For most Inglewood students, Dec. 19 was the last school day before the holiday break. I stopped by La Tijera Academy of Excellence, a campus with classes from transitional kindergarten to eighth grade, and asked students to share something they were proud of in 2025.
They told me about test scores and dog tricks, champion mindsets and personal growth.
Here, in their own words, are a few of La Tijera’s students’ accomplishments this year:
Amiri Jackson, kindergarten: “I’m proud of myself for being a champion and learning and listening. And that’s my whole life. My whole life.”
Mia Menchu, fourth grade: “One thing I’m thankful for from 2025 is I got a dog, and she really changed my life. I’m proud that I taught my dog that now she can do a twirl.”
Fine Mafi, seventh grade: “In 2025, I’m very proud of myself for keeping my stabilized grades, to be here and doing my hardest to do whatever I can. Every opportunity I can do, I will take.”
Isis Williams, kindergarten: “I am proud of myself because I won the student of the month for being good and respectful to the teacher.”
Dez Childs, second grade: “I am so proud of myself for getting a perfect score on my math test.”
