Hats off to the Class of 2024! Oh, the places you’ll go!
Now, we invite you to help us celebrate a new generation of Head Start alumni. If someone you know is graduating in 2024 from high school or college, we want to recognize their accomplishments.
The National Head Start Alumni Network
Isabella Knowles
Head Start program: Sarpy County Cooperative Head Start, Papillion, Nebraska
Isabella graduated from Papillion La Vista High School in Papillon, Nebraska, and was awarded the prestigious Governor's Award Scholarship for her exemplary academic performance.
Isabella plans to start her education at a local community college. Once she decides on her major, she will transfer to a local university to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Jaden Hughes
Head Start program: Opportunities, Inc., Cut Bank, Montana
Jaden graduated from Superior High School in Superior, Montana, and lettered in wrestling and football. Jaden received a full college scholarship to Flathead Community College. After completing an associate degree in graphic design and engineering, Jaden plans to attend either Montana State University or Western University.
Madisyn Alise Charles
Head Start program: Blanche Child Development Center, Fort Worth, Texas
Madisyn graduated with honors from Granbury High School in Granbury, Texas, and was a DECA, Inc. awardee.
Madisyn plans to study social work at the University of Texas at Arlington.
Bara’a Kamal
Head Start program: Luzerne County Head Start Edwardsville Center, Edwardsville, Pennsylvania
Bara’a graduated in the top ten of her class at Wyoming Valley West High School in Plymouth, Pennsylvania. Bara’a plans to major in mechanical engineering with an intended minor in data science at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Jasmine Jarrett
Head Start program: Knightdale Head Start, Knightdale, North Carolina
Jasmine earned her master's degree in social work from North Carolina Central State University and plans to pursue a career as a hospital social worker.
Chloe Foley
Head Start program: Walnut Ridge Child Development Brad Head Start, Walnut Ridge, Arkansas
Chloe recently obtained her Child Development Associate certification and is looking forward to advancing in her career as an early childhood educator.
Audrey Renee Brabant
Head Start program: NEMCSA Head Start, Carsonville, Michigan
Audrey graduated from Carsonville-Port Sanilac High School as a top scholar, serving as both class president and president of the school’s National Honor Society chapter.
She will join the incoming Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) class to study exercise science and pre-physical therapy and participate in the SVSU dance team.
Brenna Chase
Head Start program: Twin Creeks Head Start, Cochranton, Pennsylvania
Brenna graduated a year early from the Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School and plans to study marketing at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Cloe Kearns
Head Start program: Bonne Terre Head Start, Bonne Terre, Missouri
Cloe earned an associate’s degree in nursing from Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Missouri. She plans to continue her education to become a nurse practitioner.
Dashawn Rashaad Medley
Head Start program: Blue Ridge Community Action, Morganton, North Carolina
Dashawn graduated with honors from Hickory High School in Morganton, North Carolina, where he was a Pepsi Scholarship recipient and a member of the 2023 State Championship football team.
He will attend Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina, on an athletic scholarship and major in computer engineering.
Brittany Dingfelder
Head Start program: Three River Community Action Head Start, Zumbrota, Minnesota
During the final months of her pregnancy, Brittany completed the nursing program at Rochester Community and Technical College in Rochester, Minnesota, showcasing her incredible drive and determination.
Now, she works as a hospice nurse, providing support and care to families during one of the most challenging times in their lives.
Cinthia Rivera
Head Start program: Head Start of Lane County, Oregon
Cinthia graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Anthropology. She plans to continue her studies in the physician associate program.
Cinthia hopes to work in psychiatry, delivering mental health services, particularly within the Hispanic community. She aims to remove barriers to ensure individuals are fully supported.
Isabella Marie Lopez
Head Start program: Aquinas Head Start, Southgate, Michigan
Isabella graduated from Western Michigan University (WMU) with a degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and American Sign Language (ASL).
She plans to pursue a graduate degree at WMU and become a school-based speech pathologist.
Julio Moreno
Head Start program: Ramona Head Start and Preschool, Norwalk, California
Julio graduated with honors from Gahr High School in Cerritos, California, receiving the California Seals of Biliteracy and Civic Engagement.
Julio has committed to Whittier College in Whittier, California.
Bianca Gonzalez
Head Start program: Ramona Head Start and Preschool, Norwalk, California
Bianca graduated from Cal State University Los Angeles as a first-generation college graduate. She plans to join the workforce in her field of study.
Christopher Cooper
Head Start program: Ramona Head Start and Preschool, Norwalk, California
Christopher graduated with honors from La Mirada High School in La Mirada, California. He plans to attend Long Beach City College in Long Beach, California, and pursue the teacher preparation program.
Nathan Acuna
Head Start program: Ramona Head Start and Preschool, Norwalk, California
Nathan, a first-generation college graduate, earned his master's degree from Cal State University Fullerton. He now plans to enroll in a doctoral program.
Jacob Hoke
Head Start program: Avery County Head Start, Pineola, North Carolina
Jacob earned an Associate of Applied Science in Professional Crafts-Jewelry from Haywood Community College in Clyde, North Carolina. He previously earned a diploma in welding at Wilkes Community College, also in North Carolina. His jewelry is on display in several shops and galleries throughout the state. His aspirations include opening a jewelry studio.
