After long, difficult, but successful years of schooling, Eleanor Roosevelt High School’s class of 2025 graduated on May 28th, 2025. The students celebrated their accomplishments at the University of Maryland’s Xfinity Center, turning their tassels surrounded by their friends, family, teachers, and mentors. These graduates are furthering their futures in various different fields and paths, and it’s important to recognize their accomplishments as they head off to their colleges, careers, trade schools, or the military.
The Raider Review asked Ifeoluwa Folorunso (committed to University of Maryland), Jazmin Grier (committed to Bowie State University), Chineye Kalu (committed to University of Maryland), Jin Hao Cao (committed to Georgia Institute of Technology), Zadyn Higgins (committed to Columbia College of Chicago), and Jason Gallardo (committed to University of Florida) about their process to applying to college, their awards, their goals for after high school, and extracurriculars they look back on fondly during their high school careers. Here are their responses:
Did you receive any special scholarships that you feel comfortable talking about?
“So far, I was awarded a distinguished merit scholarship that gives me $5,000 a year, and I’m very proud of that, considering it’s only the first one I’ve received.” – Jazmin Grier
”I received a scholarship from many schools I applied to, but one that stuck out to me was from Hope College, I received it for my proven dedication to Roose through grades and extracurriculars. It was just really nice to be recognized.” – Chineye Kalu
”I received the PGCPS Jason Hawkins Scholarship for First Gen Students.” – Jin Hao Cao
What was your reaction to getting into the school of your choice?
”My reaction to getting accepted to the school of my choice was ecstatic and overjoyed. I felt like all the work I had put in until now was worth it, and I was just super excited to be going to the same school as my sister and continuing the legacy.” – Ifeoluwa Folorunso
”I was very excited to see that I got in. My early graduation process had a lot of waiting for answers, and so seeing that I was accepted was like the final piece to a huge puzzle.” – Jazmin Grier
”Refreshing. During college application time, you sort of get in your head and doubt yourself. What if I don’t get in? What if I didn’t do enough? What if I’m a disappointment to my family? A bunch of lies rooted in insecurity just fill your mind. Once you get in, a literal weight is lifted from your soldiers!” – Chineye Kalu
”I was in my car when it happened. I remember my heart beating quickly before I opened my decision letter. Overall, I was very happy and shocked. I applied to Georgia Tech’s early action, so the acceptance rate was around 7%.” – Jin Hao Cao
”When I was accepted into the University of Florida, it felt like all the weight of college applications was over. It’s among the best schools in the nation for my major of marine sciences. It was also a confidence booster because it’s an out of state school that really prioritizes Florida residents, so getting in really felt like an achievement. I wanted to go to that school and made it so I just felt really relieved and proud.” – Jason Gallardo
What are your goals for after high school?
”My goals for after high school are to get a high paying job, but first get experience in the field of business mixed with information science through internships, and just continue to push myself to exude excellence. I want to be an example that any black man can achieve their goals through hard work and dedication.“ – Ifeoluwa Folorunso
”I plan to study fashion design, and hopefully find a career in fashion. I want to spend lots of time honing that skill so I can have career opportunities in the future.” – Jazmin Grier
”I plan to continue my education at the University of Maryland. I’m in between a bio or psychology track. But, I’m also currently entertaining the idea of becoming a midwife or doula.” – Chineye Kalu
“I want to go into optics. I got an internship this summer with NASA where I get to do more research with optics. My research practicum project was about optics.” – Jin Hao Cao
“My goals after highschool are to pursue a Bachelor’s of Art in Journalism and then eventually be a freelance photojournalist!” – Zadyn Higgins
“Now that I’m done with high school, I want to spend the newfound time I have interning with research organizations like NOAA, and doing volunteer work to expose myself more to my future career path. I also want to refine skills I’ve been learning such as coding, using GIS software, and learning languages such as Amharic.” – Jason Gallardo
Do you have any special extracurricular activities that you think helped you get to where you are today?
“My special extracurricular activity was lacrosse, and it shaped me into the man I am today, It taught me that anything is possible through perseverance, and that it’s okay to be the underdog, because as long as you get the chance to compete, that means that you can win.” – Ifeoluwa Folorunso
“Extracurriculars that I think helped are yearbook and horseback riding. Yearbook taught me hard work and commitment, and horseback riding outside of school has always been a great tool for practicing confidence even when I’m unsure.” – Jazmin Grier
“NHS— I think it highlighted my abilities since I was a committee head. But honestly, one’s dedication to any club or program will be seen.“ – Chineye Kalu
”Robotics. I was the lead builder and we got to go to the international level. Pretty fun.” – Jin Hao Cao
“Doing track in high school really gave me a mental escape from the stress of school and all the responsibilities and pressure I had. It gave me a chance to just tune out the outside world and made the mental load of AP classes, clubs, and everything else much easier.“ – Jason Gallardo
The Raider Review would also want to recognize graduates Alessia Castro Garcia (committed to Georgetown University), Chelsea Onuekwusi (committed to Columbia University), Kebron Shewangzaw (committed to Wellesley College), valedictorian Ajibola Ajani (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), and National Honors Society president Oluwatomi Fadeli (committed to University of Pennsylvania)!
Congratulations to all of our Class of 2025 graduates! Good luck on your endeavors!
