John V. Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School

Alum Shoutout: Krystal Martinez, class of 2003, works for the NYC Administration for Children Services (ACS) as a Child Protective Specialist investigating the most critical reports of child abuse and maltreatment. Krystal’s unit specifically investigates cases reporting sexual and physical abuse, in addition to child fatalities. She is obtaining her master’s degree in Social Work at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, and she holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Group Marketing from Baruch College. She feels fulfilled by her service to the children and families of New York City, in efforts of breaking generational cycles of poverty by educating, advocating and supporting them as they navigate the city's complex social service programs.

Her advice to current Wildcat students: "He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life, as the secret of real success is to accept who you are, believe in it and stop trying to model yourself on someone else or what you think is expected of you. You are your biggest supporter and you have to go after what you want, no matter the limits and expectations society places on you because of where you were raised, the color of your skin or who your family is. It's all up to you. DREAM BIG and put in the hard work to accomplish all that you seek."

Fun fact: Krystal is the niece of Alex/Mr. Martinez!

Alum Shoutout: Cindy Pantoja, class of 2001, is currently part of a scholars program at JetBlue, and working on her bachelor's of science in aviation. She graduated with an Associates degree from Vaughn College of aeronautics, and earned her Airframe and Powerplant license. She currently fixes planes and makes sure they are safe to fly. Very cool!

Her advice to current Wildcat students: " Nothing is impossible, when you believe in yourself and never give up."

Fun fact: Her daughter, Tatyana Williams graduated from Wildcat in 2021, and is now in the U.S. Navy, serving as a Cryptologic Maintenance Technician.

If you know of or are, yourself a Wildcat Superstar Alum who would like to share an inspiring story with our community, we would love to hear from you! Send us a DM.

"Being valedictorian to me means that everything is possible if you put your mind to it. I never anticipated being valedictorian because I used to struggle in school. Being able to overcome that stumbling block, build better objectives and habits, and work my way up to valedictorian indicates that I not only did it, but that I also exceeded my own expectations." - Madina Sondo, class of 2022 valedictorian 👏😊

Alum Shoutout: Rolando Aviles, class of 2000, is the director of Human Resources for the Coalition for the Homeless. Aviles earned his Associates, Bachelors, and Master of Business Administration from Monroe College.
Wildcat Alumni, if you'd like for us to feature some of your accomplishments, send us a message!

Senior, Malaysha striking a pose with Dexter, our class lizard! 😊🦎

Some end-of-schoolyear positivity. Our Wildcats WILL finish strong. 💪🏽💯

Lucky to have had One World Trade Center Executive Chef, Reuel Vincent meet with our culinary students and answer their questions. Fun fact, Chef Reuel was a finalist on Gordon Ramsay's Next Level Chef! 🧑🏾‍🍳

Alum Shoutout: Jordan Temple, Wildcat class of 2008 is a writer, comedian, producer, editor, and actor. In 2020 and 2021, Jordan was a writer for the Adult Swim cartoon, ‘Teenage Euthanasia’ and a writer-producer for Quinta Brunson’s ABC workplace comedy, ‘Abbott Elementary’.
In 2019 and 2020, he co-produced seasons 3 and 4 of Donald Glover’s acclaimed FX comedy, ‘Atlanta’. Previously, Jordan was a story editor for season 3 of the Emmy-award winning Amazon series, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” He is currently a co-producer for season 4 of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”

Alum Shoutout: Janis Torres, class of 1998, is an Administration Manager at One World Observatory. She has generously offered to help connect Wildcat students with internships at One World Observatory. Additionally, she has arranged for Banquet Chef, Chef Reuel Vince (finalist on Next Level Chef) to speak with culinary students and have a Q&A session. We are VERY lucky that she is choosing to give back to our Wildcat community! 🥰

Her advice for current Wildcat students: "Never let fear stop you from accomplishing greatness."

Alumni shootout! Janis Torres, class of 1998, is an Administration Manager at One World Observatory. She has generously offered to help connect Wildcat students with internships at One World Observatory. Additionally, she has arranged for Banquet Chef, Chef Reuel Vince (finalist on Next Level Chef) to speak with culinary students and have a Q&A session. We are VERY lucky that she is choosing to give back to our Wildcat community! 🥰 Her advice for current Wildcat students: "Never let fear stop you from accomplishing greatness."