Ombudsman Chicago celebrates 100 percent college acceptance rate

Ombudsman West student, Anthony Griggs, delivers a powerful commencement speech during Ombudsman Chicago’s 2016 graduation ceremony. Griggs plans on attending college in the fall to pursue a degree in teaching. (Photo Credit: Ombudsman)
Ombudsman West student, Anthony Griggs, delivers a powerful commencement speech during Ombudsman Chicago’s 2016 graduation ceremony. Griggs plans on attending college in the fall to pursue a degree in teaching. (Photo Credit: Ombudsman)

With the fall here and students back in classrooms, more than 200 graduates that recently earned their Chicago Public Schools high school diploma through Ombudsman Chicago are embarking on new and exciting beginnings.


In just its third year in Chicago, Ombudsman proudly announced that each of its 2016 graduates received an acceptance letter from St. Augustine College. “This is a first for Options schools in Chicago,” said Dr. Chaun Johnson, senior principal, Ombudsman Chicago. “This is such a wonderful opportunity for our students and we are extremely proud of them all.”


Sharing Dr. Johnson’s excitement is Ombudsman West student, Anthony Griggs and Ombudsman Northwest student, Melia McDonald. Griggs, who was once off track, found a second chance at Ombudsman and became one of the school’s star students. “Ombudsman is a place that will take you in and make sure you understand that your future is what’s important,” said Griggs. “We shouldn’t be focused on the life society wants us to live, but on the life that we’ve worked for and deserve.”

Melia McDonald, who also found herself spiraling down the wrong path, attributes her success to the faculty and staff at the school. “When I first came to Ombudsman I was a reckless kid,” said McDonald. “After coming here and working hard with my teachers every day, I’ve changed for the better.”


Griggs and McDonald were joined by family and friends and honored alongside their fellow classmates at a commencement ceremony.

To learn more about Ombudsman, visit www.chicagodiploma.com.

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