Behind the Backpack: Savion’s City School Story

We can’t believe that we are already planning for back-to-school! As we look to school starting in August, we wanted to share this City School student’s story with you.

Before joining City School in the sixth grade, Savion Walker describes his life as “bland.” He rarely ventured outside, never rode a bike, or played with friends. “I always stayed to myself,” he recalls. 

But everything changed when he began attending City School. “I started to open up a little bit. I started to find my people, the right teachers, and the right coaches. I really showed who I am.”

For six years, Savion has attended City School, where he’s been very involved in sports, athletics, and weightlifting. He also participates in City of Refuge’s after-school programming and summer camp. Academically, Savion is a standout student—he finished this past year with a 4.0 grade point average. 

According to Savion, the supportive environment at City School has been crucial. “This school provides great teachers,” he said. “They pay attention to you—how you’re doing academically, emotionally. They can tell if something is wrong. They taught me a lot. They provide great help in all categories.” Caring staff like Titan, Jamichael, and Coach J have played significant roles in his life and helped shape who he is today. 

City School also provides essential supplies and resources that make a big difference for students like Savion. “At the beginning of the year, when kids don’t have the money to get school supplies or new sneakers, the Back to School Bash is very helpful. They gave us sneakers, backpacks, pencils, pens—everything you need for the school year. It was more than enough.”

Savion is deeply grateful for the generosity of donors who support City School. “I want to give thanks to all the donors. You all are great people. Keep doing what you're doing. Because of you, we have more opportunities to experience new things. I really appreciate you.”

As he prepares for his senior year, Savion has clear goals for his future. He plans to attend college and study computer science and software development. His passion for technology was sparked in eighth grade, and City School has helped him nurture this interest. “I've always been interested in computers and software development. I looked up information about it and realized I can actually get paid for this.”

Without City School, Savion believes his path would have been very different. “Public schools are not for me. I would have stayed to myself,” he said. City School has provided a nurturing environment that allowed him to thrive both academically and personally.

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