JaZalia, a recent graduate of CICS Bucktown, dreams of becoming a cardiologist one day. Throughout her time at CICS Bucktown, the emphasis on student choice and leadership has allowed her to hone essential skills like cooperation, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving—all vital for a future medical professional. She embraces every opportunity to lead, from her roles on the Student Council and Principal Advisory to becoming the familiar voice of the morning announcements.

JaZalia serves as a role model and a leader to students across CICS Bucktown. Whether she was helping a friend grasp challenging schoolwork or assisting teachers with trusted tasks, JaZalia learned to confidently direct her own learning and create impact within the school community. From successfully advocating for more school events to tackling demanding coursework, JaZalia's comprehensive experiences at CICS Bucktown have cultivated her into the thoughtful, driven leader she is today, ready for the challenges of high school and beyond.

CICS Bucktown eighth-grader Eric is excited for high school. As a sports fan, finding a high school with a strong athletic program and a warm, welcoming culture similar to CICS Bucktown where he can meet and make new friends are top priorities. While he’s still weighing his high school options, CICS Bucktown’s preparation has been invaluable, both providing sports and academic opportunities that will set him up for success in high school and beyond.

While Eric is focused on his future high school success, he’s equally invested in enjoying the present. Getting good grades isn’t all Eric is focused on—he’s hoping for a fun last year at CICS Bucktown, one where he can look back and think, wow, that happened too fast! The sense of community ownership in his class, like students deciding on where their end of year field trips should be, allows Eric and his classmates the ability to have voice and choice in their education—a core tenet that defines the CICS Bucktown experience.

For Cibelen Smiguel, a long-time CICS Bucktown staff member and parent of alumni, this school has been a second home for nearly two decades. Her journey began as a parent seeking the right foundation for her children, and what she found was a team who saw her children’s potential and encouraged them to grow, thrive, and eventually step out of their shells—experiences she credits entirely to the support and care of their teachers.

Today, as a Paraprofessional and the school’s Social Media Advocate, Cibelen shares that same community magic with a new generation of families. Her unique perspective as both a parent and a staff member allows her to capture the heartbeat of CICS Bucktown with unmatched authenticity. Whether she’s highlighting hands-on learning, celebrating student achievements, or sharing joyful moments from the school day, Cibelen is dedicated to giving back to the community that shaped her own family's success, ensuring every family feels the same sense of belonging and support she experienced firsthand.