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My name is Amaya Hernandez Abrego, and I am a senior here at Birmingham. Birmingham has been a second home for me, as I am the last of five siblings to attend this school. Throughout my years attending Birmingham, I have seen firsthand the effort and opportunities this school and staff have provided to every student. 

Coming into high school, I was eager to take advantage of all the opportunities offered at Birmingham, such as the School for Advanced Studies (SAS) program and the National Education Equity Lab (NEEL), which has allowed me to complete three college classes from Stanford University! These courses have not only prepared me for college-level curriculum, but they have also given me the confidence and motivation I need to succeed and pursue higher education! 

In my first year of high school, I went through a lot of challenges in my personal and academic life as I began taking on more challenging coursework. The numerous extracurricular activities available at Birmingham provided me with creative outlets where I could have fun and meet people that I am still best friends with to this day. The community I have built at Birmingham, whether that be from my time on the lacrosse team, my current role on the Knights & Ladies Executive Board, or my role as a Capstone Peer Advisor, in which I help mentor AP Seminar students, I have felt that I am making a positive impact. This would not have been possible without the support and guidance given by my Birmingham teachers. Without the support provided from my counselor, friends, family, and the wonderful teachers who believed in me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. 

I am thankful to Birmingham for continuously supporting me and the rest of our students, and for instilling in me the confidence I need to challenge myself with AP and NEEL classes, in order to achieve the greater goals I now have for myself.

Being a Patriot - being Mr. Wydra - has become an essential part of who I am. 

For the past 22 years, I have had the privilege of teaching English at Birmingham, and every day in the classroom continues to be a rewarding experience.  For me, the true joy of teaching lies not only in delivering content but in building meaningful relationships with students and helping them connect what they learn to the world around them.

Birmingham is a place where both students and faculty can thrive.  With a wide array of academic and elective courses – including offerings from National Education Equity Lab, Community College partnerships, Advanced Placement, and Career Pathways – students are encouraged to explore and pursue their interests.  Outside the classroom, they can further enrich their experience through sports, clubs, volunteer work, and other extracurricular activities.

While teaching remains my passion, I’ve also embraced opportunities to engage with students beyond the classroom. 

Over the years, I’ve served in various roles, including SLC (Smaller Learning Community) Lead Teacher, English Department Chair, Varsity Girls’ Soccer Head Coach, and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Coordinator.  Each of these roles has allowed me to support students in new and impactful ways, helping them grow both academically and personally.  

Birmingham has given me a deep sense of purpose – one that I strive to pass on to every student who enters my classroom.  My hope is that each student discovers their own purpose here, whether it’s through the arts, athletics, academics, or community involvement.  Because at Birmingham, there is a place – and a path – for everyone.

Amaya Hernandez is one of the students with whom I have built a meaningful relationship. 

I had the pleasure of co-teaching two National Education Equity Lab courses she took through Stanford, one in Philosophy and one in African American Studies, during which I observed her grow academically and personally.  Amaya’s ability to make connections, articulate her thoughts, and pose questions helped her succeed while also setting an example for her peers.  She continues to challenge herself by taking the most rigorous courses offered, participating in summer programs/internships, and pursuing a degree in either law or medicine.  She is a remarkable student and person who contributes to making me proud to be a part of the Birmingham community.     

My family started in Birmingham back in 2014. Since then, I’ve had 4 children graduate from Birmingham, and currently, my youngest daughter is in 11th grade. I’ve seen a couple of principals come and go, but we hit the jackpot when Mr. Bennett arrived. He changed the atmosphere and made parents an important part of the success of our students. My children have been very successful students thanks to the teachers, counselors, and the academic programs offered.

My name is Shaila Aleman, and I’m an alumnus of Birmingham Community Charter High School. As a first-generation student, I felt the weight of the expectations and goals I set for myself. But the resources and skills I gained during my time at Birmingham helped me navigate and overcome those challenges. Over the past four years, I’ve learned how to lead and advocate, both for myself and the broader student body.

As ASB President, I wasn’t just planning spirit events. I spent time listening to students, working with administration, and making sure student voices were part of the conversation. Being ASB President allowed me to create a space where students felt encouraged, not pressured, to step out of their comfort zone and participate. ASB didn’t just let me help others grow; it pushed me to grow, too.

I also served as a College Peer Counselor (CPC), which meant walking other students, many first-gen like me, through FAFSA, application essays, and college choices while juggling that same stress myself. I believe this program is one of Birmingham’s strongest and most impactful for seniors. It allowed me to make sure that every senior, regardless of their path after graduation, felt confident in their ability to succeed.

Being in the SAS program exposed me to rigorous coursework and helped me prepare for the academic expectations of college early on. More importantly, it taught me how to ask for help when I needed it. What I value most about Birmingham is that it gave me the space to grow into all of these roles. Birmingham taught me that what is valued most is not perfection, but your intention. It was a place where I could advocate for others, grow through my own mistakes, and learn what it means to lead with passion and purpose.

I’m Cailyn Knudtsen, the ASB and Activities Director. Coming from a small, suburban town in the northern United States, I have longed for the vibrant atmosphere of a big city filled with people, culture, music, arts, events, and unlimited opportunities! I moved to the San Fernando Valley area just three years ago, and I’m excited and humbled to teach at a school that cultivates all that I was looking for.

Having transitioned from visual arts to the ASB Program, I have witnessed firsthand the leadership and dedication of students like Shaila. Her commitment over the years has not only enhanced our events but has also set a remarkable example for her peers. She has been able to balance multiple accelerated courses and a small business all while dedicating hours to support the ASB Program as Student Body President. 

Birmingham has provided students like Shaila and staff members such as myself with a nurturing environment to grow and build community. The relationships I’ve formed here bring immense joy to my life, and I am grateful for the warm greetings and enthusiasm I encounter daily. It is inspiring to see how our campus community supports one another in pursuing our dreams.

Among the many leadership roles Shaila holds at Birmingham, one that stands out is her work as a College Peer Counselor (CPC), which is how I had the privilege of getting to know her. 

As a CPC, Shaila has shown deep care and commitment to creating a more supportive and equitable educational experience for her peers. She has been a guiding light for many students, helping them navigate the often daunting processes of applying to college and securing financial aid.

As a first-generation college student herself, Shaila intimately understands the obstacles faced by students in our communities. She has not only overcome those challenges personally but has actively worked to dismantle them for others. Through her advocacy and compassion, she’s opened doors and created opportunities for so many fellow students at Birmingham.

We are incredibly proud of all that Shaila has accomplished, and we know she will continue to be a powerful advocate for underserved communities. Her leadership, empathy, and drive will continue to inspire others, and we can’t wait to see all the good she’ll bring into the world.

My name is Laura. I started high school during COVID, and when we finally returned in person my sophomore year, I was very worried about adjusting, especially knowing I had less having lost a year of interacting with my peers. I was anxious about how that would affect my time in high school. However, Birmingham turned what I assumed would be a scary transition into an experience I will forever be grateful for.

I always knew I wanted to pursue higher education at a four-year university, but as a low-income, first-generation college student, I did not have anyone in my life who could guide me toward that dream. Birmingham surrounded me with people who looked out for me. 

People who invested in my future. They prepared me well enough not only to get into the nation’s number one public university, UC Berkeley, but to thrive once I arrived. From teachers who challenged me academically and creatively, to counselors who advocated for me every step of the way, I always felt supported. That support allowed me to feel comfortable exploring new things and learn even more about myself.  And for that, I am truly grateful.

My name is Michael Sirr. I am a teacher and father of two students attending BCCHS.

My favorite things about Birmingham are the opportunities available for the students. From teachers leading hands-on career pathways to AP-level classes, award-winning music and theater programs, dozens of unique interests, student-led clubs, and CIF contender sports programs. Birmingham is a community where students and families can find their place. 

Birmingham is important to me because it is a space where everyone is welcome. It’s a diverse community that reflects the outside world.I am thankful for Birmingham because it’s a place where students come first.  The staff is full of love and support for each individual student. I am thankful for the dedicated grade-level staff who can focus on and build relationships with each class through their four years here at Birmingham. 

I pursued many different career paths, looking for something that would leave me fulfilled at the end of each day. From lawn service and landscape to managing successful corporate retail storefronts that earned tens of millions of dollars annually. When I found success, I did not personally feel like I was making a difference in the world. During the COVID pandemic, while the world was slowing down, I was managing more people than ever before and achieving record sales. Then my parents got sick, and my father passed. As I reflected on the person my dad had been and the person my mother is, I realized I needed to be the person they had raised me to be. I quit my position leading and growing businesses and went to school to become a teacher. Now every day I get to love and lead students. I have found my home; it is in the classroom with my students. 

The first time I met LAURA NGABIRANO, she was leading a professional development class for the teachers and staff. Laura was speaking from her heart with a passion that led to culture change here on campus. I was impressed with her composure and ability as a student to demand change from the staff at Birmingham. I was excited when I saw Laura Ngabirano’s name on my class roster. She was in my Economics and American Democracy classes. That same passion and leadership she showed in the PD, she brought with her to every class. Laura is driven by excellence, and that was reflected in the quality of work she submitted and the opinions and thoughts she shared in class. Laura is an accomplished student and a strong leader. Her rare blend of rigor and empathy make her a student I will never forget.

My name is Brooke Lopez.  I currently serve as the Psychiatric Social Worker for the Class of 2028 after the Class of 2024 graduated. Birmingham Community Charter High School serves thousands of students and their families, along with being the workplace of hundreds of people. These people are from all different walks of life with a vast range of experiences and knowledge bases. This union of staff, students, and families (this COMMUNITY!) is my favorite aspect of working for Birmingham. This community, as a whole, is rich with stories of resilience, self-efficacy, determination, courage, and growth. 

Birmingham is important to me as a person who has been touched by its legacy and impact. 

My husband and his siblings are proud alumni of Birmingham. The power of education is immeasurable in the ways that matter most. In addition to facilitating learning, Birmingham has served as a training ground for building and maintaining lasting relationships, attaining life skills, developing life-long hobbies, being a symbol of core memories, and operating as a second home for many.

Birmingham is important to me as a person who has been touched by its legacy and impact. My husband and his siblings are proud alumni of Birmingham. The power of education is immeasurable in the ways that matter most. In addition to facilitating learning, Birmingham has served as a training ground for building and maintaining lasting relationships, attaining life skills, developing life-long hobbies, and providing core memories as the school has operated as a second home for many.

As a clinical social worker, I’ve worked in mental health for 9 years, with most of that experience being in schools or with schools to support youth and families. I loved my school experience growing up and have committed to optimizing that journey for others.

Laura is a perfect example of both a student who came to the table with a wealth of knowledge, talent, and innate leadership skills and tapped into the support systems and opportunities on campus. I came to know Laura as one of her teachers in the Academy period (a non-instructional period focused on community building held once a week). Laura was a part of BCCHS’ School Leadership Program, Choir, Theatre, Accelerated Studies, served as a College Peer Counselor, and participated in a slew of campus clubs and events. Laura’s story, advocacy, and influence will forever be ingrained in the fabric that is this school. This truth is at the core of the beauty of this community!