In 2014, we launched Seatack Elementary An Achievable Dream Academy in Virginia Beach with grades K-2. Each year, the program grows by one grade level. An exciting milestone awaits the first class, now in fifth grade: they will be the first class to graduate from An Achievable Dream in Virginia Beach in 2025.

To celebrate our “Little Dreamers,” and honor our “Big Dreamers,” the graduating class of 2018, we asked members of the senior class of An Achievable Dream Middle and High School in Newport News to give one piece of advice to this group of young students.

Then we asked members of the 5th grade class their biggest dream.

This is what we learned:

Class of 2018’s Advice to 5th Graders

Members of AAD Class of 2018, from left to right: Jada Lewis, Takira Fitzgerald, Alonda Johnson, Asia Johnson, and Rakim Miller.

“Focus and keep your grades a number one priority. It is great to have friends, but do not change who you are just to fit in.”

– Takira Fitzgerald, Class of 2018

“New things can be scary… especially new environments. As you enter middle school with your peers, look up to the adults around you. It won’t seem so scary anymore.”

– Alonda Johnson, Class of 2018

“Every decision you make, little or big, will have a huge impact on your future.”

– Rakim Miller, Class of 2018

“Don’t give up something you enjoy just because it gets hard.”

– Asia Johnson, Class of 2018

“Turn your can’ts into cans and your dreams into plans.”

– Jada Lewis, Class of 2018

Our Dreams: Class of 2025

Members of AAD 5th grade class, from left to right: Mikayla Johnson, Ariana Hernandez Calderon, Terrell Beale, Yasira Vargas Perez, Noriah Speller, Gianni Bernal, and Roderick Worrell.

“I want to be an author when I grow up because I have great ideas for books. I would also like to illustrate them too!”
– Mikayla Johnson, 5th grade

“My dream is that I want to be a chef so that I can own my own restaurant.”
– Terrell Beale, 5th Grade

“I want to be a veterinarian when I grow up so that I can help animals when they are sick or hurt.”
– Yasira Vargas Perez, 5th Grade

“My dream is to be able to help my parents achieve their dreams by being a lawyer and then President of the United States.”
– Ariana Hernandez Calderon, 5th Grade

“When I grow up, I want to be in the Navy like my dad and follow in his footsteps.”
– Gianni Bernal, 5th Grade

“My dream is to be a teacher because I want to give other kids a good education so they can be successful in life.”
– Noriah Speller, 5th Grade

“My dream is to become a lawyer so that I can fight for justice and help people.”
– Roderick Worrell, 5th Grade