FROM THE DESK OF

Anthony McHenry

Summer 2019
Dear MAS partners and friends,

On June 8th, thirty seniors graduated from MAS. They posted similar statistics to the four classes before them: 100% of seniors graduated. 100% were accepted into post-secondary education. This class earned just over $2 million dollars in scholarships collectively.

These are impressive numbers, but there is so much more to their story. This graduating class is the perfect example of what I call "The MAS Way" in action.
Consider the stories of the TWO sets of twins in this class. One set of twins had to show amazing resilience after the death of their best friend, a classmate of 14 years, that died in a car crash in May. In addition, these twins live in one of Milwaukee's toughest neighborhoods; and have three older siblings that did not graduate high school and all three were incarcerated this year. To add to their challenges, the twins spent time homeless during their senior year. Yet one will attend Fox Valley Community College in the fall and the other will attend the University of Virginia on a full scholarship. The amazing relationships with staff that developed over 14 years at MAS (they started in K4), the connections to our successful athletics programs, the rigorous STEM focused curriculum, and their grit made this possible. This is, in fact, the result of "The MAS Way."

The second set of twins who graduated from MAS this year also started at MAS as four year olds. These sisters are the second set of twins to attend since K4 and graduate; their brothers graduated last year. They have a very supportive mother and a commitment to academic excellence. The twins have blossomed at MAS. One became student government president and was the leader of our drumline, and the other was this year's valedictorian. One will attend UW-Parkside with 100% of tuition covered and the other will attend the University of Minnesota-Mankato with generous scholarship earnings.

These two families are both African American, both led by single mothers, and both qualify for free or reduced lunch. Most importantly, they both represent "The MAS Way". The MAS Way starts with a mindset that all children are learners and WILL BE successful at MAS. Our policies and procedures align with that mindset. Our conversations and efforts align with that mindset. Our resources align with that mindset as we now commit almost $1 million dollars in transportation annually to ensure that as families move from house to house they can have stability in their education at MAS.

In addition, with the support of the funding community and community partners, we offer amazing STEM programs, social-emotional supports and experiential learning opportunities that connect scholars to MAS in a meaningful way. In short, The MAS Way demands that we provide whatever resources are needed to ensure our scholars' academic success--no matter what zip code they live in or what their family dynamics are.

I can only make this commitment to The MAS Way with support of stakeholders like you. Thank you for your past support and commitment to MAS and for helping make this a great year. Please consider a financial gift to help us and the scholars we are privileged to serve have an even better year next year.
In partnership,

Anthony McHenry
CEO
Milwaukee Academy of Science
Jadyn Roby--Valedictorian--University of Minnesota-Mankato
Jordyn Roby--UW-Parkside
Shemera Williams--University of Virginia
Shemaj Williams--Fox Valley Community College