Iggy's Academic Journey:
From Failing Kindergarden to Early Admissions at Swarthmore... and Beyond!
Scroll all the way down to see "School Pics Through the Years" & "Best Wishes"
Hit "next" to see the next year
It all started at Midvale Elementary School in Tucker, Georgia. Originally he wanted to go to his Catholic parish school (IHM), but he failed the entrance admissions test for kindergarden and went to Midvale instead. Midvale turned out to be a very fine public school, academically challenging and culturally spirited.
Then it was on to Immaculate Heart of Mary. There, from day 1, Iggy found his way amongst many friends, exceptional teachers, and an administration that included a vice principal who used to be a disc jockey at a local hard-rock station.
IHM was 'home' for eight years, where Iggy made friends that continue to be friends to this day. Academically, he did fine - honor roll, etc. - but never excelled. Yet, you could just sense that he was about to 'break through' the intellectual paradigm and become engaged in the beauty that can only be found in knowledge.
Then came his family's unexpected move to the Nation's Capital. Within two weeks in early spring of '04, Iggy applied to every major Catholic school in the Greater DC area that was still taking applications for the Fall. Amazingly, he was accepted in each and every one of them. After much research, St. John's College High School was selected as the place for him to pursue his high school.
After four years there, it was clearly the will of God for him to learn and prosper within the spirit of a LaSalle education. At St. John's, Iggy excelled acadmically beyond everyone's expectations - except his own!... He realized all along that he was destined for great academic achievement...
When it came time to apply got colleges, he took the immense risk of going for 'early admissions' at a school that everyone told him was a 'high reach' school; a school where no one he knew - not even from St. John's - had gone to in recent memory; a school hailed to be the #3 small liberal arts school in the US of A.
And now it is off to Swarthmore, that bastion of liberal arts school infamous for its academic excellence and unique learning environment. With its deep roots in Quaker philosophy, Iggy's Catholic upbringing will be supported often - and challenged occassionally.
And, after Swarthmore? What may academic life hold for Iggy?...
Well, click HERE to find out!
LA UNIVERSIDAD DE LA HABANA!
That is, IF our long awaited 'biological solution' finally comes and Cuba's political system once again welcomes true freedom of thought!
[Hey, for real! - 4 years is an eternity... Only God knows what is in store for us :-) ]
SCROLL BELOW FOR "SCHOOL PICS THROUGH THE YEARS"
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BEST WISHES FROM FRIENDS & FAMILY
Sent in response to invitation
(if you submitted one & you do not see it here, let us know.)
MANNY OCHOA - DC
Great job Iggy! Too bad I can't make it to the Shrine where I would have to behave myself. Otherwise I would have been there with the rest of your family being the loudest group cheering you own. And of course, we do have kill and eat a pig in your honor.
CARMEN YOLI – NEW YORK BOUND
Iggy! I can hardly believe you're graduating. Best of luck wth everything and when you get to college, HAVE FUN! It goes by so fast and don't get stressed. Go out every night and make as many friends as you can because before you know it you'll have to get a job and be stressed for the rest of your life!
JESUS LEON – SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD
… best wishes to Iggy. Great news about your upcoming school - you will enjoy it!! It has been a pleasure to see you grow up to such a wonderful person. Keep it up! Love, the León family.
KAKI & MICHAEL - DENVER
We are so excited and we are looking forward to seeing you all!! :)
ANGELA & LANCE - ATL
Congratulations cousin!!! What an exciting time of your life this is!
LOLA & CHARLES - CALIFORNIA
Many congratulations from the left coast. The world is your oyster. Put a little cocktail sauce on it and slurp!! XO
LOURDES (AGUERO) y LUIS BANGO - VIRGINIA
Iggy: Muchas felicidades por tu graduacion y nuestros mejores deseos para ti…
FAMILIA GONZALEZ de TAMPA
Dear Iggy, Congratulations in your High School graduation. As you embark on your new adventure may all your dreams come true.
FAMILIA VILLAFANE – EL SALVADOR (VIA MIAMI)
...encouraging words? CARPE DIEM & we think you're swell, Iggy!!! Enjoy your last High school days and maybe we can celebrate your college graduation in Campina...sound familiar!?!?!? Love, the Miami Clan
TIO LINI & TIA MARI - ATL
muchas felicidades IGGY. sentimos .. . love tia y tio.
ANTON FAMILY - MIAMI
Iggy, having seen you from the time you were in diapers, it is amazing to hear of your completion of High School. May the experiences you have had, the efforts you have made, the love of you family and the grace of God lead you through the dificult but exciting times ahead. Congratulations and please feel free to call on your extended family in Miami,
FIGUEIRAS FAMILY - ATLANTA
Ignacio, Congratulations and may God continue to bless you during your college years. Always remember where you came from and ask His help in determining where you are going, but enjoy the present because it is what you can control. AMDG
ANDINO FAMILY – ATLANTA
Wow, Iggy, I cannot believe you are graduating from high school! Congratulations on this milestone accomplishment. Best of luck in your future studies, whatever they may be.
JOSE MONTERO – SOMEWHERE WHO KNOWS WHERE
Iggy, hey, man. CONGRATUATONS!!! Very proud of you! I'll defintely be at the party that Friday...my Mom should be in town,so count on her to come as well...maybe even Frankie will come too...Un abrazo and see you soon!
THE SNIGHTS – MARYLAND
One of the greatest treasures of Danny's four years at SJC is that our families have been joined in friendship as well as you and him. We consider it an honor and a privelege to be included as a part of your family's celebration of your high school graduation. Congratulations and best wishes for a meaningful college experience. Peace, Love, and Soul
THE PEREZ FAMILY – BEJUCAL, CUBA (VIA WEST PALM BEACH)
We want to congratulate Iggy on this big achievement in his life and wish him many blessings for his future.
JOHN & CLARE SEELKE
Iggy - congratulations on all of your hard work, both in the classroom and on the baseball diamond. We wish you the best of luck in your new endeavors…
FRICCHIONE FAMILY – HARVARD, MA
What a wonderful time in your life Iggy! You are seeing the great benefits of hard work and dedication and this will serve as a template for many future successes up the road. You are destined to make great contributions!
And who knows maybe an outstanding bonus with the Yankees awaits you. We can always use a crafty southpaw...
TRUJILLO FAMILY - ATLANTA
Iggy, it is so great to see you on your way to College. We have not seen you for a while, since you'll moved to DC, but we certainly remember and love the Rodriguez group, since the days of Rembe in South Atlanta... Way to GO ! Muchas felicidades, lamentamos no poder acompanarlos ese dia tan especial. OUR BEST WISHES
AMY - PITTSBURGH
Iggy, congratulations on passing a big milestone in your life! Things only get better! I'm sure the future holds wonderful things for you. Have fun in college, but remember to be kind, to treat people with respect, and to keep a sense of yourself, even as you change and grow. Much love, Amy
From Iggy's Senior Yearbook, as his favorite quote:
"I guess I was never much in awe of anybody.
I thik you have to have that attitude if you're going to go far in this game." [Bob Gibson]
And in Iggy's own words:
"Graduating high school is one small win in a very long season."
