Tywan Wright’s story is inspiring - a powerful example of what City Schools students can achieve as they embody the ideals of the Portrait of a Graduate. The recent graduate of Frederick Douglass High School (Douglass) earned impressive grades and is a member of the National Honor Society. As a student-athlete and track and field competitor, he consistently placed at the top in statewide competitions, even breaking the school record in the 60-meter hurdles. A leader among his peers, he served as vice president of the senior class.
This fall, Tywan began his next chapter as a freshman at Bowie State University, one of 19 colleges to which he was accepted. Tywan’s path to college is also the story of the City Schools’ system of committed educators, counselors, and other key staff who have supported and cheered on Tywan, along with more than 4,000 City School graduates this year, in their journeys to college, career, and beyond.
Throughout the college process, “my counselors encouraged me to keep going,” says Tywan. “They were right there by my side. I knew I could always ask for help. They played a big role in me getting to where I am.”
The college preparation and planning process begins in earnest for City Schools students in ninth grade when they meet with a college counselor and develop a graduation plan outlining both academic and extracurricular activities.
Douglass guidance counselors John Rogers and Calandra Miller begin working with students more regularly during the junior year to “put them in a position to go to the college of their choice,” as Mr. Rogers notes. Adds Ms. Miller, “We take the time to listen to what students need to reach their goals, and we outline the different routes they can take to get there.”
They help students research schools, review transcripts, and assist with applications and essay writing. They also have conversations with parents to discuss possible scholarships that could help alleviate the financial burden and provide a pathway to college.
Tywan was part of The Y’s Next Gen Scholars program at Douglass, which provides students with additional college and career preparation, as well as social and emotional learning experiences. Flying high on the support of his school counselors, Tywan proudly submitted his 17 and counting college acceptances to our Good News form to share the exciting news about our students' achievements. Tywan exemplifies the Portrait of Graduate Confident competency by reflecting on his successes and failures, continuously improving, and taking initiative in showing other students and staff that a success story like his is possible. 
Tywan’s goal is to be an elementary school teacher and eventually a school principal. “I want to help people,” says Tywan. “I want to make a difference in the lives of youth.”
Just as City Schools counselors guided Tywan through the college application process, they will remain a support through the next year.
“We’ll stay connected with Tywan when he starts college,” says his Douglass counselor, Ms. Miller. “We provide support and love during the ‘13th year.’”
Congratulations to Tywan and the entire City Schools Class of 2025!