When you walk through the halls of Franklin Learning Center, you’ll likely hear the name Sean Miguel spoken with admiration. As Senior of the Month, Sean stands out not only for his achievements, but for the spirit he brings to our school community.
Sean comes from a loving family that has always emphasized the importance of education. His family has cultivated an environment where learning is celebrated, and academic success is a shared goal. This supportive foundation has been instrumental in shaping Sean’s outlook on education and personal growth, setting the stage for his many accomplishments at Franklin Learning Center.
His journey at Franklin Learning Center has been marked by dedication and a hunger for challenge. He dove into rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) courses—like AP Statistics- but sparked a love for critical thinking and analysis. Beyond the classroom, Sean found growth through the school’s mentorship program, where he built lasting relationships with teachers and peers. These experiences strengthened his leadership abilities and gave him the confidence to pursue his passions wholeheartedly.
For Sean, the Franklin experience is truly one-of-a-kind—teeming with opportunities and challenges that help students grow into well-rounded individuals. He encourages his fellow students to dive into extracurriculars, whether it’s sports, performing arts, or academic clubs, knowing these adventures build camaraderie and personal growth. Through it all, Sean has learned that resilience is key: meeting challenges head-on, he’s discovered, is what shapes students into leaders.
Looking back, Sean credits perseverance and communication as the skills that will carry him forward in college and beyond. These strengths were sharpened through group projects, presentations, and the everyday teamwork that defines Franklin Learning Center. As graduation approaches, Sean knows he’ll miss the friendships and familiar faces that have made his high school years special. Above all, he hopes his legacy is one of encouragement and positivity—a student who always aimed to lift others up and make a difference in the Franklin community.
We asked Sean our favorite list of questions:
Why do you think you were nominated as Senior of the Month?
I think I was nominated for Senior of the Month because of my hard work as a student and the many challenges I have had to overcome throughout high school and my life. I always tried to do my best, even when things were difficult for me. I have tried to be as involved as I can throughout high school, in both my school and my community.
You were nominated by (Dr. Xiao Juan Ke). Explain your relationship. Explain their role in your experience at your school.
Dr. Ke was my AP Statistics teacher last year and also helped me with many things, such as extracurriculars to join and programs to apply to. I told her every time I received news about applications or events in my life, and I often asked her for advice. She is an amazing teacher, and I am so lucky to have had her teach me (and help me get a 5 on the AP exam). I am still in contact with her and try to visit her often at FLC. She set up a math competition and events leading up to Pi Day last year, which I eventually won. My junior year was so much better thanks to Dr. Ke.
What is one thing you’d like to share about yourself that most people don’t know about you?
I want people to remember that I was always willing to help others in class, with their work, and with whatever else they needed. I have had a few friends tell me they were afraid to ask anyone, especially me, for help in class when they needed it. I have tutored others in multiple subjects and try to do my best to help.
How did you choose your high school? What do you enjoy most when you are not at school?
I wasn’t able to choose my high school. I moved to Philadelphia at the very end of my freshman year, too late to apply to any magnet schools for my sophomore year. My dad knew that South Philly High was dangerous because of constant fights and that it wouldn’t offer the classes and programs that could help me apply to good colleges. He went to the district building constantly, trying to speak to someone who could help me. I had great grades, test scores, and even extracurriculars. He finally contacted FLC’s principal, Ms. Lee, personally and sent her my transcripts. She decided to enroll me at FLC two weeks after the year started. I love playing video games, baseball, and spending time with my dog, Pepper.
What is the best thing about attending school at Franklin Learning Center?
I have moved a lot and attended many schools. Since kindergarten, I have always been the “new kid.” Even though I have been to six different schools in my life, the teachers at FLC are the best. I can’t say enough about how much people like Dr. Ke, Mr. Sulea, Ms. H, Ms. Kern, Mr. Magliaro, Mrs. Awad, Mrs. Garcia, Mr. Prohaska, Ms. Felber, Ms. Boakye-Yiadom, Mr. Chrestay, and others have helped me throughout high school with so many things. They were always so welcoming to me and others, were there to help with whatever was needed, school-related or not, and are passionate about teaching and their subjects.
What is one thing that the School District could do to improve its service to students?
School conditions in FLC are very poor. Multiple teachers have developed cancer due to asbestos exposure. Our bathrooms are so old and often have exposed pipes, forcing administrators to close them to students for days or weeks at a time. Whenever students raise these issues with administrators, they are told about the school district’s lack of plumbers and that many other schools have bigger issues that need to be addressed first. We understand that other schools have bigger problems, but I think that underscores how serious the problem of school conditions and safety is throughout the city.
Sean, we are so excited for you – best of luck in the college and career of your dreams!