During times of stress, 2024 Arbor Preparatory High School graduate Ciara Himlin never doubted she had someone in her corner. She knew that, thanks to her friends and the staff at Arbor Prep, she could overcome anything.
There were numerous obstacles in Himlin’s way, including an online learning environment her freshman year. Junior year brought three AP classes while also preparing for and taking the SAT. It was during this year of school when Himlin knew she had to kick her effort into high gear.
“It was kind of a turning point for me,” Himlin said. “I was just like ‘OK, Ciara. You need to know what you're doing. You need to be on top of everything so you don't miss out on anything and so that you can perform to the best of your ability.’”
It was then that she came up with a strategy that proved successful, propelling Himlin to the top of the class as Arbor Prep’s valedictorian. Before exams and other important tests, she wrote down a list of the things she wanted to accomplish and what tools she would use to study and plan out her road to achieving her goals.
This strategy proved effective. Himlin applied to eight schools in Michigan but landed on one: the University of Michigan. She is planning to attend the Ann Arbor campus this fall and study molecular biology. Himlin hopes to use this degree to help her become a pathologist. Thanks to the eight AP classes Himlin completed over four years, she has good chunk of credits already completed.
Himlin was also involved in the school’s student council, National Honor Society, and even helped revive the school spirit store. She said she had a good experience at Arbor Prep, which has outperformed the local district for two years, and had advice to give for future students.
Ciara Himlin (left) and her friend Juanita Agyemang pose after graduation.
“Don’t be confined to just one group,” Himlin said. “Get to know the people in your class. Make sure to talk to them. It’s not that difficult to say hi in the hallways. It’s really good for community building. Have a good relationship with your teachers. They were the most beneficial tool I had in getting help with classes."
Congratulations, and best of luck, Ciara!
Arthur James
When Arthur James, a 2024 graduate of Arbor Preparatory High School, got into trouble during his high school career, he used the experience for the better and persevered on his way to a diploma.
James, who experienced a challenge during his junior year, thanked his teachers for helping him bounce back from what he called “rock bottom.” He credited the help of English Teacher Sarah Hogan, and Deans Scott Stine and Stephanie Roberts.
“The teachers there really helped me bounce back,” James said. “I put in the hard work to change so it wouldn’t happen to me again. They wanted me to get back where I was. They helped me when I felt like I had no one else.”
Bounce back is exactly what James did. He worked with the school’s college readiness counselor and put in work during advisory, a time of the day dedicated to preparing for college, to put the past behind him and get ready for the next step of his life.
That next step is a big one: all the way to Washington, D.C., on the campus of Howard University. Attending an HBCU is an exciting prospect for James, who said he wanted to go to Howard because of its student community and the amount of opportunities available.
James is planning to study psychology on his path to becoming a psychiatrist. He said he chose this career path because he wants to help better people’s lives. James couldn’t help but think of his own experience and the help he received from his teachers during that critical time of his life.
James said attending Arbor Prep, which has outperformed the local district for two years, helped him prepare for the next step.
“It made it so I was more focused,” James said. “I had a lot more one-on-one support. I had a lot of help with my grades and tutoring. The AP classes and dual enrollment helped me save money on college.”
Way to persevere, Arthur! Best of luck in Washington, D.C.!
About Arbor Preparatory High School
Arbor Preparatory High School is a tuition-free, public charter school in Ypsilanti, Michigan, serving students in ninth through 12th grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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