The ROAR of the Class of 2025

I AM A MIGHTY LION

I focus on rigorous academics, character development and career exploration. I am on a mission to discover my future and to lead a choice-filled life.

I WILL carry myself as a leader who shows courage and honesty.

I WILL serve others with kindness and respect.

I WILL use my creativity and find joy in all that I do.

I WILL cooperate with others and show empathy and gratitude.

I WILL be responsible, work hard and always do my best.

I WILL show perseverance and will welcome challenges as opportunities.

I WILL honor my community and my country.

I AM A MIGHTY LION... HEAR ME ROAR!

The TLA Proclamation is an integral part of school culture at TLA. It is recited at morning assembly, is visibly represented on the main stairway linking the three levels of the school and is integrated into all classroom and school activities. The guiding star for scholar expectations at TLA, the proclamation focuses on emphasizing qualities and virtues that will support scholars in successfully achieving their dreams well beyond their time at TLA.

Accomplishments

The Class of 2025, a class of 51 scholars and our first class to graduate, is the embodiment of the proclamation and has set a high bar for each of the classes that comes behind it. Consider these accomplishments by the Class of 2025:

• A 100% graduation rate.

• Over 460 college credits were earned by the class prior to high school graduation.

• Over $700,000 in scholarship dollars were secured by scholars.

• Over 2,300 documented service-learning hours in service to our community.

• Everyone completed an internship, with some completing multiple semesters.

• 42 industry recognized certificates earned.

• More than 20,300 hours of work-based learning were completed at 45 different work sites and at two distinct levels of Youth Apprenticeship (Level 1 at a minimum of 450 hours and Level 2 at a minimum of 900 hours).

• Apprenticeships were undertaken in the career pathways of: Hospitality, Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing, STEM, Business Administration, and Construction.

• To date, seniors have indicated their next step after graduation is:

  • 47% - attending 2-year/technical college/training

  • 30% - attending 4-year school

  • 15% - entering the workforce

  • 8% - entering the military

Embracing Opportunities

As impressive as their accomplishments as a group are, their individual experiences reflect a senior class that has embraced the opportunities available to them to learn, grow and explore while at TLA, preparing them for a future filled with choices. Although I would like to share every scholar's experience, because ALL our scholars are amazing, here are just a few examples of scholar experiences: 

Adrean

Adrean completed a Youth Apprenticeship (YA) at Scot Forge, working second shift in addition to attending class and participating in school activities like the Super Mileage Vehicle team. He said it sometimes made for long days and early mornings getting to school, but he enjoyed the work and took pride in finishing a machine repair by the end of his shift, even when it took a little extra time. Exposure to specialized repair work he enjoyed and a positive work environment at Scot Forge made an impression on Adrean. He will begin working in the Machine Shop at Scot Forge after graduation, with Scot Forge providing financial support for his continuing education in the Mechatronics Apprenticeship program at Blackhawk Technical College.

Kemoria - Kemoria has said that TLA pushed her to be her best version of herself; both finding herself and picking a career path perfect for her. A personal experience led her to realize how someone’s confidence can be impacted by a dental issue. She became interested in exploring the dental field and completed an internship at Clinton Family Dental, getting the opportunity to see how a clinic runs, how dental hygienists work with people, and to observe a variety of dental procedures. Kemoria was the captain of the cheer team and participated in the Start College Now program while at TLA, completing microbiology and about to complete a biochemistry course; both prerequisites for the Dental Hygiene major she will be undertaking while attending Blackhawk Technical College.

Manny – Manny graduated early this year and said he learned so much at TLA, crediting the teachers for their guidance. In late January, Manny headed out to Boot Camp, with a plan to become an Army Ranger, Special Forces. He is hoping to complete two contracts and then explore his interests outside of the military, possibly in government contracting or real estate. The military was not always part of Manny’s plan. He originally wanted to be an electrician. Manny explored hands-on classes like construction, welding, CNC, engineering, and robotics while at TLA, learning that he really enjoys working with his hands. Talking with family members, he realized the military could be a great path to continue to develop these and other skills in a way that would help him set himself up for a great future. We look forward to Manny returning to TLA for graduation having successfully completed Boot Camp!

Emma – Emma credited the academic resources and opportunities that were available to her at TLA and some meaningful advice from one of her teachers during a freshman year study hall as really making an impact on her. She made a commitment to academics and immersed herself in a variety of opportunities while at TLA that included scholar council, drama club, and baseball. She explored her interest in healthcare by taking several healthcare courses and working in a variety of healthcare settings to learn about different career options in the field. In 2023, Emma was the youngest CNA in the state and worked at Riverside Terrace for a year. This year she is completing her Youth Apprenticeship at SSM St. Mary’s as a Medical Imaging Assistant, a career pathway more in line with her radiology interest. She is also working toward becoming a certified volunteer EMT. Emma said she feels confident her time at TLA allowed her to figure out her path and that she is more confident about what she can accomplish in the future. After graduation, Emma plans to pursue a major in Biology and continue to medical school for radiology.

Carson - Carson has shared that TLA has helped him discover what he wants to do for his career. He has found a passion for teaching and has had the opportunity to experience teaching firsthand through his internship at The Lincoln Academy. He spent his entire senior year supporting our younger scholars and working with our PE teachers. He also took a referee class and learned how to referee for area school sports. Carson has participated in many sports at TLA and has led the baseball team through his pitching talents. He has also been one of the biggest fans and cheers for his classmates whenever he can. He is a true team player. Carson plans to attend Beloit College and get his teaching degree. He hopes to come back to The Lincoln Academy to teach someday, and I look forward to seeing that happen in the future! 

Impact

The Class of 2025 took a chance on TLA, and we are so thankful they did! They have been incredible role models, leading the way for younger scholars and using their voice in a constructive way to help us learn and grow as a new school. Time after time they have embraced opportunities and shown leadership, whether around the importance of committing to academics, modeling what it means to show good character at school and in the community, or positively representing TLA through hard work, demonstrating responsibility and respect, and a willingness to learn in their internship and apprenticeship workplaces. We are so proud of all they have accomplished and the incredible young leaders they have become.

Here’s to the Class of 2025! We will miss them but cannot wait to see them ROAR into the future. GO LIONS!

Dr. Kristi Cole is the Chief Education Officer at The Lincoln Academy, a K4-12 independent 2x charter school located in Beloit, Wisconsin.