Explore the stories of our students
Prospect Schools students and alumni have wonderful stories to share. Enjoy reading this collection of stories featuring students, alumni, and even Prospect Boomerangs who have returned to their Alma Mater as our fellow teammates.
GRADUATE STORIES
Anisha Bowen
Anisha Bowen started at Windsor Terrace Middle School in the 6th grade and then moved on to Brooklyn Prospect High School. She played volleyball and excelled at building community among her classmates by planning events. Today, she’s in her second semester at the State University of New York in Albany. Allison Balogh, her college counselor at Brooklyn Prospect High School, reflects: “She’s driven. From the beginning, Anisha had a clear sense that she was interested in studying somewhere that would position her well to pursue law school. SUNY Albany was that school for her.”
Liam McEwan
New York native and son of a Guyanese immigrant, Liam McEwan started at Clinton Hill Middle School in the 6th grade. Not only was he an exceptionally bright and academically strong student, but he also volunteered at various school events and he became a natural school leader. Graduating with an International Baccalaureate diploma in 2023, he is now an engineering student at Franklin & Marshall College on a full scholarship from the Posse Foundation. “I love all things college,” Liam said recently.
Prospect Boomerangs
Read on for stories from Prospect alumni who have returned to Prospect as teachers, learning specialists, student affairs managers, and more.
Selwyn “Sully” Robertson
Resident Teacher
Selwyn “Sully” Robertson grew up in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn. A bright child who excelled at a nearby Catholic School, his parents found Brooklyn Prospect on a whim and excitedly enrolled him after he got a lottery spot in the founding class. Sully thrived in middle school, moving on to Brooklyn Prospect High School and later graduating from St. Joseph’s University in Brooklyn. Did he ever think he’d become a resident teacher and Arts Department Head at the same high school he attended? “I had a hunch I’d come back.”
2023 was Sully’s first year managing his own classroom. “I feel great happiness helping my students achieve what they want while ensuring their emotional and mental health is top of mind and that they’re respected as human beings and people, not just seen as students.”
Matthew Grossane-Diez
English learning specialist
Matthew Grossane-Diez grew up in Staten Island, where his educator mother paved the way for his interest in mentoring youngsters: “I always wanted to help people.” On the job hunt after graduating college in 2016, his former principal, Kim Raccio, and classmate—now colleague—Katelyn Santiago encouraged him to apply for the English Language Specialist position at Brooklyn Prospect High School. “I felt like I owed it to the school. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for Brooklyn Prospect because, in Staten Island, things are so segregated based on historical events, from white flight to [the designs of urban planner] Robert Moses. So I’m grateful to Brooklyn Prospect.”
Katelyn Santiago
10th Grade Student Affairs Manager
Katelyn Santiago was among the first class of 100 sixth graders when Brooklyn Prospect opened. She returned to Brooklyn Prospect High School as its 10th-grade Student Affairs Manager in the 2022-23 school year.
“It’s been so rewarding to develop these relationships with these students and see where they are now versus when they started in September. It’s interesting to see from the other side of the spectrum, where I’m like, Wow, I totally see myself in this kid."
Demi Peña-Chavez
Resident Teacher, Kindergarten
Demi Peña-Chavez joined Brooklyn Prospect’s second ever 6th-grade class in 2011. She graduated from BPHS in 2017 and took a gap year before studying Communications at SUNY Purchase College. She joined Prospect Schools as a resident teacher in the 2023-24 school year.
“Being in the role of an educator has taught me how important it is for kids to be supported and set up for success in schools. I see how far my students can go when all their needs in a classroom are being met. It's really beautiful to create a classroom environment where kids feel safe to be who they are, where they can learn more about themselves and the world around them. It's taught me really how lucky I've been my entire life to have such great teachers, and seeing the teachers I work with inspires me to be an even better one.”
