Morningside’s Finest: Tito Burleigh

Every day we hear about young people getting into trouble, but not so much about teens who excel. Tito Burleigh, an 11th grader and MorningSider at East English Village Preparatory Academy, is exceptional in his ability to stay focused on his education despite the challenges and distractions that Covid has created for our youth.

Tito was recommended for MorningSide’s Finest by Toson Knight, EEVPA’s Dean of Culture for the 11th grade. In addition to maintaining a 3.8 GPA, Tito works part-time at McDonald’s and participates in Caught Up, Mr. Knight’s mentoring program for young men. He even finds time for “a little bit of basketball.”

Tito says he’s thinking of pursuing a career in real estate or perhaps culinary arts, since he enjoys cooking for his dad, brother and sister, who share a home on Devonshire. Tito is one of ten siblings.

He says the memory of his mother, who passed away when he was twelve years old, provides much of his motivation to do well in school. “My mom wanted me to graduate.” We’re confident that Tito, if he maintains these goals and stays focused, will succeed in whatever field he chooses.