Mike Feinberg, Co-Founder of KIPP Public Charter Schools, spoke in September as the 9th J. Barry Moss Distinguished Speaker. In his message to Upper School students, he discussed the inequalities throughout education and the benefits of educational options for underserved communities, a topic that hits close to home for one student in particular.
After attending KIPP since age four, Marilyn Nwora '19 was tapped to introduce Feinberg as the keynote speaker to her peers. She recollected not only his achievements as an educator inside the classroom and as an innovator, but as an inspiration to her for over a decade.
"He had this way of interacting with all of the students even though we only saw him a few times every year. Knowing how hard he and many other KIPP teachers have worked to create a better path for us alone is impactful," Nwora says.
Like many of her fellow classmates, Nwora joined Kinkaid as a 9th grader in 2015. While the intense coursework for an Upper School student at Kinkaid can be intimidating, Nwora believes the unique ways in which KIPP chose to teach its' students greatly prepared her to for success as a falcon.
"KIPP is an environment just like Kinkaid. The minimum isn't enough for true success. I was constantly challenged to be my best in my academics. They taught us not only to know the material, but to be able to teach it to our peers," she says.
Assistant Headmaster Dr. Ed Trusty, who has worked in education his entire career, has too seen the benefits of providing alternative and competitive educational models for underserved communities. He hopes Feinberg's message of reaching back to those not as fortunate as yourself will resonate with students after hearing Feinberg's personal journey to creating KIPP.
"I would like for our students and teachers to recognize the great work that KIPP is doing helping to meet the educational needs of the wider community," he says. "Many in our community are not aware of some of the challenges faced in the wider educational community, and will be able to help in the future to make a difference, as they embrace our core values even into adulthood".
Going forward, Nwora plans to be one of those who make that difference. With future aspirations of becoming a pediatrician, she first will take time teach the next generation inside the classroom.
"At KIPP we were always told to be the difference we want to see in the world, and that's all I intend to do; one smile at a time," she says.
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