ABC6 News
Tuesday July 3, 2018
Rochester’s Class of 2018 had the highest number of graduating Somali-American students in the community.
They celebrated with an event on Saturday that included spoken word performances, informational sessions with local colleges, and a visit from Rochester’s Mayor.
Recent graduate Munira Alimire will be heading to Stanford this September to study Public Policy. She is a second generation Somali American.
"It was a crazy moment to know that I'm going to be doing everything my community dreamed of me doing," said Munira.
She is one of 94 Somali American students who graduated from Rochester high schools this year.
"Usually we have few numbers. As you know the Somali population increases year after year. This year we had 94. Surprisingly, amazingly," said Founder and Executive Director of Somalia Rebuild Organization Omar Nur.
That’s why he wanted to recognize the accomplishment with an event on Saturday.
The celebration held at Rochester Stem Academy focused on continuing education. Representatives from Winona State University, RCTC and RSU spoke to students about future opportunities.
Omar hopes this reminds students of the importance of education.
"We believe education helps themselves, their family and our community," said Omar.
That’s why he wanted to recognize the accomplishment with an event on Saturday.
The celebration held at Rochester Stem Academy focused on continuing education. Representatives from Winona State University, RCTC and RSU spoke to students about future opportunities.
Omar hopes this reminds students of the importance of education.
"We believe education helps themselves, their family and our community," said Omar.
He wants other students to see real-life examples of success.
"If my sister or my neighbor did that, I can do it," said Omar.
Munira hopes she can be that person for her little sisters and younger student in the community.
"It's when you see somebody who looks like you or somebody who has come from a similar background as yourself that you realize you're able to do these things," said Munira.
He wants other students to see real-life examples of success.
"If my sister or my neighbor did that, I can do it," said Omar.
Munira hopes she can be that person for her little sisters and younger student in the community.
"It's when you see somebody who looks like you or somebody who has come from a similar background as yourself that you realize you're able to do these things," said Munira.