ST. LOUIS – April 2025 – Excitement filled the Confluence Preparatory Academy (CPA) gymnasium as 35 seniors took center stage during the school’s annual Decision Day celebration. With families, teachers, and college representatives in attendance, students from the Class of 2025 proudly announced their next steps after high school—marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys.
CPA’s Decision Day is a declaration of possibility. Collectively, the senior class has secured more than $3.8 million in scholarships—a testament to their hard work and the dedication of CPA’s leadership, teachers, and staff. Among those receiving awards, five seniors received SIUE CODES (Community-Oriented Digital Engagement Scholars) Scholarships, which cover full tuition for four years. In addition to financial support, scholars receive a unique academic experience focused on civic impact, experiential learning, and social innovation. Greenville University granted Tanijah Taylor an $84,000 scholarship and Maximillion McClendon a $74,000 scholarship, helping make their college dreams a reality as well.
“Decision Day is so important at CPA because it celebrates the power of choice, the importance of post-secondary planning, honors every scholar’s journey, and reminds our entire community that access and opportunity change lives,” said Dr. Cierra Wourman, College and Career Counselor.
This year’s college-bound seniors will pursue a wide range of majors, including Civil Engineering, Nursing, Business Administration, Medical Technology, Cybersecurity, Pre-Medicine, Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Sports Management. The list of colleges and universities they will attend spans the country and includes:
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
- Harris-Stowe State University
- University of Missouri–St. Louis
- Missouri State University
- Fisk University
- St. Louis Community College
- Ranken Technical College
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Lincoln University
- McKendree University
- Philander Smith University
- William Woods University
- Missouri Valley College
- Alabama A&M University
In addition to those pursuing higher education, two students announced their commitment to serve their country—one in the United States Marines and one in the United States Navy. Two other seniors will pursue full-time employment with Regal Behavior Solutions as Registered Behavior Technicians. This certification program is offered to seniors while still in high school, giving students a valuable jump-start on their careers.
Several CPA athletes will also continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level, earning scholarships and roster spots on university teams.
Each senior was honored with a special gift bag filled with essential college supplies from CPA to help them transition into their next chapter.
"Decision Day is one of the best days of the year," said Principal Dayle Burgdorf. "It’s a celebration of achievement and a glimpse into the bright futures our students are building. They’ve worked hard, and now they’re stepping boldly into what’s next. We are so proud of them!"
Thanks to CPA’s dual enrollment program, some of the seniors will enter college as sophomores, while others will begin with a significant number of college credit hours already completed—saving time and money while accelerating their degree paths.
An important part of Decision Day is celebrating with the entire student body. “It gives freshmen scholars an opportunity to see what is waiting for them once they get to the end of their senior year,” added Wourman.
As the Class of 2025 prepares to leave the CPA halls behind, they carry with them not just scholarships and college credits—but the confidence, support, and momentum to shape the future on their terms.