Renaissance grads speak out.

MOESHAWN BROOKS, 18

Going into the military, and eventually wants to be a respiratory therapist. Likes wearing his Class of 2016 T-shirt. He was 13 when his father died of an aneurysm. “When I lost my father, I lost all hope. Then, when I got here, I had a purpose . ... Mr. Witherspoon [his mentor] would talk to me when I didn’t want to go to class. He would push me and sit with me in class. …. My support system was a big thing for me.”

SANTONIO JOLLEY, 20

Working at Renaissance High School this summer, plans to get certified to be licensed truck driver. “I felt like I had to do this for myself, and I had to do this for my brother [Ananias Jolley, who died in December after a stabbing] . ... You got to go to school to get your education.”

JAYLEN MYERS, 17

Valedictorian of Renaissance. Headed to University of Maryland Eastern Shore this fall, majoring in engineering, hopes for a doctorate someday. Wants to travel the world, maybe with the military. “It’s good to see that a lot of African-Americans are graduating. We won’t be statistics. … All of us together, we’re rising up . ... I’m more hungry for what I wanted . ... I’m going to do what I got to do to get what I got to get. I’m just ambitious, humble and motivated each and every day, no matter what is in front of me.”

SHAWN NELSON, 18

Working this summer, applying to Baltimore City Community College. Wants to run his own business rehabbing vacant homes and help the city. “I was like a miracle to be alive,” said Nelson, who was stabbed seven times last year trying to protect his aunt during a fight. “It was like God gave me another chance that he didn’t give them [others]. He gave me a second chance.”