December 2025 Newsletter
South Redford Eagle Scholars Program
When The Teacher Disappears
Like any job, there are moments when everything makes sense. I had one of those last month on our visit to MSU with the juniors (thanks to Ms. Wilinski for joining!).
After a tour and presentation from the staff at the Broad School of Business, we had lunch at Shaw Dining Hall, where students filled up on bottomless pizza, chicken fingers, soft ice cream, and an array of other anti-vegetable cuisine.
I had contacted several alumni who are now MSU students, hoping one or two might join. Several ended up showing up (see top left photo), so they and a few of our current students shared a table.
After my typical conversation starters: “What do you miss about high school?”, “What is going well?”, “How is it living on your own?”, etc., I shut my mouth. In fact, no one wanted to hear from me because the conversation flowed freely: current MSU freshmen were coaching Thurston students on how to prepare for college, and MSU juniors were advising MSU freshmen about important topics like how to approach professors when you’re struggling, the best places to study on campus, and where to find support as a Black student.
The students talked for awhile. I just sat and poked at my chicken salad and thought of the Tao Te Ching’s famous line: “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. When the student is truly ready… the teacher will disappear.”
This connection between those who are going there, those who are there, and those who have been there is arguably the most important factor in a student’s success. And while we adults can craft the right messages, it never lands like it does from someone just a few years older, who’s been on a similar path, while feasting on average, unlimited college cafeteria food.
—Rory
Celebrations
College acceptance letters are flying in for our seniors and it's only December! Extra credit to those who applied early!
News & Upcoming Events
2026–27 Eagle Scholars application — OPEN — Apply now for the 2026–27 school year. Students may apply through 10th grade; the application takes about 20–30 minutes and must be submitted by March 1.
Learn more: Slide deck from 12/4 Info Session
Alumni Panel — Thu., Dec. 18 (during Seminar). ESP alums Karina Ali, Skyy Arnold, Makia Hill, Kion McKinney, and Lara Ibrahim will join us to talk about college, careers, and transitioning to life after high school. Students: bring 1–2 questions.
This Month's Scholar Skill
Skill: Treat studying like a scheduled job: block the time.
Why it matters: Waiting until the night before a quiz is unreliable. Most assessments require steady practice; long gaps between study sessions weaken the “academic muscle.”
Try this:
Pick a 60–90 minute block at least 4 times per week and put it on the calendar.
Treat it like clocking in: if no homework is due, read, annotate, or journal.
Put your phone in another room. Use 25–30 minute focus cycles with 5-minute breaks.
Requirements
High School:
4+ AP Courses
Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Attend at least 4 college visits.
Apply to at least four 4-year colleges or universities.
Attend all program meetings (large group, small group, and 1-on-1).
Complete a senior portfolio prior to graduation.
Complete the summer assignment (in the first year only).
Maintain good attendance and exemplary behavior.
Middle School:
Honors ELA, Science, Social Studies
Strong attendance.
Exemplary citizenship and behavior.
Attend all program meetings (large group, small group, and 1-on-1).
Thoughts from a Smart Person
“An object in possession seldom retains the same charm that it had in pursuit.”
-Pliny the Younger
Support Eagle Scholars
Contact
Phone: 313-535-4000 ext 1228
Email: rory.hughes@southredford.org
Website: https://eaglescholars.southredford.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eaglescholarsprogram/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eaglescholars