St. HOPE: Home

PS7 Elementary is always dedicated to bringing as many experiences to our scholars as possible. This year, we knew we wanted to increase the number of electives scholars had the opportunity to participate in while at the elementary school, so we added two — art and music. Throughout the year our scholars learned the various elements of art and music enabling them to present their first ever art and music production, “It’s A Creative World.” 

As St. HOPE approaches its 30th anniversary serving the Oak Park Community, we can reflect back on the many locations we have called home. Many people still recall the original St. HOPE Academy after school building on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, which is now home to the SETA preschool. Others may remember the more corporate office space on 34th Street and 3rd avenue, which has since been completely remodeled and is now home to our friends at Valley Vision.  

Before winning the Transforming Youth through Travel scholarship by Context Travel, the only country outside of America I had visited was my parents’ homeland, Mexico. Paris is not what the movies or people make it seem to be, and it is certainly very different from both America and Mexico. My recent trip to Paris was amazing and life changing because I learned so much about the city’s history.

Last month St. HOPE officially launched its newest development, Esther’s Park! The park, located at 3408 Third Avenue, was created after the unfortunate fall of the historic Esther’s Bakery and will serve as an event space for hosting community gatherings. It is home to a beautiful mural done by Sacramento Charter High School alumni, Aizik Brown, which was part of last year’s Sacramento’s Wide Open Wall event. 

Each year, Sac High prides itself in exposing ALL students to college life, and this year was no exception.  In December, students were able to select their annual college trip to a vast array of Northern California universities, including UC Berkeley, Chico State, CSU East Bay, UC Merced, Sacramento State, and Sonoma State.  By the time a Sac High student graduates, they have been provided with the opportunity to visit at least four different college campuses – those students involved in EAOP and College Track visit far more!