Student Spotlight: D'Angelo Moore

Tinley Park IL

12 October, 2021

2:19 PM

Description

D'Angelo Moore is on track to graduate from Bremen High School District 228's Delta Academy this week, but when asked how he feels about his accomplishment we got a surprising response. "I'm supposed to be graduating soon but I wish I could prolong my time here because I love it so much. I made my home here." Moore entered District 228's Delta Academy last year after being recommended for the program by Hillcrest High School staff. Unlike a traditional high school, Delta Academy is part of District 228's Alternative Education Program. The purpose of the program is to broaden the range of academic, behavioral, and social/emotional interventions in order to increase the academic performance of students who are at risk of academic failure. The program opened its door on August 21, 2018 inside of South Suburban College's Oak Forest Campus. It is currently only one of two alternative education programs in the Southwest area of Chicago. "Don't get me wrong," said Moore, "Hillcrest welcomed me with open arms, but it's special here (at Delta)." Moore credits the support system and staff at the Alternative Education Program for helping him succeed. "I didn't really like people, then Covid made it worse. I was really keeping to myself and I had no outlet. Then I came to Delta and started realizing stuff about myself that I never did before. They (the staff) opened my eyes to see things at a different level and helped me get away from my little kid mentality." Before the Delta Academy, Moore explains that he didn't have any interest in pursuing a career or job and wasn't focussing on the important things in life that he now feels he needs to succeed. Moore credits District 228 Psychologist Jennifer Castor for being one of his biggest influences. In fact, he even suggested an interest in pursuing a career in psychology after graduation. He is hoping to further his education at South Suburban College or Harris-Stowe State University. "Mrs. Castor definitely played a role in my life and inspired me," said Moore. "I love the way she interacts with us. She has an ear for listening." Because Moore, like many students at District 228's Delta Academy, is graduating outside of the typical May graduation window, he will celebrate with his other graduating peers at a small celebration before District 228's upcoming School Board Meeting on October 19th. District 228 Alternative Education Director Erin Collins has been working diligently to make the celebration special for the students. She has been coordinating decorations and small surprises so students have the time to take photos and celebrate with their families as other graduating students across the district would have the opportunity to do. To learn more about District 228's Delta Academy and Alternative Education Program, follow the Delta Drakes on Instagram here.