Help Julio Go To His Dream HS

Hi Friend,

It has been a while since I have updated you on what's new in my life.  After graduating from American University, I got a teaching job back home in Washington Heights.  I am an 8th grade ELA teacher at Inwood Academy for Leadership Charter School.  Being a first year teacher has been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding experiences of my life.  I have learned patience (real patience) and I have learned compassion.  I learned that teaching is really more of a calling  than a pursuit or sudden passion, and that I am pretty good at it.  Most importantly, I have gained about 125 younger brothers and sisters, whom I would do anything to see them thrive, excel, and succeed. 

Anyways, this isn't about me.  Out of my 125 scholars, there was one in particular who captured my attention from the beginning.  Julio Alvarez is a 13 year old boy, who attends IAL.  Among being one of the most charismatic individuals who can make an entire room of people smile, he is also very bright, constantly seeking intellectual growth through his conversations with teachers and adults around him.  

Julio is a member of the National Junior Honor Society at Inwood Academy for a second year in a row.  As one of his teachers, this is no surprise to me. Julio is dedicated to his studies, staying after school, asking follow up questions and e-mailing his teachers during the evening with clarifying questions or comments.  He constantly asks for book recommendations, when he needs a new book for his independent reading.  Julio is also an active class participant, and is constantly challenging those around him.  


Julio serves as a source of inspiration for other students, especially in his friend group.  Julio is on the middle school baseball team for a second year in a row.  He's been the team's short stop and second baseman.  This year as one of the team captains, he feels responsible for his teammates' performances, both on the field and in the classroom.  I've witnessed Julio encourage his teammates to study and stay on top of their grades.  Others have mentioned after the fact that they've stayed indoors with Julio to finish ELA questions or packets. 

I can go on and on, describing different instances where Julio proved to be a shining star--I am obviously biased.  But I am not the only one who thinks so.  Julio was accepted to All Hallows High School, an all-boys Catholic High School in the Bronx, and was awarded a $2,000 merit scholarship.  He was thrilled upon hearing of his acceptance to his dream high school.  However, later found out from his parents that attendance to All Hallows was just not financially possible.  Wise for his age, Julio understood and accepted his parents' decision.  

Tuition for the 2016-2017 academic year at All Hallows is $6,200.00.  Freshman students also must pay a registration fee of $650.00 that covers the school sweater, gym uniform, school yearbook and newspaper, technology use, library and lab fees, texts not issued by New York state, some paperback books assigned during the year, activities and student insurance.  Because Julio received a $2,000 scholarship, he only needs to come up with about $4,850 for the entire school year, including the registration fee.  The registration fee is due by the end of June 2016, and the rest of the $4,200.00 is paid on a monthly basis.  

I am usually an introvert when it comes to finances and my economic situation.  My close family and friends can attest that I am insanely proud and stubborn, and I refuse to ask for help.  The reason I feel so passionate and attached to this cause is because I attended an all-girls Catholic High School here in NY, and it changed my life.  Its writing intensive curriculum not only prepared me for college, but I also find myself drawing from the same skills gained to teach my kids today.  My hs also taught me how to be a leader and a woman for others.  I found my voice and every single teacher cheered me on along the way.  Based on my experience at one of these institutions, I am positive that Julio will thrive in the same environment.  

All Hallows High School would be great for Julio, and the school would really benefit from a great addition to its student body.  With your generous help and contribution, we can get Julio to his dream HS and on the path to success!  Anything helps!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.  Happy fundraising!

Warm Regards,

Rikelma Jimenez
(917) [phone redacted]
[email redacted]

P.S. -- If 200 people donate $25 each, Julio will reach his tuition goal!