CRJ FRESHMAN LEADS DISCOVERY WORLD

EXHIBIT REDESIGN

Freshman Nery is behind the redesign of the Invertebrate Touch Tank at Discovery World

"The Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) was pretty important for me in choosing to attend Cristo Rey Jesuit (CRJ). Being able to have work experience is something that's really cool and rewarding,” said freshman Nery. “The training I received from CRJ and CWSP during Summer Bridge made me feel prepared when I found out I would be working at Discovery World, and I was excited to show that I’m responsible enough to work at a such a beautiful place.”

Eager to make an impact, Nery quickly noticed that the Invertebrate Touch Tank at Discovery World was an underutilized exhibit compared to other high traffic experiences in the aquarium. “I saw that the Touch Tank was being overlooked by guests which made me try to think of a redesign for the tank so it would also get the same amount of attention that other touch tanks have.” After conducting some research, Nery created a four page proposal on how the exhibit could become much more engaging to Discovery World guests. Through his proposal work, Nery was advised by Guest Engagement Lead Nathan Erickson and collaborated with teams at Discovery World ranging from Education, Marketing, Graphics & Design, Aquarists, Exhibits Maintenance, and more.

Nery's proposal resulted in changes made to the overhead lighting, seating and staff placement throughout the entire Reiman Aquarium to increase guest access to the Touch Tank. Their Graphics & Design team is working to refresh interpretive signage that will highlight the Ridged Slipper Lobster and other aquatic invertebrates, even incorporating some of Nery's own illustrations and species research.

Nery’s supervisor at Discovery World, Senior Manager of Guest and Member Engagement Quentin Rouhoff, says, “I hope Nery’s experience working in informal science education and developing interactives for museum guests is as rewarding for him as it is for us at Discovery World. I sincerely hope he sticks on his path to become a paleontologist and sees his dreams come true. Every organization and company can benefit from working with CRJ students, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful program.”

Camelback Mountain is a well-known hike in the Phoenix, Arizona area that features a steep 1,420 foot ascent. The cut-out of the mountains against the horizon literally gives this unique rock feature its name as it looks like a camel kneeling with a large hump on its back. The Cristo Rey Network President’s Retreat was recently held at a site near this landmark. Just looking at this challenging climb wasn’t enough for a few other presidents and I, so we brought it up to the group to see who might be interested in making the hike. Some had heard from others that it was a difficult climb and didn’t think they were physically ready. Others acknowledged they weren’t prepared with the right shoes or clothing for the hike. Another group decided they wanted or needed to work or spend their time on other activities. Five of us decided to embark upon the hike with the goal of enjoying the view of the Phoenix metro area that the summit promised us.

As our group labored up the steep and rocky mountainside, we carefully positioned our hands and feet as one wrong step could have led to injury. We helped each other through particularly challenging parts of the trail by providing feedback to the group about the best ways to get past or over the obstacles in our path. We also followed one another at different times so that as the first person in the group led the way, others behind him or her could evaluate whether to follow the first person or determine a different and better way to the ultimate goal of the summit. In the end, all five of us made it to the top of Camelback Mountain, a collective achievement. From that vantage point, we were able to see Phoenix, its surrounding suburbs, and the distant mountains that surrounded the valley. The view was breathtaking and we all agreed, after we made it, that it was worth the climb.

This climb up Camelback Mountain reminds me of the college path our graduates undertake. We are mindful that not every high school student will or should go to college, just as those who opted not to join our Camelback hike, for very valid reasons. For the high school students who attend our school, however, we are very clear from the time they apply to Cristo Rey Jesuit that the academic summit is college success and by joining our high school, they’ve agreed to start on the path towards a college degree. We are the Trailblazers, after all!

I often get the question why we would emphasize college degree attainment versus vocational work, as we need people to enter the trades as well. There are many reasons we support college degree attainment for our students. People with a college degree earn over $1M more on average than someone who just graduated with a high school diploma. Those with a bachelor’s degree are 48% less likely to be unemployed over their lifetimes. Individuals who have taken college courses live, on average, seven years longer than those who have not. For these and many other reasons, we believe that our students should have a college opportunity.

The other day, I spoke on a panel about workforce and education and for the first time I co-presented with one of our graduates Angie Sandoval. As I listened to her speak about her Cristo Rey experience where she worked at Johnson Controls, her progression to and through UW-Madison, and now her role as a full-time professional at Johnson Controls, I heard about the rocks in her way and what she did to get to the summit. I had a huge, proud smile on my face as she spoke. It was clear to me though that she had a different view of the world with her college degree in hand. Many of our alumni, like Angie, are now first generation college graduates. They have climbed to the top of the mountain and we are beginning to hear how much they like the view!

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

AUTUMN, '24 SHINES AT CRJ THROUGH CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Autumn (middle) was one of the emcees for CRJ's Black History Month program

along with juniors Trinitee (left) and Adriana (right).

Autumn, a senior at CRJ, is the Social and Recruitment Chair for the student-led Black Student Union (BSU), as well as a regular cast member in the CRJ Storybox Theatre program. Now in her final semester at CRJ, she reflects that the friendships, mentorship, and responsibilities she's experienced have been instrumental in helping her to open up and find her voice. “Since my freshman year was online, my sophomore year was really my freshman year. I didn't talk much to people, and I was just very shy. When I first came to CRJ, I was like a butterfly in a cocoon. I joined BSU in the beginning of my sophomore year, and that year everyone at CRJ made me feel very welcome. From the students to the teachers, I never felt left out of anything anymore. Now I have come full circle: part of my job as the Social and Recruitment Chair for BSU is to interview incoming members and lead events like the Black History Month program in front of the whole school.”

Each February, the BSU club facilitates learning experiences for the CRJ community to celebrate African American culture and history during Black History Month. Their program culminates with an all-school assembly at the end of the month, entirely planned and coordinated by members of the BSU, and Autumn is the leader behind the planning and execution of the assembly. She is also in charge of working with local organizations who can support the BSU with donations to their program and reception. She says she felt empowered to spearhead this outreach thanks to her time onstage! “Participating in 'High School Musical' was such a dream for me. It was incredible to be THE star of the show - it was the best part of my high school experience."

Autumn was also a member of the pilot Certified Nursing Assistant program through the Corporate Work Study Program during her senior year. While Autumn is still deciding her college choice, she plans to take her medical experience and interpersonal skills into a career as a doula as well as running her own business.

IN MEMORIAM: BILL BURKHART

This month, the Cristo Rey Jesuit community lost a champion in Bill Burkhart. Bill was a strong believer in the transformative power of education and the potential of each Cristo Rey Jesuit student. As a professional builder, Bill shared his endless talents, expertise, and resources with CRJ during the development of our new campus. He was especially helpful in designing and installing the pedestal of the statue of St. Ignatius Loyola, “The Pilgrim,” that inspires students and guests to campus each day.  

Bill embraced the mission of Cristo Rey Jesuit and always sought the Magis (The More) in all he did for family, friends, and the young people of our community. Assisting young Trailblazers on their educational journey brought him great joy. He delighted in sharing the progress and successes of CRJ students and alumni working toward their college degrees with others.  

“Bill smiles down upon Cristo Rey and is surely interceding for us for continued blessings. May he rest in God’s Glory, until we are all reunited, finally and forever!” said Fr. Bill Johnson, S.J. While Bill Burkhart’s infectious smile and laughter will be missed, his impact upon the Cristo Rey Jesuit community and the students of our city will continue for years to come.

Is your business interested in partnering with our work study program?

We would like to speak with you about how your business or organization can partner with our Corporate Work Study Program! Contact Everette Fernandes at 414.436.4600 Ext. 3141 or efernandes@cristoreymilwaukee.org.

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