Cedric Jennings Warmly Received at SIHS Assembly
Hear Cedric’s presentation to the school. This is a 1 hr presentation. Please be patient as it loads.
By Zack Zvosecz `11
September 21st marked the culmination of a year-long effort to introduce the student body to both an ethical issue and noteworthy figure. The committee of the all-school book chose to promote A Hope in the Unseen, and brought the book’s protagonist, the steadfast Cedric Jennings, to speak at our school.
A Hope in the Unseen is the true story of how Jennings, a senior in one of Washington D.C.’s most dangerous schools, rose about the challenges that confronted him and was admitted to Brown University, one the United State’s top Ivy League schools. But as much as the story was about Jennings’ achievements, it also offered an glimpse of his struggle to figure out his own identity as he entered a world very different than his own.
As a prelude to Cedric’s own delivery, several Student Senate members presented their reflections on the book. Senior and School President Chris Razek then introduced our esteemed guest to the podium. Mr. Jennings dove into his speech with fervor. While Cedric made references to the book, he also enlightened the student body about his life after the novel’s developments, bringing a wholesome understanding of his new role as a speaker and educator.
His message to Ignatius students boiled down to several of the lessons he learned through his own struggles: celebrate the distance you travel in life, take pride in what you do, and do not fear failure.
After his address to the students, Mr. Jennings took questions from students before the whole school assembly was dismissed.
