
Despite the challenging circumstances that led Byriahna Cox to the foster care system as a senior in high school, foster mom Marolyn Kelly says she has a “heart of gold.” For Cox, 17, graduating high school also means preparing to live independently as she exits the foster care system this summer. With Kelly’s help, she has met her goals of living independently including her own apartment this summer. Cox said, “I made it. I actually did it.” She is working toward becoming a certified nursing assistant and would like to work for a few years before going back to school for her nursing degree.
Marcellin Mukendi, Prairie High School
Marcellin Mukendi is determined to succeed, regardless of the challenges. Mukendi is an immigrant from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mukendi faced language barriers and cultural differences after coming to Cedar Rapids. But he remained resilient and determined, sparking a transformation that’s led to academic success and personal and professional growth. Prairie High School’s Nicole Rawson says, “He's just someone who shows up, takes advantage of all the opportunities available to him, and will make the world a better place.” Mukendi plans to continue his education at Drake University, where he’s earned a scholarship, to study business with hopes of becoming a financial manager and eventually a chief executive officer.
Jasper Hancox, Marion High School
Jasper Hancox has maintained a positive mindset after two season-ending injuries to his right knee robbed him of his upperclassman years on the football field. Now, as the 18-year-old graduates from Marion High School, he wants to spread that optimism to help others heal through a career in physical therapy. “At this point, I'm just learning a lot more than I probably would have if I didn't get injured,” Hancox said. He was honored with the football coaches’ “Leader of the Pack” award this year for being a role model through his hard work, dedication to the team and positive mindset.
Emme Quinn, Xavier High School
Emme Quinn hopes to make a difference in medicine. She’s inspired after learning from her mother, an engineer who has dealt with chronic illness for years. After graduating, Quinn plans to attend the University of California-Santa Barbara and major in chemical engineering. Eventually, she wants to get an advanced degree in genetics so she can study, and hopefully cure, diseases like myalgic encephalomyelitis — also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, the genetic disease her mom was diagnosed with almost 20 years ago. She has already started her research journey. “I think it’s been really great to see at home how much hope that gives my mom,” Quinn said.
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