On Friday, July 11, 2025, the 25 members of OneCity Preparatory Academy’s first 8th grade class successfully graduated. The event was held at the beautifully renovated TruStage Building’s auditorium. The students and their families were treated to inspirational messages from former CUNA Mutual (formerly, TruStage) Foundation Executive Director and OneCity Schools’ Founder and CEO Kaleem Caire. After processing to the front of the auditorium, each graduate was individually called to the stage to receive a Kinte stole and a specially decorated card with a description of their “super power.”
Speaking of super powers, each graduate received an acknowledgement and detailed description of their super power and what they contributed to the OneCity School community. Among the unique super powers were the ability to “listen, absorb, and focus on the words and thoughts of others,” “Empathetic,” and “perfectionist.” Called to the stage, one by one, each graduate received their stole, super power card, and certificate as they moved to center stage while the description of their super power and their contribution to the OneCity School Community was read. Each student proudly received their acknowledgement to the enthusiastic applause of family, friends, and other well-wishers.
This class is memorable because it reflects OneCity’s first 8th grade graduating class. The school has been in existence for 10 years, having just celebrated its 10 year anniversary. After acknowledging all 25 students individually, school founder and CEO, Kaleem Caire gave a heartfelt farewell message to the graduating class. He told the graduates that their story was his story, that OneCity made a difference in their lives, that they were breaking cycles, that their journey ahead included being ambassadors for OneCity, and their mission is to be the change they want to see in the world, be the ones who speak up against injustice, be scholars who refuse to be defined by others’ low expectations of them, and excel in whatever system they enter.
This class of 8th graders will enter high schools throughout this area—Madison West, East, Vel Phillips Memorial, LaFollett, Verona, Middleton, and Edgewood. However, no matter where they plan to complete their high school experience, they are well-prepared to compete, succeed, and change the world.
