January 18, 2017

On any given day, Jasmine Herrera, Connelly Middle School (CMS) ’15 & Cristo Rey New York High School (CRNY) ’19, can be found pitching for her softball team, preparing and serving food to the homeless, or taking graffiti walks with her high school art club. Jasmine’s combination of talents emerged during her time as a Connelly Middle School student at Cornelia Connelly Center in New York City and has continued to flourish as she moves through high school. Now a sophomore at CRNY, Jasmine speaks with unabashed enthusiasm for her growth, her passions and her hopes for the future.

“Holy Child made me into a well-rounded person – that’s why I have so many interests and do so many different activities. In 8th grade, I started sketching and developing an interest in design and fashion. I remember walking through SoHo one day and thinking, ‘I could do this.’ I have my sketchbook that I’m always working in. At Cristo Rey, I’m in the Art Club. We walk around Harlem on ‘graffiti walks’ and we go to museums.  MoMa is my favorite. The paintings just grab you.”

Both Cornelia Connelly Center and CRNY have deep roots with the Society of the Holy Child Jesus – American Province. The Sisters established the Center in 1993 for girls of all faiths from low income families. The Society is one of three religious organizations who joined with lay men and women to open CRNY in 2004. CRNY serves students of all faiths who have demonstrated the potential and motivation to achieve success and who do not have the educational background or financial means to attend another private, college-prep school.