CHS Alumnus Zye Hooks: From Cleveland to Wall Street

Cleveland High School has a reputation for producing exceptionally talented individuals, and Zye Hooks is no exception. A 2008 graduate of Cleveland High School, Hooks has gone on to establish a remarkable career with one of the world's most prestigious investment banks – Goldman Sachs.

Hooks and his family relocated to Cleveland from Alabama in 1999. He attended Ross Elementary, Cleveland Middle, and Cleveland High Schools. Throughout his high school years, Hooks excelled academically and actively participated in various extracurricular activities, including Model UN, where he honed his leadership skills, and served as Student Body President.

Following his graduation from Cleveland High School, Hooks pursued a degree in History and Latin American Studies at Vanderbilt University. His pursuit of knowledge didn't stop there; he furthered his education by earning a law degree from Northwestern University. Today, Hooks holds the esteemed position of Vice President and Counsel at Goldman Sachs, based in New York City.

In his role, Hooks provides critical legal counsel to the company's management, focusing on matters related to equities and structured products. Hooks expressed, "As a lawyer at a bank, I've had to deal with a lot of the financial news that has come out and the ramifications of that. It's nice to be able to go home and turn on the TV and see a news story related to your work."

Hooks attributes much of his success to the dedicated teachers and mentors he encountered at Cleveland High School. They instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep love of learning, qualities that have been invaluable throughout his academic and professional journey. “My intellectual curiosity really peaked at Cleveland High School. I was surrounded by teachers who encouraged that," Hooks remarked.

Zye Hooks' journey serves as a testament to the significance of hard work, determination, and commitment to education. His achievements stand as a source of inspiration to students within the Cleveland community.