Portrait of a Graduate

 

As a proud member of our first graduating class, Dom embodies the Boys' Latin maxim, "Every man is the architect of his own fortune." Now a Market Advisor at Zillow Home Loans, he credits Boys' Latin for establishing the foundation of his success, both personally and professionally. "The lessons I learned at Boys' Latin on discipline, accountability, and brotherhood are still with me today," Dom says. "BL didn't just prepare me for college, it prepared me for life."

 

After graduating from Ursinus College with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Communications with minors in Politics and Philosophy, Dom charted a path that blends analytical thinking with empathy, skills first cultivated in his days at BL. He looks back fondly on his time competing on the debate and mock trial teams, and the many firsts that came with being a member of the inaugural class. "It was a formative time," he recalls. "We were the tradition. Even today, when I'm home in Philly and see another Warrior on the El...that bond is still there."

 

A first-generation college graduate, Dom takes immense pride in what that milestone represents, not just for him, but for his family and community. "Crossing that stage felt like a shared victory," he says. "It's proof that perseverance and purpose can forge your future."

 

More than a decade later, and 3,000 miles away, Dom still carries the BL spirit wherever he goes, whether traveling for work, catching a concert, or playing with his goldendoodle Coco. What excites him the most about the future? The opportunity to keep growing and making an impact.

 

 

When Ben reflects on his time at Boys' Latin, he remembers not just the victories on the football field - though there were many - but the values that shaped his life long after graduation. As the captain of the football team and member of the National Honor Society, Ben learned early what it meant to lead with integrity, humility, and heart. "The moment that's always stayed with me," Ben shares, "was Freshman Academy when Mr. Hardy told us to look to our left and right and reminded us that not everyone would make it to graduation. That lesson taught me resilience, perseverance, and the importance of lifting others as you climb."

 

After his initial climb in high school, Ben attended Bates College where he earned a bachelor's degree in economics and philosophy. Now a successful real estate professional in Atlanta, he helps families achieve one of life's biggest dreams: homeownership. "Anytime I help a family buy their first home, especially those who thought it was impossible, I'm reminded of the support and belief that Boys' Latin gave me," he says. "That foundation still fuels me every day." You can follow Ben's success on on social media (@benthebanker_), where he shares real estate opportunities and inspiration with his more than 70,000 followers across all platforms. 

 

The Boys' Latin mission - preparing boys for success in college and beyond - is one Ben carries into every part of his life, especially as a father. "I'm raising two boys," he says with pride. "My goal is to give them the same foundation Boys' Latin gave me: strength of character, confidence, and compassion. 

 

 

When Shahmar walked through the doors of Boys' Latin, he never imagined he'd one day be recognized by Forbes Under 30 or serve on the Philadelphia Mayor's Commission for African American Males. But, he did carry an important lesson from day one: success is built, not given. 

 

At Boys' Latin, Shahmar found structure, brotherhood, and a belief in his potential. "You couldn't hide in morning assembly - you had to show up as your best self," he recalls. The discipline of daily pledges, the challenge of Latin study, and the rigor of writing and debate prepared him for a life of purpose and impact. He went from leading the school to the semifinals (twice!) as captain of the mock trial team, to becoming the second lawyer in the Boys' Latin alumni ranks after earning a B.S. in Anthropology and Political Science from Drexel and a J.D. from the Drexel Kline School of Law. 

 

Today, Shahmar is a Trust Officer at Wilmington Trust in Manhattan, integrating his experience in law, real estate, and finance to help families build intergenerational wealth. By age 29, he had built a $1.3 million rental property portfolio focused on affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization - a mission rooted in giving back to the same kind of communities that raised him. His work has been featured on Good Morning America, ABC News, and the Legal Intelligencer, among other outlets.

 

Shahmar's journey, from first-generation college student to a leader in law and finance, reflects the power of a Boys' Latin education. It's a testament to what happens when young men are surrounded by teachers who believe in them and a brotherhood that holds them accountable.

 

 

From the halls of Boys' Latin to the power lines of Philadelphia, Umar has built a life grounded in discipline, leadership, and brotherhood. Today, he serves as a General Engineer at PECO, an Exelon Company, using his skills to power communities while inspiring the next generation of Black engineers. 

 

A proud graduate of Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Umar credits Boys' Latin with giving him the foundation to thrive. "Boys' Latin instilled within me the mindset that anything is achievable through hard work and discipline," he says. "It gave me confidence and a chip on my shoulder that pushed me to stand out."

 

During his time at BL, Umar was an accomplished student and athlete, earning All Public recognition on the varsity basketball team, but what stands out to him most now are the lessons of brotherhood and accountability. "It's a bond that continues after graduation," he explains. "You can reach out to another alumnus or the school, and it always feels like coming home."

 

Now the President Emeritus of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Umar is dedicated to exposing young students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to the world of STEM. "The sky is the limit," he says. "My goal is to open my own engineering firm and build partnerships with schools like Boys' Latin." His accomplishments to date are as big as his dreams. He has earned national honors through NSBE, established a scholarship for local students (including ours!), and, the accomplishment for which he is most proud, become a father. 

 

 

For Cameron, Boys' Latin was more than a school, it was a brotherhood that shaped his purpose and encouraged his path. Now a medical student at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, he leverages the discipline and drive cultivated at BL daily. "At Boys' Latin we learned that we're responsible for our own actions," he says. "That accountability helped me build the discipline I needed to succeed in college and beyond."

 

Cameron beams as he recalls the energy of Christy Rec Center, where the varsity basketball team played its home games. "Our brothers filled the stands, making every game electric. That support gave us confidence and pride. It was always Boys' Latin versus everybody!"

 

Following high school, he played four decorated seasons at Penn State Altoona, earning the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) Defensive Player of the Year Award and third team All-AMCC honors. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a focus on Vertebrate Physiology, he credits his love of learning to his Latin classes at BL. "Studying Latin was one of the first times something challenging sparked my curiosity," he recalls. "It taught me that knowledge is something no one can take away from you."

 

His greatest accomplishment to date? It's the one he's still pursuing: becoming a physician. "It's been full of sacrifice and growth," he reflects. "But I know I can handle hard things." Notably, Cameron is set to be the first doctor in the Boys' Latin alumni ranks! When he's not studying, Cameron enjoys collecting vinyl, going to concerts, and playing basketball; a balance that keeps him grounded as he builds the life of his dreams. 

 

 

"In 2007, Boys' Latin opened its doors in West Philadelphia offering an innovative value proposition: to provide a world-class college-preparatory academic program for historically underserved boys. For nearly two decades my alma mater has delivered on its promise, preparing young men to become successful in college and beyond. To date, 77% of alumni have matriculated into college and 74% have persisted through it; this is more than three times Philadelphia's average. I'm proud to be a part of my school's legacy, first as a student and now as an alumnus and trustee. 

 

Boys' Latin drew me in by the standard it set and the variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities it offered compared to other schools. As a student, I seized these opportunities and, in doing so, forged my future. I pursued the most rigorous courses of study, earning admission into the National Honor Society, and played baseball, ultimately serving as the team captain. These experiences taught me leadership, discipline, and teamwork while developing my critical thinking skills and honing my tenacity. At graduation, I stood as valedictorian of my class, earning the coveted Award of Excellence in Science and the Perfect Attendance Award. That fall, I enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania, where I studied Communications and became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Years later, I received the Honorable Walter H. Annenberg Award at graduation, which is presented to a student who utilizes their education to serve the school and surrounding communities more effectively. Now, as a Senior Management Consultant at North Highland, I draw on the lessons and values instilled in me at Boys' Latin to drive meaningful change, mentor others, and contribute to causes that make a lasting impact.

 

I'm one alumnus in a network of more than 1,200, bonded by our shared Boys' Latin experience. My brothers have earned admission into and degrees from various prestigious colleges and universities nationwide. Significantly, grounded in the core values of scholarship, integrity, and brotherhood instilled in us while at Boys' Latin, I am proud to say that my brothers are leading positive change across the country in various professional industries and fields. In contrast, others are continuing their academic journeys by pursuing advanced degrees in fields such as law, medicine, and many more. Our success is due, in part, to the many individuals who continue to make a Boys' Latin education possible." Nate Morris '16