Graduation Spotlight:  Omar Perez-Lopez Looks Back at School Years at Crispus Attucks

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  Omar Perez-Lopez, who recently graduated from Crispus Attucks High School, where he achieved several milestones, including earning his CNA and CCMA certifications, participating in the IU Health Fellows program, and graduating from Ivy Tech Community College with an Associate Degree in General Studies.

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

The big turning point for me was being part of the IU Health fellowship. The internship gave me real-world experience. 

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

I am proud of getting my Associate Degree in General Education. It matters to me because starting college with one degree completed will allow me to complete my Bachelor’s degree more quickly while saving some money.

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

Ms. Hufford, my health sciences teacher, made a big impact on me. Her class really helped me learn more about the medical field and made me more confident about my goal of going into medicine. 

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

I was not very outgoing my freshman year, but over time, I have become more outgoing and more social with my classmates than I used to be.  

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

I’m most excited about gaining independence. I’m also setting goals to become more social in college and to learn how to manage my time and pace myself better with my responsibilities. 

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

Do not play around too much in your freshman year. You can have fun, but don’t let your GPA tank because it is very hard to get it back up.