Alumni Profiles

Ebony James '99

Ebony James, who graduated from Little Flower in 2003 and North Carolina A & T State in 2007, has never stopped serving Gesu. Upon her eighth grade graduation, Ebony began "giving back" by volunteering in various summer programs. For the past several summers, she worked under the direction of H.L. Ratliff as a math assistant in the prestigious Young Scholars Program while also volunteering at the Gesu School Summer Camp.

According to 3rd grade teacher Ms. Bright, "Ebony is the most giving young person I know." Ebony's love of children and service is shaping her future, as she dreams of becoming a child psychiatrist. Currently, she works as preschool teacher and is preparing to begin graduate studies in January.

Terrance Robinson'02

Terry, a graduate of LaSalle College High School, pursued his interest in science by becoming a Computer Certified Technician through Lincoln Technical Institute. Recently, he was spotted in Gesu's halls working in the afterschool program and with the IT staff. Terry's greatest memories about Gesu were the lasting friendships he made. At one time Terry wished he could make Gesu School bigger for future students. In 2006, the school was in fact expanded with the help of many donors who contributed to the Building for Tomorrow Campaign.

Shakeeta Parker '02

Shakeeta is a graduate of Shipley School with a passionate interest in science. She currently attends Ursinus College.

Shakeeta first joined the Gesu School while she was in Kindergarten and says that the people and her favorite 6th grade teacher, Mr. Campbell, were her favorite memories. Now that Shakeeta has attended a high school on the Main Line she said that Gesu, "helps you stay grounded and prepares you for different things that approach you." She found taking a foreign language at Shipley to be a hard transition coming from Gesu and wishes that Gesu would implement learning a foreign language into their plans for future students.

Shawn Miles '01

Shawn Miles graduated from LaSalle College High School with a cumulative GPA of 2.66 and is now in his third year at Widener University. In high school, Shawn’s favorite classes were Trigonometry because he is good at math and Sculpture because he has a passion for designing. Now a Civil Engineering major, Shawn found a career path that combines his diverse interests.

Desmond Shannon '02

A graduate of neighboring Saint Joseph's Prep, Desmond is now a junior at Saint Joseph’s University. Desmond's favorite class has always been math, dating back to his early days at Gesu. In college Desmond has continued his long time interest in mathematics by pursing a degree in Actuarial Science. Desmond praises Gesu for the discipline he learned: "During my freshman year at the Prep I didn't have to work as hard as other students because of the work habits I got from Gesu," he says.

Otis Baxter '01

Otis graduated from St. Joseph's Prep in 2005 with a 3.0 GPA. After spending some time at Penn State University, he decided to pursue work experience in the IT field. Otis recently accepted a position as an IT Support Specialist and Assistant to the Technology Director for a mortgage firm. He hopes later to return to school to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and his Master’s Degree in Information Technology.

While at the Prep, Otis was involved in many after school activities including choir, the martial arts club, and photography. He also taught himself how to play the piano. Otis most appreciates the love that is given to the students at Gesu. He says, "The people at Gesu are always there to help."

Catera Rivers '02

Catera Rivers ’02, a graduate of Springside School and now a junior at Spelman College, has rapidly made her mark in higher education. As a freshman, she earned membership in the National Honor Society of Collegiate Scholars for 1st and 2nd year students and the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society for 1st year students. Catera complements her major in Psychology and her minors in Spanish and Management & Organization with a host of extra curricular activities, including tutoring elementary school students after school, representing Spelman as a school ambassador, and Spanish Club.

“Gesu has opened a lot of doors for me,” says Catera. For two summers Catera interned with Morgan Lewis & Bockius, with whom Gesu School is a pro bono client. At Morgan Lewis she gained experience in both Accounts Payable and Human Resources. Previously Catera interned for then-councilman Michael Nutter, a Gesu School trustee.

Ashton Miller'04

A recent graduate of Saint Joseph's Prep, Gesu alumnus Ashton Miller heads to Princeton University on a full scholarship this fall. Ashton accomplished quite a bit during his high school career; both his academic achievements and his extracurricular activities have helped set him apart from his classmates. During his time at the Prep, Ashton was an active member of the Student Council, the track team, and an officer of the Black Culture Club. He also served as Vice President of his Diocese's Youth Council and participated in North Carolina Outward Bound and the LeadAmerica Youth Leadership Conference. This summer Ashton will intern with Morgan Lewis for the second year.

Ashton easily expresses his appreciation of Gesu School. He notes: "Every year, Gesu challenged me in a different way. It gave me the necessary foundation for high school." After college, Ashton plans to become an entrepreneur and a lawyer.