- Benefits Of A College Education
A college education can provide the skills and knowledge needed to develop one's full potential and succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy. Through grants and subsidized student loans, the federal government has played a crucial role in making college more affordable for millions of students.
- Jocelyn Elliott - Young Scholar
Jocelyn Elliott is a senior at Overland High School were she ranks in the top 5% of her class. She is a member of the Biology Club, the National Honor Society, The Link Crew, and was chosen as a peer counselor this year. Jocelyn has volunteered for Read Across America, has tutored children who needed extra help with their academics and has also been instrumental in organizing study sessions for freshman students.
- Aja Barretto - Roberston Scholar
Aja passionately seeks to close the achievement gap for African-Americans. As the president of her high school's National Achievers Society, she worked with other African-American students to overcome racial stereotypes about academic achievement. Through social interaction, mentoring and tutoring, Aja encouraged and promoted academic excellence for minority students. In the classroom, she urged her peers to discuss difficult issues such as racism, poverty and family, realizing that only...
- Anthony Watkins - Robertson Scholar
Anthony knows that leadership is about vision. From raising an amazing $11,000 for his class and school as senior class president to his personal goal of becoming a lawyer and activist for underprivileged youth, Anthony aims high and then works through trial and disappointment to surpass those heights. His simultaneous tenacity and compassion were evident in his three years as a defense attorney for Teen Court, a mock trial program that allows young people to act as defenders, prosecutors, and jurors for teenage offenders....
- David Sneed - Robertson Scholar
On his first day at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, David Sneed looked around at his classmates and realized that he was in a community unlike any he had ever experienced. As one of only three African-Americans in Thomas Jefferson's graduating class of 2005, David resolved to bring diversity to his school and focused his activities throughout high school toward that end. An active leader in the Black Student Union...
- Lena Eastin - Robertson Scholar
Growing up in a predominately African-American neighborhood and attending a predominately white private high school in racially divided Cincinnati, Lena developed an early passion for issues of educational, social, and economic equity. She witnessed the urban decay of a once-thriving river city, the boiling of long-suppressed racial tensions, and the different opportunities available to her friends at home and her friends at school.
- Jessica Carter - Robertson Scholar
Everyone who knows Jace Carter knows she will be an outstanding physician. She has the interest and talent in science, as evidenced by the two summers she spent researching liver fibrosis treatments as a biology department intern at UNC-Charlotte. She has the compassion and dedication to helping others, as evidenced by her volunteer work with Christmas gift giving programs and as a candy striper at a local hospital. She has the energy, as evidenced by her roster of extra-curricular...
- Leisha Elmore - Robertson Scholar
It is often said that our great leaders are trained on the playing fields of our high schools. There they learn the dynamic balance of team and individual, the importance of both cooperation and initiative, the power of motivation and a positive attitude, and the necessity of leadership by example. They learn to collaborate and subjugate personal glory for the good of the team.
- Samson Mesele - Robertson Scholar
As he progressed toward becoming a World Tae Kwon Do Federation certified First Degree Black Belt, Samson learned that martial arts could benefit him not just physically, but in mental and spiritual ways as well. He translated lessons in discipline into skills that would help him succeed outside of the martial arts ambit.
- Kristin Hill - Robertson Scholar
Collaboration is the key to turning a cacophony into a melody. It is this lesson that Kristin learned during her summer experience with NOISE! 2004. During this two week music camp, she and thirty one other high school students were brought together to learn about all aspects of the music industry. Through sessions on networking, teambuilding, marketing, diversity and personal finance, these thirty-two strangers all with their separate musical tastes, talents and aspirations formed a cohesive group and transformed noise into harmony.
- Brandon Jamale Roberts - Young Scholar
Brandon Jamale Roberts, a senior at Coldspring-Oakhurst High School, plans to major in business management and become a sports agent. He wants to represent professional basketball players. "When I reach the age of 31, I plan to be the youngest African-American male general manager of a National Basketball Association franchise," he says.
- Jasmine Haynes - Young Scholar
Jasmine Haynes is a senior at Conroe High School. She is a member of student council, is student body secretary, and was class president for three years. Jasmine’s accomplishments include Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society and being named homecoming queen.
- Aftan Y. Barber - Young Scholar
Aftan Y. Barber, a senior, is a three-year recipient of the William H. Sweet Award for academic excellence in the Memphis City Schools. She was selected to participate in a three-year scholarship summer program in mathematics and science at Phillips Exeter Academy. This summer prep school experience is highly competitive and only a couple of students from Memphis were selected to attend.
- Bronson Worthy - Young Scholar
Bronson Worthy, a junior, successfully balances academics and extra curricular activities. As part of the Student Leadership Council and the school's Peer Mediation group, Bronson uses his influence and leadership skills to galvanize his peers. Bronson maintains a 4.0 GPA. He scored a perfect score on the Algebra One Gateway Assessment and was selected to participate in the Geier Program at The University of Memphis. This summer program is designed to recruit African American high school scholars to the university.
- Natasha Cochran - Young Scholar
Natasha Cochran, a senior at Rangeview High School, takes honors and advanced placement classes. For three consecutive years Natasha has been a member of the National Arts Honors Society and has had her art work displayed in art shows for the past three years. She also excels in public speaking and is a member of the National Forensics League and is Rangeview's Speech Team President.
- Vanessa Emerson - Young Scholar
Vanessa Emerson is a sophomore at Aurora Central High School. Her 4.39 GPA in honors classes places her third in a class of six hundred students. Vanessa is a debate and speech teacher assistant, helping students organize, research, and present their speeches. She has won many Speech and Debate Awards and also enjoys being actively involved in her schools Ambassador Club, Interact Club, Outdoor Club, Robotics, Ceramics Club, Asian Club and French Club.
- Keatra Nesbitt - Young Scholar
Keatra Nesbitt, a senior at Montbello High School, maintains a GPA of 3.97 while ranking sixth in her class. Since ninth grade, Keatra has been in the 21st Century High Technology Academy at her school. She is currently taking college courses at the Community College of Denver as part of the Post Secondary Options Program. Keatra volunteers at the Food Bank of the Rockies and tutors young children in her neighborhood.
- Deann Williams - Young Scholar
Deann Williams is a junior at Eaglecrest High School where she maintains a 4.1 GPA. in advance placement and honors classes and is ranked in the top 10% of her class. She is a member of the National Honor Society, participates on the varsity basketball and track teams and was voted Homecoming Princess and Winter Royalty this year.
- Chisom Agbim - Young Scholar
Chisom Agbim is a senior at Hinkley High School where she has a weighted 4.50 GPA and is ranked number one in the Hinkley Class of 2007. Chisom has taken all of the honors and advanced placement courses offered at Hinkley High School and has never earned less than an "A" in any of her classes. She is a very caring and compassionate young lady who, with two of her classmates, organized and started a service oriented club called Sisters Involved in the Community.
- Michelle Smith - Young Scholar
Michelle Smith is a senior at Gateway High School where she is ranked in the top 4% of her class with a 4.17 GPA, making her the highest ranking African-American student in the senior class. Michelle is active in Student Council, National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, and LINK Leaders. She is also on the Varsity Poms, Junior Varsity Tennis and Varsity Swimming teams. Exceptional success in advance placement classes, honors level courses, athletics....
- Brittany Crockett - Young Scholar
Brittany was also selected to participate in the National Urban League Youth IT Challenge "Making the Business." ctive in volleyball, soccer and basketball, Brittany also has volunteered to help with the Big Brother Big Sister Literacy Program, Special Olympics and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. When asked about her own life challenges Brittany said "What I have done is to adapt and put one foot in front of the other. Everyday I pray for it to be my best foot."
- Erica Walker - Young Scholar
Erica Walker is a junior at Cherry Creek High School where she is an officer the Diversity Task Force Club and a member of the African American Leadership Council. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. Erica is also a member of the Open Arms Club, which encourages working with special needs students in a variety of social activities.
- Charel Wright - Young Scholar
Charel Wright is a junior at Montbello High School. She is a hard working student who stretches and challenges herself by taking Honors classes in English and Spanish. She is also a member of the Montbello Speech Team and is a captain of the Montbello Step Team. She volunteers at the Sable Care Center and is an active member of Now Faith Christian Center where she contributes her talents in dance ministry.
- Samantha Reimers - Young Scholar
Samantha Reimers is a senior at Denver East High School. She is an honor student, a member of the National Honor Society, a student council representative, a standout on the varsity track team and is described as "just an all around extraordinarily inspirational young lady." There has been much adversity that Samantha has had to overcome, but she has done it with grace and respect.
- Cheya Dowden - Young Scholar
Cheya is a gifted musician, playing the clarinet and the piano and is a member of the Pep Band, Percussion Ensemble and the Pit Orchestra Crew, helping with school theatre productions. Cheya is very active in her church, plying piano for the youth choir, writing a monthly newspaper for youth, singing in the church choir and assisting in the church nursery. She is also the Junior Superintendent for Sunday School and also volunteers with a nursing home Outreach Program.
- Kendra Lightner - Young Scholar
To assist with her college education, Kendra works two jobs. She also volunteers with the Association of Retarded Citizens and the local hospice. When Hurricane Katrina struck during a college visit in Houston, Kendra and her mother helped distribute food and clothing to those in need and has continued that assistance in the Denver community. Kendra has also been a source of strength and encouragement during difficult times for her family.
- Bernard Worthy - Robertson Scholar
For two years, Bernard has served as a tutor for Omosaze, a city-sponsored reading program for low-income students. He also participated in the local literacy program Marietta Reads. He is an usher for his church and has served as a camp counselor for a community summer camp. In his senior year at Marietta High School, Bernard served as the Student Council President. In its June 2006 issue...,
- Jaron Wilson - Robertson Scholar
The motto of Jaron Wilson's high school was "Friendship, Scholarship, Sportsmanship." The faculty of his school felt so strongly that Jaron embodied these qualities that they awarded him the Bates Memorial Merit Scholarship, given annually to one rising senior at Greensboro Day School. Through service to his school, fellow students, and community, Jaron proved himself to be an invaluable member of Greensboro Day School.
- Anthony Sawyer - Robertson Scholar
Anthony has been a four-year member of his school's chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and has served as its treasurer. Through the FBLA chapter, Anthony organized a 2003 fundraiser that generated funds for the victims of Hurricane Isabel. He has also participated in fundraising and community service through his involvement with the Student Government Association.
- Joseph Long - Robertson Scholar
When Joseph Long was elected as Vice-President of the Tennessee Association of Student Councils (TASC), no one doubted that he would make an impact in his role. But Joseph may have exceeded even the highest expectations by conducting a fundraising campaign for the Make-a-Wish foundation. Because of Joseph's efforts, TASC was able to fund "wishes" for three worthy children in the state of Tennessee. In recognition of his accomplishments, Joseph received not only a national leadership award, but also the gratitude of three local families.
- Debra Dixon - Robertson Scholar
Returning from the National Student Diversity Leadership Conference, Debra Dixon had a plan. She saw the potential for greater collaboration among student groups and, joining forces with three friends, founded Kaleidoscope, a multi-cultural diversity clubs which brings together representatives from her school's cultural, humanitarian, and social justice organizations.
- DeCarol Davis - Truman Scholar
DeCarol Davis, an Electrical Engineer at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy from Dumfries Virginia, aspires to achieve a nationwide mindset for sustainability by improving the methods of isseminating energy efficiency data in and out of the workplace. She has been selected to research with the Science and Systems Division at Lawrence Livermore Labs this summer. Recently, Davis devised an engineering outreach program for children. The program revolves around a play that she wrote and directed.
- Alicia Jillian Hardy - Young Scholar
Alicia Jillian Hardy is the first African-American woman to achieve a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A graduate of a public high school in Philadelphia, Hardy was an exceptional student. She was accepted at 14 different colleges and universities. But in 1995 she chose MIT and planned to major in MIT’s writing program in the humanities. But she quickly became career oriented and switched her major to mechanical engineering. She also was a member of the women’s crew team.
- Sasha Mae Eccleston - Rhodes Scholar
Sasha-Mae Eccleston was born in Kingston, Jamaica, before moving with her family to the United States. Her early interests were in music and literature, playing three instruments (flute, saxophone, and oboe) and ``reading everything from Dickens to Egyptian mythology.'' A New Jersey SEEDS Scholar, Sasha-Mae attended the The Lawrenceville School where she developed in an interest not only in Latin and the Classical tradition, but also in the issues of education that had motivated her parents to leave Jamaica.
- Garrett Johnson - Rhodes Scholar
Garrett Johnson has focused much of his academic energy on United States-Haitian relations. Garrett has worked for Florida Governor Jeb Bush's office in numerous positions helping to analyze and implement changing government policies towards Haiti. Most recently Garrett has worked as Special Assistant to the Governor and Chief of Staff to help implement the recommendations he helped formulate during his time in the Governor's Haiti Advisory Group.
- Rachel Mazyck - Rhodes Scholar
Rachel has also worked as a tutor and administrative assistant at Amistad Academy (a charter school in New Haven, Connecticut), as a development intern at New Schools Venture Fund (a San Francisco venture capital firm that invests money in ventures that will improve public education), and with the Education Trust (an education policy advocacy group in Washington, D.C.). While at UNC, Rachel was a Bible study leader, taught Sunday School classes (both at UNC and in the Mississippi Delta), and served as a resident advisor and member of the Honor Court.
- Ryan Robinson - Young Scholar
Ryan Robinson of New Llano is a senior honor roll student at Leesville High School where his peers recently voted him "Most Likely To Succeed." He is already earning college credit by completing two college courses and is working on two more. Ryan serves his community by looking for opportunities to lend a helping hand. He donates his time to children with special needs, visits the elderly in nursing homes...
- Alexandra Blood - Young Scholar
Alexandra Blood, Miamisburg, Ohio – Blood, an 18-year-old graduate of Miamisburg High School, plans to major in psychology in the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences. She’s interested in eventually becoming a pediatric specialist. During her senior year in high school, she served as student body treasurer and secretary and was also treasurer of her school’s National Honor Society.
