In 2026, we celebrate four of our scholars who are graduating high school and headed to college in the fall. Each of them has overcome and accomplished a great deal on their journey with us, and we know they are ready for the challenges and adventures of college life.
Hudsyn
Hudsyn’s journey with Hope Ignites St. Louis began in 2020, when a counselor at Hancock Place Middle School encouraged him to join the Residential program, recognizing that added stability and opportunity could help him reach his full potential. During high school at Maplewood Richmond Heights (MRH), he built friendships, participated in multiple sports, excelled academically, and found a strong sense of community among his Hope Ignites housemates, who regularly showed up to cheer him on at games and events.
At Hope Ignites, he says the tutoring, college prep, and therapy support has made the greatest impact. “Getting things off my chest just helps take the pressure off,” he says. He also credits the program with preparing him for life on his own and continuing to strive for more. “They’ve always believed in me.” This fall, Hudsyn will enter the UMSL School of Engineering with zero tuition costs for his freshman year, thanks to financial aid and scholarship support made possible with the help of Hope Ignites.
Joe Sausele, Career Connections Teacher at MRH, says Hudsyn’s growth extends beyond the success reflected on his transcript. He describes Hudsyn as someone who consistently takes initiative to support and uplift others, seek out new opportunities, and bring positive energy to every space. “This constant growth mindset has a contagious effect on those around him,” he says.
Silvia
Academy scholar Silvia is “hardworking, thoughtful, and determined, and over time has become much more confident in herself and the decisions she makes for her future,” says Shania Jackson, Hope Ignites St. Louis Postsecondary Case Manager. Silvia joined the Academy program during her sophomore year of high school.
“The academic time with Hope Ignites has helped me the most,” Silvia says. “Having dedicated time to focus helped me stay on track and turn assignments in on time.” She also values the relationships she built with fellow scholars, including one of her best friends, and the encouragement of Academy Program Manager Ryan Hanewinkel, whose genuine spirit and support “always keeps me motivated.”
Silvia says her time at Rosati-Kain Academy taught her how to persevere, stay focused, and continue pushing forward when challenges arise. The college readiness support offered through both her school and Hope Ignites, she says, “helped me feel more confident about my future.” Through many conversations with Jackson about college life and finding the right path, Silvia ultimately chose to study international business at Maryville University, leaning into her appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. “I want to bring different cultures together so people can better understand and learn from one another,” she says.
Taniya
“The greatest lesson I’ve learned is that growth comes from trying new things and believing in yourself, even when it feels challenging,” says Taniya. When she joined the Hope Ignites Academy program in eighth grade, her goal was to grow “personally, socially, and academically” as she prepared for her future.
Over the past five years, staff have watched her develop into a confident and mature young woman, becoming more engaged with her peers, more open to new opportunities and experiences, and focused on building a successful future. “Hope Ignites has given me the chance to step out of my shell in different spaces and experiences,” says Taniya, “and taught me how to better communicate with others and navigate difficult situations.”
Taniya says participating in track and field also pushed her out of her comfort zone while teaching her the value of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. As she looks ahead, her focus is on successfully navigating the next stage of life and “continuing to grow into the person I want to become.” She received several honors at graduation from Parkway North High School and is headed to Mizzou to study biosciences.
Terrell
Terrell was at a crossroads, says his aunt, Loretta Brown. “He could stay where he was, or we could take a leap of faith and move him into the Hope Ignites program,” she says. “At first, I was uneasy about leaving him in someone else’s care 24/7, but after walking in one day and talking with Carolina, Hope Ignites St. Louis’ Associate Director of Wellness, my mind was put at ease.”
Terrell says he also felt awkward and homesick when he entered the program as a freshman, but he was motivated by the opportunity to “get a better education, keep my grades up, and grow into manhood.” He says his mentor, Seth Akakpo-Lado, a Hope Ignites St. Louis alum, has had a major impact on his life by showing him what it means to carry himself as a man and instilling values like respect, kindness, honesty, accountability, and professionalism.
During his time in the program and at Maplewood Richmond Heights High School, Terrell discovered a passion for engineering, which he will study at SIUE. He also earned Eagle Scout status, explored photography and videography, and built lasting friendships he could count on, including with fellow graduate Hudsyn. Most importantly, he says, he was surrounded by people who genuinely cared about him and wanted him to succeed. “When I envision my future,” Terrell says, “I see success, love, and happiness, and being in a position where I can support my family and give back to the community.”