The premier middle school to high school bridge program | | |
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A Message from our Executive Director Nancy Portillo
Blessings to you in the new year and welcome to the third edition of Onward 2 High School's newsletter. We're excited to share this newsletter with you as a way to celebrate milestones, provide updates, and spotlight the incredible work happening in our community. Watch the premiere of our new video and share with friends and family! You will learn more from our Directors and hear from Ignacio, a student whose path shows that Onward 2 High School is more than a program-it is a bridge that provides young people opportunities to experience, discover, and grow.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Onward!
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The Summer Institute application opens on March 17, 2026!
Watch the premiere of our new video and share with friends and family!
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Meet Ignacio
A Student Who Found His Path in Algebra I Honors
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"Be confident and know that you are able to do things that you might think you aren't able to do. Be ready for whatever opportunities come, like Onward 2 High School-go for it. Just do your best."
-Ignacio Chaparro's advice to younger students
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From the moment he sat for the Algebra I Honors placement assessment in eighth grade, Onward 2 High School (O2HS) began to transform how Ignacio viewed his abilities, his future, and his purpose.
Today, Ignacio is a junior at Bishop Mora Salesian High School—an Onward Scholar, a dedicated member of the Spanish Honor Society, Pre‑Health Society, and SCOLAS—and a young leader with academic and personal goals.
A New Mindset: Algebra I Honors
The Onward 2 High School Algebra 1 Honors program was launched at Sacred Heart Elementary School (SHES) in 2021 by Alexis Herrera (Cons) in partnership with Onward Leader Principal Adriana Bronzina.
"Ms. Bronzina, she was a great principal. She always had us participate in different activities, especially on holidays. SHES was a really good community because of a lot of the teachers there, especially Ms. Pinal. She worked there for 30 years and we were her last 8th grade class."
Ignacio first learned about Onward 2 High School Algebra I Honors in eighth grade, right before the diagnostic assessment.
“I was super excited, it was new, it was an honors class. I did have good grades but I hadn’t really thought about my future yet. It gave me an idea of what I could accomplish.”
Ignacio was selected for the program. That accelerated class of students moved at a faster pace than anything he had experienced. It required discipline, focus, and responsibility. But it also revealed new strengths.
“Ms. Herrera was a great teacher. I appreciated that she was very patient with us and she always took her time.” He recites y = mx + b as an example of how he still uses key algebra skills from Ms. Herrera in Pre-Calculus.
Today, Ignacio traces much of his academic foundation back to his Onward 2 High School 8th grade Algebra 1 Honors course-“Without a good foundation, nothing can really stand.” That sense of accomplishment and the belief that he could rise to challenges became his new inner voice.
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"Since day one in the Onward Scholars Program, Ignacio has been consistently outstanding academically, personally, and socially, growing into a mature young man who inspires and uplifts everyone around him."
-Edgar Alonso, Onward Scholars Program Director at Salesian High School
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From Middle School to High School
The momentum from the Algebra 1 Honors course didn’t stop with math. After that class, he started thinking about his education after middle school, high school, and beyond.
Ignacio set his goal to be in the Onward Scholars Program (OSP), a program that turns a scholarship into a springboard-giving students the mentorship, connections, and college access to dream bigger and go further.
He shared the patience and confidence he developed through the O2HS Algebra 1 Honors course helped him push through the application process-and ultimately earn his place in the program.
“I did really want to go to Salesian and be an Onward Scholar there. I knew it would help me on my path to college.”
Ignacio achieved his goal and shares, “Mr. Alonso is a great mentor. He's helped me with a lot of college preparation-practice PIQs and touring colleges. It's a really great program.”
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From O2HS Student to O2HS Leader
One of Ignacio’s proudest moments was returning to Onward 2 High School as a paid program assistant during their annual Summer Institute for middle school students across Los Angeles hosted at partner Catholic high schools.
“I had to apply and interview for Program Assistant. And once I got the job, I had to get a work permit and learn how to fill out tax paperwork. It definitely was a good experience to prepare myself for future job interviews." In addition to the STEAM program for middle school students, one of the intentional components of the program is to expose students to the hiring process and share with them the dignity of work.
His role as social leader required him to engage with students-get them talking and help them build confidence.
“I got to meet a lot of kids from different middle schools. Some students were more shy than others and I was able to build trust with them and help them join in program activities. Through this experience, I learned that I wanted to help others and that's why I've thought about medicine as a possible career path."
Inspired by hands-on experiences and his desire to serve, Ignacio is exploring career fields like kinesiology, orthopedics, and medicine.
“I like medicine because we can use science to help people who are in need.”
This year, he’s taking three Advanced Placement (AP) classes (AP U.S. History, AP English Language, and AP Spanish Language) and exploring internships at Cedars-Sinai, White Memorial, and Kaiser.
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"Ignacio is such a great success story. We are so proud of him and his accomplishments."
-Adriana Bronzina,
Sacred Heart Elementary School Principal
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"Ignacio's work ethic, leadership, and care shined through as an 8th grader and as a program assistant where he made Summer Institute students feel supported."
-Alexis Herrera (Cons),
O2HS Director 2025
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"Ignacio is well liked and respected by his teachers and peers for his strong work ethic, loving kindness, and quiet leadership. He has made Salesian a better place. I know he will do the same in college and his chosen communities."
-Mark Johnson, Bishop Mora Salesian High School Principal
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Reflections from Ignacio
When asked if he had any closing thoughts or final words of wisdom for readers, he shared:
“The only thing I can think of is John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, so that whoever believes in him might not perish, but might have eternal life. That is what comes to mind. That’s my little piece of wisdom.”
Those words he has kept at his core-from the first day he sat for the O2HS Algebra I assessment to the joy of helping a shy middle‑schooler smile at Summer Institute.
His advice to younger students reflects the lessons he learned through Onward 2 High School:
“Be confident and know that you are able to do things that you might think you aren't able to do. Be ready for whatever opportunities come, like Onward 2 High School or an honors class, go for it. Just do your best.”
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Director Spotlight
Katie Pierce
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"We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with O2HS. O2HS provides an amazing opportunity to strengthen our relationships with our partner schools. The Summer Institute is going to be an outstanding opportunity for our future Saints."
-Adan Jaramillo, St. Anthony High School Principal
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For over 20 years, I have supported equitable, high-quality learning experiences for students in both private and public schools. I bring experience as a classroom teacher, mentor teacher, academic decathlon facilitator, and math coach focusing on elevating instructional practices through collaborative coaching and data analysis.
Now in my fourth year with O2HS, I am the Program Director of the St. Anthony High School cohort, including St. Cyprian School and St. Maria Goretti School. I oversee middle school initiatives at my partner sites that promote high school readiness. My passion is evident through the supports I provide and the relationships I build with teachers and students-ultimately fostering success.
In my spare time, I enjoy gardening and cooking. Together with my husband, we enjoy nature, spending time with friends and family, caring for our cats, and traveling to other parts of the world especially when the water is clear and the sand is buttery soft!
I hold a Master’s degree in Catholic Inclusion from Loyola Marymount University (LMU), a Multiple Subject Credential from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), and I am actively pursuing an Administrative Services Credential.
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How are you elevating math achievement at your partner schools?
Together with school staff, we elevate and accelerate math achievement at all three partner sites by strengthening core instruction, providing targeted interventions for middle and high school students, and offering a rigorous Algebra 1 Honors course. I believe in every student and work towards creating a culture that celebrates and values mathematics for all. I use a rigorous curriculum, evidence-based teaching practices, and data to provide high-quality tutoring and small-group support. I use best practices to accelerate learning for students to be able to access advanced pathways while building their confidence, ability to engage in thoughtful discourse, and problem-solving. Algebra 1 Honors students are supported with strong programing that elevates the 8th-grade experience to prepare them for high school readiness and college.
St. Cyprian school principal Rachelle Riemersma shares, "Our amazing and kind director Mrs. Pierce inspires confidence and a love of math in our 8th graders. This has been such a remarkable opportunity that we’re excited to continue.”
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"At our event I learned community skills and how to talk to new people."
-Mrs. Pierce's Algebra 1 Honors Student
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Describe your O2HS community event:
The Algebra 1 Honor students at St. Maria Goretti and St. Cyprian came together at the St. Anthony's Athletic Complex to engage in challenging math activities. Students met for the first time to compete in math challenges inside the complex as well as outside on the new turf! Together, they showcased their strong academic math skills as well as their competitiveness. Students had so much fun and are excited for the next event!
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How did you get into education?
I knew from an early age that a career in education was in my future. In college, I worked as a teacher’s aide in primary classrooms, where I discovered my joy of learning and found daily inspiration in supporting students. During that time, I developed a love for teaching math and focused on finding creative ways to make instruction fun and engaging. While completing my credential program at CSULB, I began teaching middle school math and science at Mary Star of the Sea in San Pedro. I formed a special connection with my students in those early years, which inspired me to continue working with this age group for most of my career.
How do you make math engaging and accessible for middle school students?
To truly connect with students, teachers must make lessons both relevant and social. Creating teachable moments and connecting learning to real-world, meaningful examples is so important-it's what it’s all about. Middle school math becomes fun and exciting when students are doing, talking about, and creating math that connects to their lives and identities. The most effective teachers blend hands-on activities and collaboration with clear mathematical goals. Students often share how much they enjoy working together in groups to practice and solve problems. My students understand that it is okay to make mistakes, that learning is a process, and they take pride in offering constructive feedback to their peers.
What's a math joke or pun you love to share with students?
One of my favorites is a poster board of a stick figure. It simply states: How to be a math person! 1. Be a person. 2. Do math! Students laugh and comment how much they like the poster!
What’s your go-to strategy when a student says, “I am not a math person”?
I find pride in making connections with students to support their learning in a variety of ways, intentionally slowing down, and breaking apart the teaching of concepts. Students also grasp mathematical concepts when they verbally explain the steps to their peers. This strategy is very successful in building confidence with students.
If I were introducing you to a group of students or teachers, what would you want them to know about you?
I would want others to know that I am charismatic, enjoy creative aspects of my life, and I am always willing to lend a hand. Additionally, I value integrity and loyalty. On a personal level, I love cats, gardening and trying new recipes!
What’s something about your background that influences how you teach or lead?
My 7th grade math teacher was fabulous! Ms. Bowfin was highly organized, friendly, and always made lessons engaging and easy to understand. I thoroughly enjoyed going to math class because of the environment she created.
What was one memorable moment as founding Director of Onward 2 High School at St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy?
The O2HS Summer Institute strives to create warm, welcoming environments that encourages students to step out of their comfort zones and connect with others. Over the past three years, I’ve encountered students who start the program shy and reserved. By the end of the first week, they’ve blossomed, grown in confidence, and formed new friendships. Last year, one student told me that our program was “the best three weeks ever!” Those moments are truly the most memorable and rewarding.
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Director Spotlight
Katie Vahl
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I serve as the Director of the St. Mary’s Academy cohort of O2HS partners, teaching Algebra 1 Honors at St. John Chrysostom and Saint Joseph’s School. I hold a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Catholic Education from Boston College and am now in my eighth year of teaching. I am a proud product of Catholic schools from preschool through graduate school. I have always believed that a Catholic education could open the door to incredible opportunities for all children.
When not teaching, I love to cook and bake! It is my favorite creative outlet. Baking is math centric because everything has to be so precise. Cooking is an art, throw a little bit of this or that in and let the flavors come to life! I love using math and creativity in my life and work.
I feel deeply blessed to work with my students this year and witnessing their growth through hard work and curiosity. Serving as director has been a joy and I am grateful to be part of such a dedicated team.
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"The level of focus I see from O2HS students, combined with strong, rigorous math instruction, mirrors the excellence and high expectations that define learning across SMA."
-Dr. Brandi Odom Lucas,
St. Mary's Academy Head of School
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How are you elevating math achievement at your partner schools?
In addition to teaching the Algebra 1 Honors courses at both sites, I have been providing math intervention with 6th graders at St. John Chrysostom and Saint Joseph’s School. This time allows me to support and accelerate student learning in smaller group settings with focused practice. At St. Mary’s Academy, I collaborate with teachers-an example of this is creating assessments and study guides to student learning.
St. John Chrysostom school principal Miguel Arizmendi shares, "Ms. Katie Vahl leads with dedication, clarity, and heart. Her commitment to student success and meaningful partnerships makes the O2HS program impactful and inspiring."
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"I learned how to communicate better with my peers and to take initiative to answer and solve equations."
-Ms. Vahl's Algebra 1 Honors Student
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Describe your O2HS community event:
The O2HS SMA Cohort got together in December for a winter social. Parents and families met one another, shared community, heard from Onward Scholars, and got to meet Dr. Brandi Odom Lucas, SMA Head of School. The students worked together to solve Christmas themed linear equations. They also enjoyed discussing their plans for high school, sharing their experience about the high school application process, and making new friends.
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What inspires you?
My students inspire me. I am so amazed by how eager they are to learn new things. They love to inquire and they’re so curious! It inspires me how willing they are to collaborate in their pursuit of knowledge.
What inspired you to become a math educator?
I was inspired to teach by my middle school math teacher, Mrs. Habchi, who to this day has had a profound impact on my life. Beyond teaching math, Mrs. Habchi showed me how important it was to be an advocate for your students. She cared for my classmates and I as individuals and learners. She demonstrated that through the high standards she held us to, both behaviorally and academically. She was always willing to accelerate or add rigor to the curriculum to keep students working and improving. She knew how imperative it was that everyone understood the concepts she was teaching and she made certain that we did. Periodically, when I would finish my classwork, she would ask me to help a few of my classmates who were struggling with concepts. It was in helping others and leading those small groups that I discovered my passion-teaching.
Can you share a memorable moment from your own middle school math experience?
I vividly remember helping my classmates with their math. I remember loving being challenged to find multiple ways to explain concepts and I remember how excited my classmates and I would be when a new concept would click for them. The look on their faces when they were able to solve the next problem on their own are the same faces I see with my students today-truly life giving!
How has your background or upbringing shaped your approach to education?
I see education as the great equalizer. In particular, I benefitted so much from my Catholic education. Beyond the curriculum itself, Catholic school taught me so many soft skills that have made successful today. Catholic schools' supportive communities, smaller environments, and high expectations allow for the formative experiences necessary for success in today’s world.
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Director Spotlight
Angel Yanes
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"Mr. Yanes thrives because of his amazing leadership: a gentle soul, true relationship builder, and steady presence who inspires trust, connection, and hope in every student and family."
-Raymond Saborio
Sacred Heart High School Principal
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My journey in education began in the Bronx, New York as part of AmeriCorp’s City Year organization. In addition to providing after-school enrichment, I served in a fourth-grade class tutoring and providing intervention for students inside and outside of the classroom. I was blessed with a great team of leaders and coaches that inspired me to continue pursuing a career in education.
Through Loyola Marymount University’s Partners in Los Angeles Catholic Education (PLACE) Corps program, I was placed at Nativity School in Los Angeles where I served there for six years as teacher and Vice Principal. I had the joy of working with supportive families and a team of educators who continue to inspire me to this day.
I am now serving as the Onward 2 High School Director at Sacred Heart High School supporting Sacred Heart Elementary School and St. Bernard School.
I am appreciative and thankful to the school communities across all three sites that have welcomed me. I am excited to continue contributing to their schools' culture of excellence and success.
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How are you elevating math achievement at your partner schools?
For both of my partner elementary schools, Sacred Heart Elementary and St. Bernard School, I am also supporting the 7th grade classrooms. I collaborate with the middle school partner math teachers to identify students needing additional support in small group instruction. At Sacred Heart High School, I work with a select group of AP Pre-calculus students to strengthen their math abilities. Overall, what is most important to me is simply getting to know my students and establishing myself not only as a teacher on campus, but as an educator who can motivate them and help them accomplish their goals.
Sacred Heart Elementary School principal Adriana Bronzina shares, "Mr. Yanes shows genuine care and interest in our students and is committed to their growth and success. We're so lucky to have him as part of our Sacred Heart team."
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"I loved that I got to meet new people today and I liked learning more about the Onward 2 High School program too."
-Mr. Yanes' Algebra 1 Honors Student
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Describe your O2HS community event:
My Sacred Heart High School cohort of elementary schools came together for an opportunity to learn more about the high school and the mission and vision of Onward 2 High School. The highlight of the evening was when students were able to meet one another-potential future classmates! Family members also got to meet other O2HS Algebra 1 Honors families and celebrate their students together.
As a former 8th grade homeroom teacher, I know the high school process can seem daunting and overwhelming for students, let alone parents who are going through the process for the first time. This event provided an opportunity for families to connect with one another and build community as they navigate this period of transition.
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What inspires you?
Educators inspire me. I have served alongside great and talented educators who have demonstrated their commitment to the next generation. I have served in schools in the Bronx, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles in different capacities. In every school, there were educators who went above and beyond for their students understanding that they needed much more than just a teacher. Students need caring and positive role models-their teacher, coach, club moderator to just be present and care from them as the whole child. I am inspired every day.
What led you to education—and specifically to math?
Working with youth as an educator is the most rewarding of professions. The youth are the future leaders and contributors of our communities and by working with them now, I have the opportunity of practicing values that I hope they carry with them into adulthood. Values such as compassion, empathy, and the value in honest and hard work. I love teaching math, specifically, because of the opportunity for creativity. Math is about recognizing patterns. Regardless of the type of math (algebra, calculus, geometry, etc.) there are patterns to those topics and you are tasked in recognizing the patterns and solve! If you can pick up the pattern to a sudoku puzzle, for example, then you can pick up the pattern for solving for any type of math!
How has your background or upbringing shaped your approach to education?
My community growing up was an immigrant community in which work and giving your best effort were of the utmost importance. Now as an educator, my perspective mimics that of my upbringing in terms of showing up and doing your best. I believe this is what a growth mindset entails. Showing up, practicing, and giving your best effort. This skill triumphs over any other individual skillset. All students are truly capable of learning anything. Whether it be finding derivatives in calculus, chemistry stoichiometry, or defining mitosis in biology, all students have the capacity to learn at the highest level with intentional practice, high quality instruction, and most importantly, a belief in themselves.
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Summer Institute Application Open March 17, 2026! | | |
Thank you to all who have filled out the 2026 Summer Institute Interest Form. Families who submitted the interest form will automatically receive the application!
The Onward 2 High School Summer Institute, an initiative of the John H. and Cynthia Lee Smet Foundation, welcomes rising 7th and 8th graders from Catholic, charter, and public schools across the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. We welcome students who are curious, enthusiastic about learning, and motivated to begin their path to college early, bringing with them a variety of talents, interests, and perspectives.
Designed to bridge the gap between middle and high school, the Summer Institute offers a vibrant academic experience. Through hands-on projects in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), immersive field trips, guest speakers, and engaging lessons, students build a strong foundation for success in middle school and beyond.
| | Save the date! Summer Institute 2026: July 6th-24th | | | | |
Follow Onward 2 High School | | Stay tuned and follow us for director highlights and program updates! | | For inquiries email info@onward2highschool.org | | | | |
Click to learn more about our partner elementary and high schools! | | | | |
Click to learn more about the Smet Foundation and its Onward Programs: | | | | |
