Future Leaders: Jakare’a Sandridge

I arrived at East English Preparatory Academy at Finney in October 2021 after a very well-publicized incident had taken place. I was immediately assigned to manage, mentor, and lead the 9th Grade Class. It was then that I met the diminutive 4’8” dynamo otherwise known as Jakare’a Sandridge.

Jakare’a immediately distinguished herself as more than a force to be reckoned with. Despite her small size and stature, loud and rebellious demeanor, and apparent negative attitude toward persons in authority and school in general, it was obvious to me that she was going to be a challenge. She associated with students who were low achievers who did not have an appreciation for what they were being offered from an educational standpoint.

There was a lot of disrespect, cursing, and even some fighting, which nearly cost her the opportunity to remain at The Ville. Despite the setbacks, however, Jakare’a was surrounded by a circle of committed people, including then-Assistant Principal Kianta Bankston and myself, who repeatedly looked beyond her faults and saw her needs.

Fast forward three years later and now, Jakare’a Sandridge has learned from her negative experiences and has blossomed into a much more mature 12th Grade Scholar who is set to graduate in the Spring of 2025. She has worked diligently to improve her grades since her freshman year so much so that she has earned her way onto the school’s Cheerleading Team. She is also enrolled in the Golightly Career Technical Education Center where she is becoming trained and certified in Welding.

Jakare’a wants to one day become a Lawyer (no surprise there) in order to advocate for those who have no voice. She is currently in the process of applying to several colleges and universities, including Central Michigan University.

In October 2024, she was honored as the 12th Grade Student of the Month based on her tremendous progress in Attendance, Attitude, and Achievement. Jakare’a Sandridge is shining example of what can happen in the lives of our children when we don’t give up on them. She is the Pride of the Class of 2025 and I am excited to witness her upward trajectory in all that she pursues in the years to come.