Two Paths, One Iroquois: Annaea and Aaliyah's Journeys to Success

Iroquois High School has a hallway that runs a quarter of a mile, commonly known as the longest hall in JCPS. What is perhaps less realized are the direct paths to success that Iroquois creates for its students. Through a combination of student community and teacher mentorship, that quarter-mile walk the Raiders make every day puts them on the pathway to success in their futures.

As Iroquois Allied Health teacher Mrs. Jocelyn Williams explains, the Academies of Louisville provide unique advantages for students: “The difference between this and a trade school is that with a trade school, you just do the trade school. But these students are getting dual credit, job opportunities, and even paid internships–things that they wouldn’t necessarily have if they only went to a trade school.”

The long hallways of Iroquois provide a variety of opportunities for these students. From healthcare to engineering to welding to culinary, Iroquois Raiders are on the path to success. The varied opportunities at Iroquois are exemplified by the stories of two seniors: Annaea, headed for a career as a mason, and Aaliyah, with her sights set on becoming a pediatrician.

Annaea: Building a Career in Masonry

Annaea Bowman is a senior in the masonry pathway in the Build Academy. Her experience is characterized by hands-on learning and significant real-world application. In partnership with TL Young construction, Annaea has worked on projects at Kenwood Elementary and Bullitt East High School–and has even worked on the renovation of her own school.

The success of her training is largely attributed to the mentorship of her teacher, Eric Mitchell. As Annaea explains, "I'm proud to be a Raider because I have a good support team and good mentors." Looking ahead, Annaea is preparing for a masonry apprenticeship. Masonry apprenticeships, she elaborates, are two-year and six-month programs that allow individuals to get paid while they learn the trade, ultimately leading to licensure and a solid career foundation.

“Through a combination of student community and teacher mentorship, that quarter-mile walk the Raiders make every day puts them on the pathway to success in their futures.”

Aaliyah: Pursuing a Path in Pediatrics

Down the hallway, Aaliyah Love's journey is focused on healthcare. Initially as a freshman, Aaliyah considered the culinary pathway, but her path took a turn when she began pursuing the Patient Care Technician pathway. She discovered a passion for pediatrics, driven by her love for medicine and helping people. Aaliyah values the hands-on nature of her classes and the influence of Mrs. Williams. "I get excited to come to this class because it's very hands-on," Aaliyah explains.

Aaliyah is motivated by a personal connection to her chosen field as she is realizing her mother's dream. "My mom wanted to be a pediatrician also, so I'm kind of doing this for her," Aaliyah shares. Her mother's support is a driving force in her academic pursuits, and Aaliyah shares that her mother "cried when I got my acceptance letter from Bellarmine." Aaliyah plans to attend Bellarmine University to study nursing and pre-med, with the goal of becoming a pediatrician.

A Quarter-Mile of Difference, A World of Opportunity

From the masonry pathway to pre-med studies, Annaea and Aaliyah are taking different routes after Iroquois. Just as the school's quarter-mile-long hallway leads to many classrooms and programs, so too does it launch students into a diverse range of futures. 

Whether heading directly into a skilled trade or pursuing a doctorate, Iroquois students are empowered to find their own path to success. “I can do anything really,” Annaea concludes, a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the confidence and potential Iroquois instills in its students.