AFJ Proudly Celebrates Our 2025 High School Graduates!

At Avenues for Justice (AFJ), our Harlem and Lower East Side community centers are more than just drop-in locations. They are points of intervention, connection, encouragement, and transformation for NYC's Court-Involved and At-Risk youth and young adults. Whether mandated to our program or simply seeking preventive services, our centers offer our Participants a safe, supportive environment where they can grow, thrive, and achieve their goals. AFJ helps young people move closer to the future they imagine for themselves by offering academic support, job readiness training, leadership development, and consistent mentorship from our Court Advocates and Program staff.

This week, we are proud to highlight AFJ's Class of 2025. During the month of June, AFJ staff joined the families and friends of our Participants to cheer them on at their high school graduations. Below, we will celebrate the stories of four of our nine graduates–Jily, Max, Lewis, and Jaylen–whose journeys remind us of the importance of second chances and perseverance.

‍Jily: Perseverance in Action

On June 26th, AFJ Court Advocates proudly watched Jily graduate from John V. Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School. Out of 79 students in the Class of 2025, 21 students received awards and Jily was one of five students honored with the Wildcat Certificate for Determination and Perseverance, a special recognition. Jily came to AFJ in 2023 through Family Court’s Diversion program, and one month later her case was dismissed. Since successfully completing her court mandate, she has ploughed through 17 Digital Literacy modules, and earned OSHA-30, Site Safety, and Security certifications. She has also participated in three AFJ paid internship placements.

On graduation day, Jily proudly tossed her cap, decorated by hand the night before with the help of AFJ Court Advocate Stephanie Santana. She is now preparing for her next chapter and we are excited to see where she lands.

“Jily is an absolute superstar. She is one of the kindest and most personable young women I’ve met. Jily was one of the first people in the AFJ internship cohort, and she ended up doing it three times—each time exceeding our expectations. Jily shows up at the center each day with a smile on her face and an aura that just draws people in. Her hard work and determination to excel in everything she undertakes are traits that have served her well in the past and will, without a doubt, take her far in the future. Congratulations, Jily!” – AFJ Court Advocate, Julia Price.

Max: Taking the Next Step

AFJ Participant Max also joined AFJ through our Family Court’s Diversion program. Although his mandate with AFJ ended months ago, he remains actively involved, attending workshops in Teen Empowerment, Leadership Council, Debate Team. Max has also earned multiple certifications, including OSHA-30, Site Safety, Scaffolding, and Flagging.

On June 24th, AFJ staff attended Max’s graduation at the Williamsburg School for Architecture and Design. His excitement is infectious as he looks ahead to college and his career.

‍“Getting my diploma means taking the next step in life and finally maturing. Graduating from high school has prepared me for getting ready for work and whatever may come with college.” AFJ Participant, Max.

This fall, Max will attend Kingsborough Community College to major in tourism and hospitality. A lifelong transit enthusiast, with support from AFJ's Job Developer, Shantel, Max is making connections with people at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and is preparing to take the MTA exam. Max will continue engaging with AFJ as he embarks on this exciting, new chapter in his life. Congratulations, Max!

“Max is one of a kind—his passion for trains and the MTA is not just impressive, it’s inspiring. He brings such a unique energy to every workshop, showing up with positivity, curiosity, and genuine joy. His presence has always lifted the room, and I have no doubt he’ll continue to make an impact wherever he goes.” -AFJ Leadership Council and Teen Empowerment Facilitator, Dr. Dennis Ibude.

‍Lewis: Rising Above the Challenges

On June 26th, Lewis graduated from Schuylerville Preparatory High School. There were moments when graduation felt out of reach, but Lewis never gave up. He made it a point to do extra work after school to catch up in his classes, and studied hard to pass his exams. With support from AFJ volunteer tutors, along with his teachers, Lewis passed his final exams, got his diploma, and earned a walk across the graduation stage.

Lewis is now exploring a career in electrical work through a program at LaGuardia Community College, referred to by AFJ's Job Developer, Shantel. Lewis’s grit and follow-through were key to his success, and we look forward to seeing how far he’ll go.

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Jaylen: On His Way

Jaylen, a standout Participant at Jamaica Gateway to the Sciences High School, also graduated on June 26th.

Since joining AFJ, Jaylen has been a consistent presence in our Art Therapy and Teen Empowerment workshops. He completed two referral programs connected to his legal matter, demonstrating his dedication and focus on fulfilling his court mandate and turning his life around.

“We never doubted Jaylen would graduate high school, given how on top of his court matter he was, and we are proud to see him taking advantage of his next chapter.” -AFJ Court Advocate, Julia Price.

Now that he has earned his diploma, Jaylen is exploring trade schools and building his next steps with the same ambition, determination, and independence that carried him thus far.

Graduation is more than just a cap and gown; it is symbolic of hard work and resilience. For AFJ Participants, it is a testament to what is possible with court advocacy combined with wraparound services. These milestones represent not only academic success, but also the power of transformation.

As the school year ends, and the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) kicks off, our Participants continue to amaze us with their accomplishments. To Jily, Max, Lewis, Jaylen, and ALL of our 2025 graduates: AFJ is so proud of what you’ve accomplished. You inspire the AFJ team every day. Here’s to your next chapter, and to the countless lives we know you’ll impact along the way.

Congratulations, Class of 2025!