2024 -25 ROP Initiates

As we prepare for the 26th Annual Rites of Passage Ceremony, hosted by the Minneapolis Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc., we are gathering the following information from each initiate for inclusion in the ROP commemorative souvenir book.  

• A bio that highlights your achievements, aspirations, and contributions (max 350 words). Naming convention for your bio file, ex. Smith_John.docx

• The names of your parents and ROP mentor

• An Adinkra symbol that reflects your identity and values. For reference, see www.adinkrasymbols.org for a list of symbols and meanings.

 

Deadline: Initiates must complete and submit this form by midnight on Friday, March 31, 2025, to ensure inclusion in the book.

 

Questions? Send us an email at jjmplseditor@gmail.com

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Bio Upload Instructions

Your bio should be a comprehensive yet concise narrative that highlights your achievements, leadership roles, and aspirations. To help you structure your bio, please address the following questions:

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​​Who are you? (Include your current academic status, leadership roles, or any defining roles you hold.)

• What leadership positions have you held, and what impact have you made in these roles?

• How have you contributed to your community or school?

• What notable achievements or recognitions have you received?

• What are your future goals and aspirations?

• What have you learned from participating in the ROP?

 

Please ensure your bio is written in a clear, engaging, third-person narrative and does not exceed 350 words.

 

Below is an example of an initiate’s bio:

 

John Brown III is a senior at Breck High School, where he currently serves as the school's student body president. He has held leadership roles since his freshman year, including serving as class president for four consecutive years. He is the co-chair of the Student Diversity and Inclusion Council, where he has facilitated workshops on colorism and code-switching, led school-wide presentations on gun violence and Black identity in America, and moderated panel discussions with notable figures such as Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.

 

In addition, John is the founder of the Lighthouse Mentorship Program for Black male students at Breck, which he considers his most meaningful contribution to the community. He has also been a team captain for both the school's basketball and football teams, earning all-conference honors in both sports for two consecutive years. His leadership extends beyond athletics—he has been a leader of Breck's Black affinity group (Oasis) and a founding member of the school’s multi-racial affinity group (Shades).

 

During the summers, John volunteers with Perspectives, helping bridge the gap between the St. Louis Park Police Department and children of color in the local community. He is also engaged in research examining student leadership at Breck over the past 50 years, exploring how student leaders have influenced the experiences of minority students.

 

John’s dedication to service and leadership has earned him the Breck Alumni Award for community impact. Additionally, he was a national Scholastic Art Award winner for his work in ceramics using clay and glaze. He is passionate about empowering young Black students to lead with curiosity and thoughtfulness.

 

Looking ahead, John plans to study Law and Business. He has been accepted to UNC-Chapel Hill as a Morehead-Cain Scholar, USC as a Trustee Scholar, and has also received offers from the University of Michigan, Duke University, Howard University, Morehouse College, Vanderbilt University as a Chancellor Scholar, Boston College, and the University of Miami as a Hammond Scholar. He is awaiting decisions from Stanford, Harvard, and Yale Universities.

 

The Rites of Passage program has taught John valuable life lessons about dedication to one’s community and the importance of time management.