Graduation Spotlight: Dahlon Ratcliff Looks Back at School Years at Arsenal Tech

Graduation Spotlight: Dahlon Ratcliff Looks Back at School Years at Arsenal Tech

Graduation Spotlight is a storytelling series from Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) that highlights the students preparing to cross the stage and begin their next chapter in the coming days. In each feature, graduating seniors share—in their own words—the experiences, challenges, accomplishments, and people that helped shape their journey through IPS.

Through their stories, we celebrate the resilience, growth, and dreams of the Class of 2026 while showcasing the impact IPS schools, educators, families, and communities have had on their success.

Today, we’re featuring Dahlon Ratcliff, who recently graduated from Arsenal Technical High School and was a busy student as a member of Latin Honors and Key Club and played four years of varsity soccer.

Looking back on your time at IPS, what moment or experience stands out as a turning point for you?

Joining the Early College program my freshman year, I was then introduced to Elevate Indianapolis, a prominent, non-profit youth mentoring program. Without those two programs, I would be just another regular student. These programs exposed me to numerous opportunities that pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow as a person. 

What is something you accomplished in high school that you’re especially proud of—and why does it matter to you?

I’m proud of being a successful student-athlete. I’m graduating with above a 3.7 GPA, 27 college credits, and played varsity soccer for four years. I found success by keeping my priorities straight. When it was time to focus on soccer, I did, and when it was time to lock in on academics, I did that.
 

Who is a teacher, coach, or staff member who made a lasting impact on you, and how did they influence your journey? 

Mr. Woods from Elevate. He played a big role not only as a mentor but also in attending IU Bloomington and joining the Group Scholars program there. My freshman year I didn’t have college on my radar, but through the early college program and conversations with Mr. Woods, I saw that college was possible and expected. He’s a very thoughtful man, and he has helped me in ways beyond just school or academics.
 

How have you grown as a person from your freshman year to now? 

I was a social turtle freshman year. The outside trips with Elevate pushed me to get out of my comfort zone, leave my shell, and express myself openly without the fear of judgment.
 

What challenges did you face during high school, and how did you overcome them?

This senior year, I tore my ACL playing soccer. It was the first time I felt truly helpless. Because of this, I missed finals week in the 1st semester, and my grades dropped. It was a challenge to get back into the academic mindset because I was laid up in bed for three weeks. It was the first time I ever failed a class and got “bad” grades. I overcame this by relying on my peers and family. I asked for help even though it made me feel vulnerable. I’m also grateful to the teachers who showed me grace and worked with me during this difficult time.
 

As you prepare for what’s next, what are you most excited about—and what goals are you setting for yourself?

I’m excited to live on IU Bloomington’s campus. It’s going to be exciting to see new faces every day and meet people from all over the state, country, and world. Already, I’ve seen so many people just at the orientations.
 

If you could advise incoming freshmen at IPS, what would you tell them? 

Don’t be afraid not to follow the crowd. Basically, don’t be a sheep. Find your own passions and interests; don’t limit yourself to what everyone else is saying and doing.