Finding His Voice: How Opportunity Helped Chantze Discover His Future

When Chantze first walked through the doors of St. Augustine High School as an eighth grader, he knew he was stepping into something different.

After attending public school from first through seventh grade, the transition to the all-boys school was a major adjustment. New routines, higher expectations, and a completely different environment challenged him from the very beginning.

"It is definitely an adjustment," Chantze said. "Going from a co-ed school to an all-boys school was different. It was a different program and a different way of doing things. But I've been doing pretty good, and I couldn't see myself anywhere else but St. Augustine."

Today, as a rising junior, that once-uncertain eighth grader has grown into a confident student leader who has embraced every opportunity placed before him. Thanks to the Arete scholarship, Chantze has been able to thrive in an environment that nurtures not only his academic growth but also his passions and future career aspirations.

For Chantze, St. Augustine has become much more than a school; it has become the place where his dreams began taking shape.

While many students spend high school discovering what interests them, Chantze has always known where his heart was.

"I've always wanted to be on TV," he shared. "Once I walked into that room and saw all the cameras and all the lights, everything I'd dreamed of, it just clicked."

That moment led him to join St. Augustine's Film and Media program, where he quickly immersed himself in storytelling and production. Today, he serves as captain of the Film and Media Crew and made school history by becoming the first-ever Marching 100 Media Correspondent.

His involvement doesn't stop there. Chantze is also active in the History Club and Campus Ministry, continually looking for new ways to serve and grow within his school community.

His experiences have only strengthened his vision for the future.

"I want to go to college for journalism," he said. "I want to be a broadcast journalist. I want to be on TV, and I want to be the face everyone sees."

One unforgettable opportunity came through his work with St. Augustine's media program.

Because of his leadership and dedication, Chantze was selected to document a special recording session featuring six-time Grammy Award-winning musician PJ Morton and members of the school's renowned Marching 100.

Traveling to Studio in the Country in Bogalusa, Louisiana, Chantze spent the day filming behind the scenes as the students collaborated with the acclaimed artist.

"It was definitely a learning experience," he said. "Being able to direct and document something involving PJ Morton was definitely something that I'm proud of."

Watching the creative process unfold firsthand gave him an entirely new appreciation for media production.

"It was cool seeing how songs are actually made," he said. "Some people think you just go in a booth, sing the verses, and it's over. We were in there almost the entire day."

Experiences like this are helping Chantze build skills that extend far beyond the classroom while giving him real-world exposure to the career he hopes to pursue.

Beyond his work at St. Augustine, Chantze has also founded Next Gen Talk TV Inc., a youth-led nonprofit digital media platform dedicated to amplifying youth voices through real conversations with leaders and changemakers. His interviews have featured Former Vice President Al Gore, Patti LaBelle, Kirk Franklin, Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans, and Mayor-Elect Helena Moreno. 

Most recently, he served as the surprise Youth Panel Moderator at Whitney Plantation's 4th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival alongside the Louisiana State President of the NAACP. Through Next Gen Talk TV Inc., Chantze is already living out the broadcast journalism career he has dreamed of before he even graduates from high school.

For Chantze's mother, Gemenese, watching her son flourish has been one of the greatest blessings.

She first learned about Arete Scholars through other St. Augustine parents and immediately recognized the opportunity it could provide for her family.

"I'm thankful for the scholarship," she said. "Because without that, he probably wouldn't be able to attend. Due to the scholarship, he's been able to attend St. Augustine with no problem."

Since enrolling, she's witnessed tremendous growth in her son.

"Chantze has definitely evolved," she said. "He's always been kind of like a free spirit, very outspoken. Going to St. Augustine and being offered different opportunities that he possibly wouldn't have had in public school has really helped him grow."

She has watched him embrace leadership through the school's media programs, participate in Campus Ministry, become involved in student government and homecoming activities, and discover talents that continue to shape his future.

For Gemenese, the scholarship has provided more than financial assistance; it has opened doors that continue to impact her son's future every day. Looking back on everything he's experienced, Chantze has one piece of advice for younger students preparing to begin their own high school journey.

"Don't limit yourself to any opportunities," he said. "Any opportunity that you may have just a tad bit of interest in, take it because you never know how far it'll take you."

His willingness to step outside his comfort zone has led to leadership roles, unforgettable experiences, lifelong friendships, and a clear vision for his future. Families like Chantze's know that opportunities like these are only possible because generous donors choose to invest in students.

When asked what he would like supporters to know, Chantze offered a heartfelt message.

"To the donors, I want to say thank you, not only for myself, but for the other students and schools they're investing in. By them investing in students like me and many others, we're able to become better because of their kindness."

His mother echoed that gratitude.

"This scholarship has really allowed him to develop into a great young man and has given him opportunities, resources, and networks," Gemenese said. "I just pray that they keep giving and continue to support Arete Scholars so more students can attend these prestigious schools. It doesn't go unnoticed."

Through the generosity of Arete Scholars donors, students like Chantze aren't simply receiving tuition assistance. They're discovering their passions, developing their gifts, stepping into leadership, and preparing for futures they once only imagined.

For Chantze, one scholarship has become the opportunity of a lifetime, and his story is only just beginning.