VOICES
of NGS
Ana Almeida
Hi there, I'm Ana Almeida, a proud graduate of NGS in 2018. Today, I'm a sophomore at Cornell University, majoring in Applied Economics, and I'm thrilled to share that I'll be interning at Morgan Stanley's New York Office in Investment Banking this summer. It's safe to say that my journey wouldn't be the same without NGS. The small class sizes and engaging discussions at NGS showed me the power of asking questions, thinking critically, and actively participating in my own learning. The rigorous curriculum and high expectations from my teachers instilled in me a strong work ethic and study habits. Valuable life skills like time management, organization, and effective test and assignment preparation were honed during my time here. To all current NGS students, I urge you to make the most of these small classes and dedicated teachers. Engage in discussions, question everything, and absorb the knowledge your peers and teachers offer. Trust me, the skills you acquire at NGS will be your lifelong assets.
Kruthi Ramanath
Greetings! I'm a proud graduate of NGS from the class of 2021, and I'm currently reveling in my sophomore year at Uni High. My days are filled with a diverse range of activities, from tennis to Science Olympiad and beyond.
Reflecting on my high school journey thus far, I can't help but express immense gratitude for the invaluable education I received at NGS. The guidance I received during my time there has been a constant companion. The STEM education at NGS has proven to be a treasure trove, with practical applications that continue to benefit me even now, over two years after bidding farewell to NGS.
Equally impactful was the experience I gained in the humanities at NGS, which has been a guiding light in various English, history, and fine arts classes. What sets NGS apart from other schools in Champaign is the personalized attention given to each student. The environment, with its incredible teachers and supportive fellow students, turned every moment spent at NGS into a delightful experience.
To my current and future NGS peers, my advice is simple: embrace and make the most of your time at NGS. The value of the education you receive there will become even more apparent in the years to come. Trust me, the foundation NGS provides will take you places you never imagined!
Ozioma Onyemere
I started attending NGS as a kindergartner and was accepted to Uni High as a subfreshman in 2021. Reflecting on my time at NGS, it's evident how this school has played an essential role in shaping who I am today. In eighth grade, I played basketball with the Trailblazers. This built my passion for team sports leading me to play basketball, volleyball and soccer my freshman year. I am now a sophomore and continue to play basketball and volleyball at Uni.
NGS offered a unique educational experience that allowed me to build meaningful connections with my teachers. The strong academic challenge, especially through their innovative math curriculum, forced me to think differently and fostered my intellectual growth. I also learned good study habits and how to manage my time, preparing me for the heavier workload of high school.
But what truly sets NGS apart is the sense of community between the students and the teachers. The fact that the people in my class did not change every year allowed me to create better friendships with them. I also had better connections with my classroom teachers because the classes were smaller. I felt that they really got to know me in the time we had together. I would highly recommend NGS if you are looking for a unique learning experience and deeper connections with your classmates and teachers. This school doesn't just offer an exceptional learning environment but also fosters genuine, lasting connections with both classmates and teachers. It's an experience that has shaped my path, and I'm excited for you to explore the possibilities that NGS can offer you.
Sarmad Mizan
Hi! I’m Sarmad Mizan, a proud graduate of NGS Class of 2020 and currently a Senior at Centennial High School. I’m excited to graduate this spring and begin my college journey in the fall of 2024. NGS has been an integral part of my academic success, providing me with a strong foundation through its robust STEM curriculum. The small class sizes at NGS allowed me to build lifelong friendships and collaborate closely with both my peers and teachers.
The skills I developed at NGS have not only prepared me for high school but will continue to serve me well beyond. Students starting their STEM education at NGS can feel confident they’ll graduate with the essential tools for future success.
Beyond academics, NGS offered a wide variety of extracurricular activities, and I took full advantage, participating in archery, basketball, soccer, and track and field. These activities helped me develop teamwork and leadership skills, while also keeping me active. I still serve as a sports mentor to current NGS students, which is just one example of the lasting connection between alumni and the current Trailblazers—a unique aspect of the NGS community that I truly cherish.
Overall, NGS fosters academic excellence while empowering students and encouraging a culture of kindness. To current and future Trailblazers: take advantage of the incredible opportunities NGS offers, discover your passions, and make the most of every experience!
Reni Nugent
I can't really put into words how fortunate I feel for an NGS education. Not only did it prepare me to succeed in the future, it was there when I needed a place to regain balance. As I reassessed my choices of colleges and came home for a semester, Next Generation was the first place I looked to provide me not only a job, but direction. I became an ACE counselor leading a class of Primary A and B students after school. I knew I could come back because though the teachers were my mentors and pillars of guidance, I never felt like a traditional student - sitting at desk, only talking with my hand raised, never able to express my opinion. Instead, I felt like my voice, my ideas, were heard. They treated me like someone who could contribute to the conversation and for that I am most thankful. The faculty and administration supported me as I decided on a new path and I gained valuable skills in working with those amazing children. I can always count on NGS as a home, not just a school.
Anthony Wu
Next Generation School is unique in that all of the staff pays extra attention to helping students grow emotionally, behaviorally and intellectually. I remember I started attending Next Generation over a decade ago after skipping a grade. Needless to say, one year's worth of development is significant at young ages, and it was obvious that I was lacking in both the language arts and behavioral departments. Throughout my time at Next Generation, not only was I able to improve my English skills, I also learned life skills that I still use today. Even skills that only seem relevant many years later, such as adapting presentation methods at scientific conferences depending on population backgrounds and settling disputes between college council members, I find their roots dating back to my time at Next Generation. I highly recommend attending Next Generation for any amount of time if possible -- you will find yourself amidst other bright minds and quickly become part of the NGS family.
Ariana Mizan
I have been a member of the Next Generation community since I was 9 months old. I attended the early childhood education center, the preschool, the primary school, and the middle school. NGS has been a major part of my life and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the guidance and mentoring of the amazing teachers and staff who balanced learning with fun. NGS prepared me well for high school and other learning opportunities because of its accelerated curriculum. Because of NGS, I have made lifelong friends, memories, and community connections. This school has paved the road for my success and I will always be thankful.
Max Bolton
I’m Max Bolton, a proud graduate of Next Generation School. The strong foundation I built at NGS has influenced every step of my academic and personal growth. When I transferred to University Laboratory High School in 2020, my first year was entirely virtual due to the pandemic. Adapting to a new school and a virtual environment could have been overwhelming, but the discipline, problem-solving skills, and proactive mindset I developed at NGS helped me navigate this challenge with confidence. Now a senior at Uni High, I’m thriving academically and exploring opportunities to shape my future. My involvement in competitive robotics, where my team, Ctrl-Z, won the FIRST world championship in Houston last year, is a direct reflection of the curiosity and dedication NGS encouraged in me. These qualities also guide my studies in engineering and design, including a recent project where I created a prototype for a multi-functional water bottle and dish scrubber through my UIUC CAD course. NGS’s emphasis on critical thinking and creativity undoubtedly prepared me for these advanced pursuits. Outside of academics, I’ve cultivated my passions for music as a jazz guitarist and contemporary pianist. Although a knee injury has sidelined my varsity soccer activities, I’ve learned resilience and adaptability—values I first embraced at NGS. Beyond school, I stay engaged in independent studies, from advanced mathematics to understanding global events, always striving to be a well-rounded and informed individual. This drive for continuous learning was instilled in me during my time at NGS. Throughout my educational journey, the rigorous curriculum at NGS has been a cornerstone of my success. The writing skills I honed there, in particular, have been invaluable in crafting essays and tackling complex assignments. NGS didn’t just teach me academics—it prepared me to approach challenges with confidence, adaptability, and a passion for learning. I am incredibly grateful for the role NGS played in shaping who I am today. The experiences and lessons I gained there continue to impact my journey in profound and meaningful ways.
Rishabh Prasanth
My journey at Next Generation began in preschool and continued through 7th grade before I transitioned to Uni High in 8th grade. The atmosphere at Next Generation truly nurtured my growth. The culture fosters creativity, and the teachers are dedicated to supporting students every step of the way. I found that the academic rigor of Next Generation prepared me well for high school, laying a solid foundation for my future studies. I began playing guitar in 2012 while in Primary A, taking lessons in a cozy room on the second floor with Ryan Groff. Since then, it has become one of my greatest passions, and I still play regularly. There's something special about expressing myself through music that I cherish deeply. During my time at Next Generation, I played soccer on the school team in 5th grade, which sparked my passion for the sport. This passion carried through to high school, where I broke the school record for goals in a single season while playing for Uni High. One of the pivotal experiences for me was being introduced to Shakespeare in 7th grade English. That exposure opened my eyes to the beauty of his writing, and I subsequently took a course dedicated to his works in high school. Additionally, a memorable exercise in middle school science with Mr. Fritz involved karyotyping, which was my first introduction to biology and genetics. This experience ignited my interest in the field, and I eventually went on to take multiple biology courses including molecular genetics at the University of Illinois. My time at Next Generation profoundly shaped who I am today, equipping me with skills and passions that I continue to explore and develop.
Kelenna Onyemere
I’m Kelenna Onyemere, and I proudly graduated from NGS in 2019. Currently, I'm a Freshman at Indiana University, where I'm passionately pursuing a degree in Computer Science. My journey at NGS began in the 3rd grade, and the six years I spent there have left a profound mark on my life.
NGS's advanced curriculum not only prepared me for success in high school but also provided a nurturing environment for my growth. The teachers at NGS went above and beyond to foster strong relationships with me and my fellow students, ensuring that we not only learned the material but also thrived academically. To this day, some of my closest friends are the classmates I had the privilege of sharing my NGS journey with.
Beyond academics, NGS instilled in me valuable life skills and helped me forge lifelong relationships. I'm deeply grateful for the time I spent at NGS, as it has played a pivotal role in shaping the person I am today.
Lawrence Zhao
Hi, I'm Lawrence Zhao, and I proudly graduated from NGS back in 2017. Currently navigating my sophomore years at Yale with a focus on computer science and math, I can't help but reflect on how NGS laid the foundation for my academic journey.
NGS isn't just a school; it's a tight-knit community that feels like a second home. The warmth and support I experienced there shaped not only my education but also my love for learning, a flame that still burns bright today.
To all the incredible students at NGS and those considering joining the family, my advice is simple: embrace the opportunities that come your way. Step outside your comfort zone, try new things, and watch yourself blossom. Despite being a smaller school, NGS offers a rich tapestry of activities that will leave you with a wealth of experiences.
Remember, the more you invest in yourself, the more you'll discover and grow. Trust me, your fellow students and dedicated teachers will be your biggest cheerleaders every step of the way. Enjoy the journey!
Mira Chopra
I was first enrolled in Next Generation when I was four months old. From that point on, everyone here became my family. The class sizes gave me the chance to get to know each of classmates so well, but it is not so small that you don't get to experience different types of people, personalities, and cultures. Over the years my class became so close that I knew each and every one of my classmates inside out. It was as if we were all siblings. Not only were the students very close knit and supportive of one another, but I also had those close bonds with my teachers. Of course I felt challenged by them and was in awe of their knowledge, but I also loved that they were great people to talk to and get to know. They truly cared about us and having that connection with my teachers created a fantastic learning environment where I was never hesitant to ask questions.
Looking back on my experience at Next Generation, I can definitely say that Next Generation shaped me as a person, teaching me right from wrong and laying the foundation for strong skills that no doubt have helped me since I have left. I have friends for life and I am profoundly confident that I can achieve my educational goals. I am proud to be a Trailblazer.
Ridhi Katragadda
My journey at Next Generation began in 6th grade and continued through 8th grade, where I graduated in 2023. Even though I was only there for a few years, NGS had a lasting impact on me. The teachers made me feel welcome right away, and the class sizes allowed me to build lasting friendships that I still maintain today. One of the most defining parts of my time at NGS was joining the archery team. I quickly fell in love with the sport, and with encouragement from my teachers and coaches, I grew as both an athlete and a leader. In 8th grade, I was able to win the state championship, a moment that taught me the value of hard work, focus, and perseverance. That experience continues to inspire me, and I’m now working to bring archery to my current school in Atlanta, Georgia. Academically, NGS challenged me in ways that shape how I approach learning today. The small classes and hands-on discussions encouraged me to think critically, ask questions, and take charge of my education. The high expectations from my teachers pushed me to develop strong study habits, time management skills, and the ability to multitask. NGS gave me the skills and confidence to succeed in high school and handle challenges outside the classroom.
