The Strongest Wind

The essence of the American Dream is that it promises those who embrace it a spirit of hope that they can become anything they wish, doctors, lawyers, mothers, volunteers, or even heroes. Just as these dreams are different, the way in which Americans embrace them is just diverse. When considering the conglomeration of identities in a society such as that of America, such differences can often be strange, unfamiliar, and even harsh from a new perspective. In her short story, “Rules of the Game,” Amy Tan, a writer of Asian descent herself, prompts her audience to ponder a new perspective, as she tells the tale of a Chinese mother and her daughter, as they grow in the world of American dreams. The main character, Waverly “Meimei” Place Jong, follows her passion towards becoming a chess grandmaster, but must also remember the cultural way of her family. Tan ends the story with fierce words from Waverly’s mother, following a rare public argument between mother and daughter, “We are not concerning this girl. This girl not have concerning for us” (Tan 8). Such a harsh verdict from Mrs. Jong, after all of the pride Waverly’s national chess championships have brought upon her family, causes the reader to wonder if the mother is acting in the best interest of her daughter, or herself. It is important to understand that the seemingly stern Mother is actually the greatest protector of her daughter’s interests. Mrs. Jong serves as a guide to a new American culture for her family, presents important wisdom, and maintains a beneficial environment for her daughter

The Exploration Sessions Report: November 2013 - September 2014

Inspired by flexible curriculum at the University Laboratory High School (Uni High) in Urbana, IL, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) Student Council and History department collaborated to run a pilot program focused on the relationship between student input and interest in social studies courses. The concept of these “Exploration Sessions” was for the instructor to offer a few historical case studies related to a broad theme from the course syllabus and allow the class to vote for the one that interests them most. The resulting class sessions, tailor-made to the student vote, were assessed with a reflection survey mostly utilizing Likert scale ranks. Data analysis found that the opportunity to vote on course content generated a significant increase in mean student interest (p = 0.024) as well as significant increases in mean interest between regular class sessions and the custom Exploration Sessions (p

Commencement of the Class of 2015

Let me conclude my remarks this morning with a quote from Countee Cullen, a poet of the Harlem Renaissance who graduated from NYU, then Harvard University. He said, “For we must be one thing or the other, an asset or a liability, the sinew in your wing to help you soar, or the chain to bind you to earth” (Countee Cullen). Class of 2015, I ask: Will you be an asset or a liability? Class of 2015, will you give back and pay it forward? Class of 2015, will you invest in this world? Will you advance the human condition? Will you create opportunities for others? Will you make a positive impact? Will you help people and our planet? By saying yes, by saying “we will”—you will soar! Ladies and gentlemen, I present you the Class of 2015—the Class that will continue to soar! Thank you. And now, it brings me great pleasure and it is my great honor to accept the Class of 2015. By the authority vested in me as President of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy and on behalf of the Board of Trustees and the State of Illinois, I accept these students as graduates of IMSA and proclaim them as worthy to receive their Diplomas and Medallions. José M. Torres, Ph.D

2014 Convocation

Welcome: Robert Hernandez, Director of Student Affairs Pledge of Allegiance: Vinesh Kannan, Student Council President Opening Remarks: Catherine C. Veal, IMSA President; Branson Lawrence Jr., IMSA Principal Featured Musical Piece Sitar: JJ Gregg, Class of 1998 Keynote Address: Ana Tellez, Class of 2002, Interactive Media Director, CommunicatedHealth Inc. Closing Remarks: Branson Lawrence Jr., IMSA Principa