Learning All About Two Outstanding Members of the Aldridge Class of 2026

Ms. Dejah Martin, a school counselor at Aldridge Elementary School on Chicago’s Far South Side, has so many positive things to say about soon-to-be graduates Kendull and Alana. She says they are very special students to her and sees them both as leaders in their own ways. Because they have become more independent and self-sufficient during their time at Aldridge, she also wants them to continue being authentically themselves as they enter high school. 

She knows that both of them will be successful as long as they continue to do their best, and she hopes that they come back and see her when they reach their goals. We interviewed both of them to hear more about their Aldridge experience. Read more below!

Meet Alana! 

What are your interests both inside and outside of school? 

I enjoy learning a lot. Math is my favorite subject, and I’ve been taking algebra so I can get ahead when I’m in the ninth grade. I’ve also been learning a lot of financial literacy topics like money and stocks. I also like to learn when I’m outside of school as well, because I feel like I have more freedom over what I learn. I use Khan Academy to learn more math skills. 

You became an Aldridge student in fifth grade. How are you similar now, and how are you different? 

I was a little nervous about coming to a new school, but I still tried to do my best because I wanted to stay on top of all my stuff and have a good reputation. I think I’ve shown the most growth socially because I’ve tried to become more involved outside of school in jobs and summer programs. 

What is your favorite memory of being an Aldridge student? 

Our school took us to a math competition, and it was my favorite part of school because it was when I realized that I needed to start speaking up more, so I could get more opportunities like that! 

You’re headed to Brooks College Prep next year. Congratulations! What are you most excited about in high school? 

I’m excited to see what the school has to offer. I know that everybody talks about it, so I feel like this is a really cool opportunity. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 to 15 years? 

Even though math is my favorite subject, I think I want to pursue a career in something related to reading, such as being a journalist or another job that includes media. 

If you could sum up your time at Aldridge in one word, what would it be and why? 

Impactful! This school has definitely made an impact on who I am now and how I am going to be when I go to high school. 

Meet Kendull! 

You have been an Aldridge student since seventh grade, so your teachers and peers have gotten to know you well over the past two years. How do you think they would describe you? 

Helpful, talkative, and a leader. I’m the student body president here at Aldridge! I’ve met a lot of people and have made a lot of connections from student government, and it gave me a chance to explore my interests more. 

What are your favorite things to learn at Aldridge, and what do you like to do when school is out? 

I like English language arts and social studies, especially focusing on the future and what’s coming next. I do a lot of sports outside of school—basketball, track, and football. 

You’re attending Morgan Park High School next year. Great job! What excites you the most about your next steps? 

I’m definitely looking forward to sports and taking Advanced Placement classes. The sport I will most likely pursue is basketball, because that’s been my main thing. 

What advice would you give to future eighth-graders at Aldridge? 

Stay focused! You can talk and play when it’s time to talk and play, but don’t do that when you’re not supposed to because you might miss out on opportunities that are going to be crucial to your eighth-grade experience.