Aaliyah Manon, a graduate from the Class of 2023 is thriving at La Salle University as a psychology major, with a criminal justice minor, maintaining a 3.0 GPA.

In addition to her role as a student, Aaliyah works in the Digital Marketing Center creating social media posts and materials for the school. This gives her a wide range of experience and capabilities as she considering many career paths. She is keeping her options open and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes her way.

"A strong foundation in communication at Liguori Academy has been my stepping stone,” Aaliyah reflects. Her proactive approach extends beyond academics into building a versatile career path that keeps her future wide open. "Communicating effectively with my professors has shown me that as long as you communicate and try, your professors will help you.”

Words of Wisdom for the Class of 2024: "Stay on top of your work from the get-go. Show your dedication, communicate clearly, and you'll see the results."

High school, as many of you might recall, can be a difficult time. For me, it was filled with highs and lows, with challenges that seemed unbeatable. I lost my twin brother due to gun violence. But, the Fortis Program was my rock during those times. It instilled in me the belief that no matter the obstacle, with determination, and with the right people beside you, you can persevere and thrive. This lesson has not just been applicable in high school, but it has guided me through the challenges that life has thrown my way, even beyond those school walls.

Earlier this year, I faced one of my toughest challenges yet. A car accident that not only took me away from work but also disrupted the rhythm of my life. But just as the Fortis Program taught me, I refused to be defeated. With the same spirit of perseverance that saw me through high school, I’ve managed to bounce back, returning to work and my classes at CCP. This resilience, this drive to overcome, is a testament to the foundation that Liguori Academy and all of you have helped lay for me.

My time at Liguori Academy helped me find my passion and understand what it means to work hard. Once I joined the Construction Cohort, I realized that this was the kind of work I wanted to pursue after graduation. My teachers pushed me and the rest of my classmates to make a plan for once we graduate so that we can have great and successful lives. Through this work, I learned that hard work is inevitable if you wish to accomplish things.

Liguori has also given me many opportunities to go places that I never would have gone otherwise. Due to these opportunities, I am been fortunate to be currently enrolled at Orleans Technical College to study Carpentry. I have also been accepted into the Carpenter’s Union, and I hope to be working on a job site within 8 months. Another interest of mine is learning how to invest in affordable housing, because my long-term plan is to get into the real estate space.