Meet Your Neighbor: Juan-Valle Cruz

"At the first high school I attended, I didn’t get the support that I needed from the staff. So in November 2021, I transferred to QCH at Queens Satellite High School hoping for a change. There, my advocate counselor really encouraged me to do better in school and attend my classes. The internship coordinator from QCH also provided me with an opportunity to gain work experience and a source of income. From the teachers to the staff, there was always someone I could go to for help. They were supportive and provided tough love when I needed it, which helped me graduate. The graduation ceremony is such a memorable moment for me. It was the first time my mom was able to see me walk on stage to graduate. The entire QCH team has continuously supported me and provided resources not only while I was a student at the school but even after I graduated.

I’m proud to be an alumni at QCH at Queens Satellite High School because the program helped shape the person I am today. Last week, I was a part of the Alumni Panel, which gave me an opportunity to share my experience and set a good example for current students, showing them that if I can do it, they can do it. They can make it through high school despite all the obstacles, just like me."

- Juan-Valle Cruz, Graduate of QCH at Queens Satellite High School for Opportunity