Communication and Media Arts High School to close

I am studying in Monterrey, Mexico, but I cannot ignore the educational dilemma of my community in Detroit. The Detroit Public Schools district has continued its quest to close the doors of one of its most successful high schools. Sounds strange? Well, yes it's quite frankly outrageous. I have written the following article about the
situation:

DETROIT

Laws require students to attend school and society encourages them to excel.

Districts expect their schools to prepare students for higher education and provide education-friendly environments.

Taxpayers hope that schools will have both dedicated teachers and students.

What is the only expectation of a model school that exhibits all these characteristics? – to remain open.

During much of my high school career at Communication and Media Arts (CMA) High School, we were threatened by closures. Nevertheless, the persistent students, parents, and teachers fought relentlessly to keep it open. Never have I attended or observed another school with the determination and overall success-rate of CMA.

As an alumnus, I know that am I naturally biased. Yet I also know that education is the most powerful tool to prevent the poverty and urban demise that confronts Detroit’s youth on a daily basis.

Detroit’s population continues to fall, and subsequently the tax base will continue to shrink. Cutbacks amongst budgets throughout the city must be realized in order to ensure the city’s rebirth. Revitalization can be seen throughout the heart of the city. New construction has become commonplace. However, how have the lives of the young, urbanites improved? What hope will remain when their only source of advancement – their education – is stripped from them?

The students of CMA do not simply desire to attend school with their friends, but instead they are pleading for their lives. Lives are potentially at stake.

There are a few other model schools of D.P.S., including Renaissance HS and Cass Tech HS, but the reality is that the majority of the CMA students would be forced to attend mediocre to failing schools. In many respects, the success of CMA puts the school in a league of its own. The college-preparatory high school boasts a nearly 99% graduation rate amongst seniors, over 95% of whom attend institutions of higher education.

Moreover, the school is virtually crime-free. While students of other D.P.S. schools must endure gun violence and armed robberies, such crimes and even physical alternations are inexistent at CMA.

The mascot of Communication and Media Arts, the Pharaohs, is befitting. The school is a royal gem in the city. It has produced queen doctors and king attorneys. Detroit should pride itself for possessing this exemplary institution.

For additional information, visit

The Communicator of CMA

Detroit Free Press

New Year Note

Happy New Year!
¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

This January, I have begun the year like any other previous year – taking time to reflect upon the past year and pondering my goals for the coming year. However, this year I am only one time zone away from home, but over 1,500 miles and a nation away. A distance of that magnitude has certainly caused me to appreciate my family and friends more than ever.

During the December vacation, I abruptly decided to bus into Houston and fly into Detroit. I had completely surprised my entire family when I arrived at my mother’s birthday party. As my mother prepared to dine in the restaurant, I walked up behind her and embraced her. Apparently, my parents’ excuse for not recognizing me was that I looked a lot different.

Suddenly, my beloved Soul Food tasted richer, the normal harsh winter was mild, the smiles of my family and friends seemed twice as large, and my cup of love for them overflowed.

My friends have become members of my family. Anyone that knows me knows that I call my friends brother, sister, cousin, or even uncle. The variances of titles do not suggest friendship levels, but instead I randomly choose one. They are the amazing people that others can only dream of knowing. They are the motivational people that offer me inspiration. They are the people that are leaving or will leave their mark on the world. They are the people that have stuck by my side and just as close, even when I have gone lengthy periods without communication. And they are the individuals who I thank God for when I rise in the morning. They are my family. [You all have a special place in my heart. / Ustedes tienen un lugar especial por el corazón.]

Likewise, the Mexicans have welcomed me into their lives, and have permitted me to become a part of their families. The common courtesy phrase, “Mi casa es tu casa,” is frequently said, but it is also said with much sincerity. As I complete the remaining half of my yearlong stay, I recognize that I owe a debt to the people on both sides of the border. However, this debt cannot be paid monetarily, but only with my contributions to society. I will attempt to lead a life, which is pleasing to my friends, my family, my nation, and our God.