Salute to the Class of 2009 May 23, 2009
Section B
www.crossroadsnews.com
Plenty to Smile About
DeKalb schools to graduate 5,480 students over busy four days
Lithoinia High School graduates share happy smiles before the start of their May 17 Pre-Commencement Ceremony. They are among 289 seniors in their Class of 2009.
Several McNair High School graduates gather for a group photo after their PreCommencement Exercise at Beulah Baptist Church in Decatur.
A Columbia High graduate cheeses for the camera after their May 17 Pre-Commencement Ceremony.
Miller Grove boys wait for the processional into the May 17 Pre-Commencemnt Ceremony.
Southwest DeKalb High’s Class of 2009 is the county’s second largest with 404 seniors. Here, the class attends its May 17 Pre-Commencement at Greater Travelers Rest Church in Decatur.
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Graduation
CrossRoadsNews
May 23, 2009
Pomp and Circumstance Established 1995 2346 Candler Road Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com
The 2009 Graduation Special Section is a publication of CrossRoadsNews Inc., South DeKalb’s award-winning weekly newspaper. Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Graphic Design Curtis Parker Reporters McKenzie Jackson Jennifer Ffrench Parker The content, design and concept for CrossRoadsÂNews is copyrighted and no parts of it should be copied, reproduced or duplicated without the expressed permission of the publisher.
Countywide, more than 5,844 DeKalb County seniors from 31 high schools & centers have been picking up diplomas and certificates of attendance at commencement exercises.
2009 Graduations School Date Avondale High May 22 Cedar Grove High May 23 Chamblee High May 22 Clarkston High May 22 Columbia High May 23 Cross Keys High May 22 DeKalb School/Arts May 23 DHST/North May 23 Druid Hills High May 22 Dunwoody High May 22 Elizabeth Andrews High May 21 Lakeside High May 21 Lithonia High May 23 McNair High May 21 Miller Grove High May 23 MLK Jr. High May 23 Redan High May 23 Southwest DeKalb May 24 Stephenson High May 22 Stone Mountain High May 21 Towers High May 22 Tucker High May 23
Time 7 p.m. 10 a.m. 7 p.m. 8 p.m. 9 a.m. 8 p.m. 10 a.m. 2 p.m. 5 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 10 a.m. 2 p.m. 10 a.m. 10 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m. 1 p.m.
Location Ray of Hope Panthersville Stadium North DeKalb Stadium James R. Hallford Stadium Georgia State University Adams Stadium Salvation Army Chapel Redan High School GA State University Sports Arena First Baptist Church of Atlanta New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist New Birth Missionary Baptist Church New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Ray of Hope Christian Church New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Georgia Dome Georgia Dome Georgia Dome New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Georgia Dome New Birth Missionary Baptist Church New Birth Missionary Baptist Church
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CrossRoadsNews
May 23, 2009
Graduation
“Many of us have obstacles in our life but that should not stop us from being successful. ”
Five high schools in South DeKalb have the largest classes of seniors graduating this year. The top four senior classes in size are (from left) Miller Grove, Southwest DeKalb, Martin Luther King Jr., and Stephenson high schools.
South DeKalb’s Class of 2009
Thousands of graduates picking up diplomas to cap high school career The annual graduation season is in full swing. All week long the Class of 2009 has been celebrating its achievements at luncheons, parties, senior assemblies and pre-commencement exercises. Now it is time to take that walk up to the podium to pick up the high school diploma that crowns the last 12 years of school life. This season, DeKalb School Board members expect to release diplomas and certificates to about 5,854 seniors, one of the county’s largest senior classes. As usual, south DeKalb schools, with more than 3,500 or 60 percent of the seniors, account for the bulk of the graduates. But before they can get that well-earned piece of paper, graduates will listen to the class top students expound on their time together, what they will miss, and the road ahead. Over the last week, valedictorians and salutatorians have written drafts after drafts of speeches, in search of the right words and tone to inspire their classmates to seize the
The 2009 Class has, 3,520 seniors from 14 South DeKalb high schools. School
moment and reach for the stars. Clarkston valedictorian Zenobia Ingram said the future is on her mind. “I really want to talk to my class about what we are going to do in the future,” she said. Lac Dang, the school’s salutatorian, says that more than anything she wants her classmates to hear her when she takes the stage at the Hallford Stadium to speak of success. “Many of us have obstacles in our life but that should not stop us from being successful,” she said. “There is nothing that can really stop you from achieving success.” Columbia High School resident valedictorian Kelsey Johnson said that she will encourage her classmates during her speech. “ I want to encourage them to go to college to fulfill their dreams, keep their heads up and to keep going for it,” she said. Zenobia said she will discuss the journey they have been on. “I want to tell them about how proud I am that we all have made it here,” she said.
No. in Sr. Class
ML King
453
Southwest DeKalb
404
Stephenson
387
Miller Grove
368
Redan
316
Cedar Grove
302
Lithonia
289
Stone Mountain
270
Columbia
244
McNair
209
Towers
178
Clarkston
142
Avondale
138
Destinity Academy 16
Chick-fil-A at Turner Hill Road and Chick-fil-A at South DeKalb Mall Chick-fil-A at Turner Hill Road and South DeKalb Mall
Congratulate our 2008-2009 College Graduates!
Chick-fil-A at Turner Hill Road and South DeKalb Mall Congratulate Recipients of $1,000 Leadership Scholarships Presented on behalf of S. Truett Cathy, this scholarship goes to employees completing 1800 hours of work and exhibiting leadership qualities. Natanya Gordon
Chiquita Harris * C/O 2008
Associate of Science Degree in Business Georgia Perimeter College
Chantel Kelly * C/O 2008
Jesse N. Oglesby
Senior at University of Maryland
Senior at Marshall University
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology Georgia State University
Congratulate our 2009 High School Graduates! Shaunte Cook
Dameya Allen
attends Georgia Perimeter College
will attend Gordon College
Dameya Allen
Stephenson High School Gordon College
Kyle Berry
Rockdale High School Georgia State University
Deshon Gunby
Green Pastures Christian Academy Kennesaw State University
Kathleen Hall
attends Strayer University
Melvin Shawn Kelly
will attend Georgia Perimeter College
Taniece Hicks
Rockdale High School Tuskegee University
Hannah Lemons
Tommy L. Reese III
attends Georgia Perimeter College
will attend Macon State University
Franchez Smith Roberts attends DeVry University
Anthony J. Royal II
will attend DeKalb Technical College
Congratulate Recipients of $500 Partners in Service Scholarships Tiara Johnson
Chamblee High School Kennesaw State University
Tracee Keels
Miller Grove High School Valdosta State University
Ericka Nelson
Rockdale High School Georgia Southern University
Tommy L. Reese III
Lithonia High School Macon State University
Terrel Champion
Stephenson High School Morehouse College
Raketa Dobbins
Lithonia High School Stillman College
Miya Harvey
Redan High School Valdosta State University
Jenise M. King
New Birth Academy Howard University
Stephen T. Moseley Luther Rice University Master of Divinity
The $500 Partners in Service Scholarships go to schools and colleges that have partnered with us for 2008-2009.
Christopher Ross
M. L. King High School FAMU
Anthony J. Royal II
The Morning Star Academy DeKalb Technical College
Casharee Smith
Rockdale High School Albany State University
Chris Starling
Heritage High School Georgia Southern University
Joseph M. Nzioki
Beulah Heights University Bachelor of Arts Urban Studies
Calissa R. Ramseur
*Berean Christian Academy Savannah State University
Dameshia Thomas
M. L. King High School University of Kentucky
Sherita Walker
Towers High School Stillman College
Tony Royal
Owner/Operator Congratulates You!
B4
Graduation
CrossRoadsNews
May 23, 2009
“It was kind of sad to see our competition leave us, but it’s cool that all of us are now valedictorians.”
Chorus planted seeds of success for four of 2009’s best students By McKenzie Jackson
In 1998, Dennisa Thomas, LeAna Moore, Malia Hibbler and Jonathan Jones entered the third grade at Narvie J. Harris Elementary School in Decatur. They were among the first students at the new school, which opened that August. Fast forward to 2009, and the four students are graduating this weekend at the top of their DeKalb high school classes. Dennisa, 18, is the valedictorian at Cedar Grove High School. LeAna 18, is the resident salutatorian at Southwest DeKalb High School, and Malia, 17, is co-valedictorian at Martin Luther King Jr. High School. Jonathan, 18, is the magnet valedictorian at Southwest DeKalb High School. Even Marvin Strong, who taught them in the chorus at Narvie J. Harris, thinks that’s pretty remarkable – but not surprising. “I’m not shocked that they achieved the goal,” he said Wednesday. “ I’m just shocked that it came to pass all at once.” The four graduates, who attended Narvie J. Harris through fifth grade, remained friends even as their paths diverged after elementary school. This week, they all credited their participation in the Narvie J. Harris chorus, taught by Strong, with setting them on the path to success. “To be in the chorus you had to have good grades and you had to have good conduct,” said Malia, who is going to the
Academic standouts Dennisa Thomas (from left), LeAna Moore, Malia HIbbler and Jonathan Jones were all in the third grade at Narvie J. Harris Elementary when the school opened in 1998.
University of Georgia. “It was like a privilege to be in chorus.” They were among the chorus’ inaugural class. Strong, who has directed the chorus since the school opened, remembers them as great students. “They had the ability to listen, to absorb everything,” he said. “They would watch me, listen and follow through. They followed
through on everything I taught them. Some children just grasp at an early age the importance of discipline because they can see their future.” The graduates are finishing high school with at grade point averages of 4.0 and above. Jonathan, who is also headed to UGA in the fall, said the four were keen competi-
tors in elementary school, after which they separated. “It was kind of sad to see our competition leave us, but it’s cool that all of us are now valedictorians,” he said. Malia remembers it being a real privilege to be in chorus. She said they had to keep their grades up to keep their place and get to perform at metro Atlanta schools and colleges, as well as several times at Disney World in Orlando, Fla. On out-of-town chorus trips, Jonathan remembers them studying in the hotels. “A lot of times we had to come back and go right back to class,” he said. Throughout their middle and high school years, the four stayed in touch. All three girls are cheerleaders; Dennisa and LeAna are best friends and even share the same Jan. 28 birthday. Malia and Jonathan went to the Southwest DeKalb prom together. Malia said it’s a great honor to be valedictorian. “I will never forget that,” she said. LeAna is considering Clemson University and West Georgia University. Dennisa , who is going to North Carolina A&T University, said she expects all of them to be successful in college and stay in touch. “All of us work hard and have good work ethic,” she said. “I guess we learned that at Narvie. We basically learned to put school first. It makes everything so much easier.”
Graduating class at BaSix Academy includes 77-year-old student BaSix Knowledge Academy is graduating its largest crop of graduates this year. The non-traditional school will issue diplomas to 44 students at its May 23 graduation at Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church, up from 14 in 2008. The 2009 graduates bring to 64 the number of students who have graduated from the 11-year-old school. The graduating class, which is the school’s fourth, range in age from early teens to 77 years old. Some are working adults who have returned to school to improve their chance
Congratulations Stephanie Swindle
of getting better jobs. DeKalb Commissioner Lee May will deliver the commencement address. David Price, the school’s headmaster, said this year’s graduating class includes a wide age range of graduates who are receiving diplomas versus a GED. At 77, Ernest Tuggle, who dropped out of school in 1949, is the class’s oldest graduate. He is anxious to don his burgundy cap and gown and take that walk for the high school diploma. “It’s 50 years late,” he said Thursday. “I
Everybody finds happiness in his own way. Happily…I can think of you.
am anxious to go ahead with it.” Tuggle, who is an HVAC mechanic with the DeKalb School System, says his diploma opens a whole new world of opportunities to him. “There are some things I might want to do now that I have it,” he said. Tuggle doesn’t know if getting his high school diploma will earn him a raise, but he is definitely taking a copy of his diploma to his job. “I want them to put it in my file,” he David Price said.
Ernest Lee Brown, Jr.
Ernest Tuggle
Congratulations! Christian & McKenzie Fahie
SHELTERING ARMS PRE-K CLASS OF 2009
Class of 2009
Southwest DeKalb High School
Chamblee High School Class of 2009
Stephanie, you. I am so very proud of y. pp ha so You make me Love, Daddy
Marcus Kernizan, MLK Class of 2009
“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” Congratulations on completing this journey and beginning a new one!
Love Mom, Dad, Eman, Nettie, and Elijah
Kirsten Bailey
Stephenson High School
Son, You've attained your goals – Top Ten Percent, AP Scholar, Senior Class President – while working 2 jobs, interning at 21st Century Leaders, playing saxophone in the Marching and Concert Bands and representing MLK Jr. H. S. well on the Superintendent's Student Advisory Board and as SCLC liaison. You have served as leader in many different roles at the school and your drive will carry you as you continue your studies at the University of Pittsburgh to pursue a degree in Business to reach your goal to become CEO of a major corporation. You have made me so proud. May God continue to Bless You and Keep you. Love, Mom
You are moving on to Kindergarten. We are so proud of you!!
Love, Mom, Dad, Grandma Shaw, Grandma Fahie, Grandpa Fahie, Auntie Meka, Auntie Melva, Auntie Debbie and a host of family & friends.
Jami Ffrench-Parker Southwest DeKalb High School Class of 2009
Jami, We are so proud of the young woman you have become. Your intelligence, compassion and commitment will carry you far in life.
Well Done, Big Sister. Love to You in Memory of Our Mom, Erika. Love, Kaitlin
We love you, Mom, Dad, Shari and Kelli
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CrossRoadsNews
May 23, 2009
Graduation
On the science test, 15 percent of the students scored at the “honors” level, an increase of three points from 2008.
DeKalb students show gains on state’s high school graduation test DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION TESTS (GHSGT) Percent Passing-First Time ALL Students Tested (11th Grade)
DeKalb Georgia Avondale Cedar Grove Chamblee Clarkston Columbia Cross Keys DK Alt Day DK Alt Night DK Early College DK Schl of Arts DK Transition DK HS Tech North DK-RD PsychEd Destiny Charter Druid Hills Dunwoody Gateway Charter Lakeside Lithonia M. L. King Jr. McNair Miller Grove Open Campus Redan Southwest DeKalb Stephenson Stone Mountain Towers Tucker
ENG. LANG. ARTS 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 93 95 95 87 87 95 96 96 89 90 85 90 88 83 81 92 93 94 83 83 96 97 96 96 95 88 81 88 77 82 92 94 94 83 86 85 82 89 81 81 84 58 77 65 94 ** 64 86 ** 58 100 100 100 100 98 100 ** ** ** ** ** 67 88 ** ** ** 5 ** 40 54 93 94 97 93 93 94 94 95 93 90 92 100 ** 93 99 95 97 95 92 91 92 96 85 84 94 95 95 86 87 90 86 92 74 72 94 98 88 90 79 75 84 64 63 95 97 94 93 91 96 97 96 92 88 97 98 98 91 90 94 95 96 89 90 84 91 93 73 78 95 91 96 89 89
MATHEMATICS +/- 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 0 86 86 87 88 90 1 92 92 92 93 94 -2 78 80 81 88 87 0 81 85 85 82 87 -1 94 95 93 97 95 5 84 76 79 83 92 3 81 87 82 84 89 0 76 81 86 92 94 29 71 74 55 76 81 NA ** 80 83 ** 77 NA 98 2 96 100 100 100 100 NA ** ** ** ** ** 21 92 73 NA ** ** ** 0 ** 14 ** 73 67 0 89 92 93 95 96 -3 92 93 93 95 96 NA 71 77 ** 92 -3 97 95 94 97 95 -1 82 83 86 84 84 1 87 88 86 86 88 -2 69 71 72 72 78 2 80 86 90 91 -1 68 59 58 70 74 -2 90 93 88 93 92 -4 89 87 91 92 90 -1 88 93 91 90 93 1 89 91 92 91 92 5 79 76 74 74 83 0 95 90 90 93 90
SCIENCE SOCIAL STUDIES +/- 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 +/- 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2 57 62 1 77 79 66 82 83 83 82 84 1 68 72 2 83 85 74 86 88 87 86 87 -1 49 62 -8 65 68 60 82 74 75 84 82 5 41 56 1 65 73 66 71 72 81 68 80 -2 80 88 2 91 93 85 93 95 93 95 95 9 47 50 8 71 62 44 69 77 73 67 80 5 39 61 2 65 78 61 80 82 81 82 79 2 42 52 5 62 67 53 84 89 75 77 86 5 27 21 21 58 34 33 54 75 55 55 69 NA ** 36 80 43 ** 75 NA ** 57 ** 77 NA 94 NA 100 0 77 90 -1 100 100 100 97 98 97 98 98 NA ** ** ** ** ** ** NA ** ** ** ** -19 67 54 -13 54 62 NA ** ** ** ** 0 ** NA ** ** 0 0 -6 ** 20 42 22 ** 30 50 1 77 71 -3 82 84 87 91 88 93 93 93 1 74 78 1 84 88 78 88 89 90 90 89 NA 40 50 33 ** 54 NA 50 ** 75 -2 88 86 -3 94 91 87 95 92 93 92 90 0 43 52 0 69 77 60 77 77 82 79 76 2 58 60 1 79 81 62 76 77 84 76 80 6 24 31 1 79 81 47 71 72 84 76 80 1 52 -1 72 61 88 87 82 88 88 4 17 22 -1 44 41 21 56 55 46 55 55 -1 65 68 -2 82 89 68 88 86 87 90 91 -2 61 64 -1 81 84 71 87 86 86 86 85 3 64 70 0 82 87 66 81 81 87 82 87 1 56 69 3 84 90 79 86 89 90 86 93 9 44 40 8 66 63 47 62 70 69 62 69 -3 64 63 2 84 81 66 83 85 84 84 88
Blue Highlight = Content test fully aligned to the Georgia Performance Standards
By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
DeKalb seniors are making strides on the Georgia High School Graduation Tests. The school by school results, released May 13, show encouraging gains in math, science and social studies, but district-wide, the DeKalb School System continues to lag behind the state. More than 6,000 DeKalb 11thgraders took the test for the first time March 16-April 3. Statewide, 95,512 11th-graders took the tests. Eighty-seven percent of DeKalb students passed the English language arts test compared to 90 percent who passed statewide. On the Math test, 90 percent of DeKalb students passed, up two percentage points from 2008. Statewide, 94 percent of students passed the Math test. In DeKalb, 83 percent of students passed science, but 88 percent of student passed statewide. In social studies, 84 of DeKalb students passed, compared to 87 statewide. The standout DeKalb schools
“These exams are more rigorous and require students to demonstrate a deeper knowledge of the subject, but student achievement continues to rise in these areas. The credit belongs to the teachers, students and school leaders who are working very hard to fully implement the new Georgia Performance Standards.” Kathy Cox, State School Superintendent
on the English language arts test were DeKalb Alternative Day which had 94 percent of its students passing, a 29 percent jump from 2008, and Destiny Charter School, which had 54 percent of its students passing, up from 40 percent in 2008. Most of the schools had gains on the science test but again DeKalb Alternative Day and Destiny Academy Charter, posted the biggest gains. DeKalb Alternative Day had 75 percent of its students passing science, up 21 percent from 2008. Forty-two percent of Destiny Charter students passed, 22 percent more than in 2008. Seventy percent of Towers High
You Made It! Congratulations, Dr. Deborah Jackson! On getting your Doctor of Philosophy in Community Economic Development and Public Policy from Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH. We are So Proud of You. Curtis, Jennifer, Shari, Jami & Kelli
School students passed science, up eight percent from 2008. Ditto for DeKalb Alternative Day and Destiny Charter on the Social Studies test as well. They were joined in the big gains by Clarkston High school which had 80 percent of its students passing social studies, up 13 percent from 2008. The Georgia High School Graduation Tests assess a sample of the knowledge and skills that educators agree comprise a complete high school education. Students take the state-mandated tests for the first time in the spring semester of the 11th grade.
+/2 1 -2 12 0 13 -3 9 14 NA NA 0 NA 8 0 20 0 -1 NA -2 -3 4 4 0 0 1 -1 5 7 7 4
** Too few students to report
Schools use the results to identify students who need additional instruction to get a high school diploma. Students who do not succeed on their first attempt have four more opportunities to meet the standards prior to completing 12th grade. On the science portion of the test, 83 percent of DeKalb students passed, up one percentage point from 2008. Statewide, 88 percent of students passed the test, up from 86 percent last year. Overall, 11 of DeKalb’s 28 high schools made improvements in the percentage of students passing English language arts, 16 increased their mathematics scores, 15 schools made improvements in science, and 13 in social studies. Gloria Talley, DeKalb’s deputy superintendent of curriculum and instruction, did not return telephone calls. State School Superintendent Kathy Cox said the results of the 2009 GHSGT show that Georgia’s students continue to make steady progress in all areas of the curriculum.
Joel M. Brown Mount Zion High School Class of 2009 Graduate We are so proud of you. We wish you much success in college and in all of your future endeavors. Keep God first in your life and as always he will continue to direct your path. With all of our love, Your Mom (Melva), Auntie Meka, The Fahie & Johnson Family, The England & Knox Family, And a host of family & friends
“This is especially noteworthy in the areas of science and English language arts, which are fully aligned to our new curriculum, the Georgia Performance Standards,” she said. Cox pointed out that the percentage of students performing at the very highest level on the English language arts and science exams rose significantly from 2008 statewide. On the science test, 15 percent of the students scored at the “honors” level, an increase of three points from 2008. On the English language arts GHSGT, 14 percent of the students scored at the honors level, an increase of four points from 2008. “These exams are more rigorous and require students to demonstrate a deeper knowledge of the subject, but student achievement continues to rise in these areas,” Cox said. “The credit belongs to the teachers, students and school leaders who are working very hard to fully implement the new Georgia Performance Standards.”
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Graduation
CrossRoadsNews
May 23, 2009
“I believe that biomedical engineering is the future and incorporating technology into the world of medicine will be a great way to make our mark on the world.”
The 2009 Va South DeKalb’s 13 high schools have 16 class valedictorians because two schools – Southwest DeKalb and Columbia High – have magnet programs and select valedictorians for both their magnet and resident populations. Martin Luther King Jr. High School also has two co-valedictorians this year.
Avondale
Cedar Grove
Clarkston
Columbia (Magnet)
Whitney Neriah Turner
Dennisa Janee Thomas
Zenobia Grace Ingram
Alicia Nicole Wilson
Two years ago, Whitney Turner knew that she would be the Avondale High School’s 2009 valedictorian. Her 4.067 GPA gave her that much confidence. “Its an extreme honor to be valedictorian,” said the 18-year-old. This fall she will be majoring in biology at the University of Georgia. “I love medicine,” said Whitney who wants to be an obstetrician. Her academic success helped her net more than $18,000 in scholarships from UGA, ($13,000), the Ronald E. Simon Scholarship Foundation, ($4,000), the Willie E. Day Davis Scholarship, ($1,000) and Delta Sigma Theta. – McKenzie Jackson
Dennisa Thomas, 18, had her pick of the litter when it came to choosing a college. Her 4.18 GPA helped her net offers from 10 colleges and a total of $901,300 in scholarships. The Cedar Grove valedictorian wants to be an engineer and picked North Carolina AT&T University in Durham, N.C. for her school this fall. Dennisa, who is no nerd, is the 2009 Miss Cedar Grove and a cheerleader. She is also a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, Ladies of Cedar Grove, student council and student advisory board. – McKenzie Jackson
Zenobia Ingram still has a big decision on her hands. The 18 year-old has to make a decision between going to Emory University in Atlanta or Agnes Scott College in Decatur. “I want to go into the medical field and be a pediatrician and both are close to home,” said Zenobia, the 2009 Clarkston High School valedictorian, who has a 3.87 GPA. Zenobia was senior class president, an honor graduate, a regular on the Principal’s and High Achiever’s lists, and member of Future Business Leaders of America and Future Community Leaders of America. – McKenzie Jackson
Next year, Alicia Wilson will be 325 miles away from home; and she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I need to get outside of Georgia,” said Alicia, the 2009 Columbia High School Magnet program valedictorian. “My parents said that will help me mature and grow on my own. I need to be exposed to different atmospheres and more diverse atmospheres. Alicia, who has a 3.99 GPA, will major in business and minor in public relations at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C. As a 2009 Gates Millennium Scholar, she is getting a full ride to college. – McKenzie Jackson
Miller Grove
Redan
Ronald McNair Sr.
SW DeKalb (Magnet)
Angela Louise Clark
Amelia Diane Henderson
Terica Sh’ron Banks
Jonathan Monterio Jones
Angela Clark must have one proud poppa. Not only is she the 2009 Miller Grove High School valedictorian, she is going to the University of Georgia, her father’s alma mater. Both things have made her dad, William, a 1983 UGA graduate, very happy. “He has been telling all his old college friends that his daughter is going to UGA,” she said. ‘I’m a second generation so he is very excited.” Angela, who has a 4.052 GPA, plans to major in journalism at UGA. To help her prepare for that career, she worked on Atlanta’s teen newspaper VOX. – McKenzie Jackson
Amelia Henderson worked hard to be at the top of her class and a 4.161 GPA helped her become the 2009 Redan High School valedictorian. “I know all of my hard work has paid off,” she said. Amelia plans to take a six-year dual degree-engineering program at Spelman College and Georgia Tech University. She will start off at Spelman College on a computer science degree in the fall and follow it with a computer engineering degree at Georgia Tech. Her father Al Henderson is happy. “She sacrificed and stayed up late studying,” he said. “It’s good to have a daughter who wants to be smart.” – McKenzie Jackson
Terica Banks credits hard work and focus with yielding her the 3.98 GPA that got her the 2009 valedictorian position at Ronald McNair Sr. High School. Now she is headed to Spelman College to major in accounting. “I have a passion for math and I know the salary I can make as an accountant,” she said. Terica said she set out to be at the top of her class from elementary school. “I had good grades and I stayed focused,” she said. “It’s important to remain focused and concentrate on your goal.” – Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Jonathan Jones has had one foot in high school and another in college since August. Jones, Southwest DeKalb’s magnet valedictorian, already has 31 college credits from Clayton State University as well as seven AP classes. Jones, 18, finished high school with a 4.188 GPA and will be at the University of Georgia this fall majoring in biomedical engineering. “It’s the best of both worlds,” he said. “I believe that biomedical engineering is the future and incorporating technology into the world of medicine will be a great way to make our mark on the world.” – McKenzie Jackson
B7
CrossRoadsNews
May 23, 2009
Graduation
“I’ve pretty much known since 11th grade that it would be between me and my best friend. So we pushed each other.”
aledictorians Valedictorians are graduating seniors with the highest cumulative grade point average in their school. When there is a tie, students become co-valedictorians, as happened this year at Martin Luther King Jr. High School.
Columbia (Resident)
Lithonia
Martin Luther King Jr.
Kelsey Nicole Johnson
Celeste Raycole Banks
Malia Dishon Hibbler
Marriah Nicole Paige
Becoming Columbia High School’s resident valedictorian was not a big surprise for Kelsey Johnson. “In my 10th grade year one of my teachers told me that at the rate I’m going I could be valedictorian,” she said. Two years and a string of straight A’s later, Kelsey’s 4.125 GPA netted her the position. “I kept up the work, kept up all my AP classes, and kept getting 4.0s every semester,” she said. This fall, Kelsey, 17, will be majoring in business at the University of Georgia. “Later on I might want to go into audio engineering or something in the sciences,” she said. – McKenzie Jackson
Celeste Banks just shrugged her shoulders when she was told she would be Lithonia High School’s 2009 valedictorian. “I’ve pretty much known since 11th grade that it would be between me and my best friend,” she said. “So we pushed each other.” Banks, 18, and her 4.125 GPA is headed to Agnes Scott College in Decatur this fall. She wants to be a doctor. “I fell in love with the campus,” she said. “They have a good pre-med field. I got accepted into Emory, but I felt I would be more at home at Agnes Scott.” – McKenzie Jackson
Malia Hibbler is giving cheerleaders everywhere something to brag about. The Martin Luther King Jr. High School co-valedictorian and three-year cheerleader, finished high school with a 4.086 GPA. “Cheerleaders are smart too,” she said. “I’ve always tried to keep my grades up since I was little. My mom used to tell me that Bs stood for ‘bad.’ This fall, she will be at the University of Georgia majoring in business. “I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do,” she said. “But there is so much you can do with a business degree.” – McKenzie Jackson
Marriah Paige surprised herself by becoming co-valedictorian of the 2009 Martin Luther King Jr. High School class. So much so that when her parents were summoned to school to discuss something important, she became very worried. “I knew I didn’t do anything, so I was like, ‘What are they going to do,’” she said. But the news was all good. Marriah and her 4.086 GPA is headed to the University of Georgia this fall. She will major in public relations and plans to become a lawyer. Leaving high school is bittersweet. “I’m ready to get out of high school,” she said. – McKenzie Jackson
SW DeKalb (Resident)
Stephenson
Stone Mountain
Towers
Michelle Marie Autrey
Adelola Adeyemo
Tuyet Yen Lam
Sydney Michelle Swain
Michelle Autrey didn’t learn to speak English until she was 10 years old but that didn’t stop her from getting a 4.03 GPA. She only got to Southwest DeKalb in the 10th grade, but that didn’t stop her from becoming the school’s resident valedictorian. Michelle, who was born in Panama, credits dedication and hard work for her academic success. She admits to driving herself real hard. “If I get a low A, I complain,” she said. Michelle will study biochemistry at Agnes Scott College this fall. “I want to be a doctor,” she said. – Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Adelola Adeyemo, 17, admits that she really didn’t think much about being Stephenson High School’s 2009 valedictorian until late in her high school career. Now that she has made it, she is satisfied. “It feels like I’ve accomplished something,” said Adelola, who was a member of the girls’ soccer team and a number of academic clubs. This fall, Adelola and her 4.123 GPA will be headed to the University of Miami on a full academic scholarship. She plans to major in exercise physiology, while enjoying the nice weather. “Miami is a beautiful location,” she said. – McKenzie Jackson
Tuyet Lam was six months shy of her 12th birthday when she arrived in Stone Mountain from South Vietnam, knowing very little English. “It was very difficult,” she said of her efforts to learn a foreign language. Six and a half years later, Tuyet is at the top of the class with a 3.96 GPA and is Stone Mountain High School’s 2009 valedictorian. “I feel happy and so proud of myself,” Tuyet said. This fall, she is headed to Agnes Scott College on a half scholarship with plans to become a pharmacist. “I am the first one in my family to go to college,” she said. – Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Sydney Swain already spends as much time on the University of Georgia campus as some current UGA students, so it make sense that she will attend the college. Since her junior year, Sydney has gone to the Athens-based school at least one weekend every other month to visit friends and former Towers’ students. Thanks to her 4.1 GPA, Swain will be a Bulldog next year. She said she visited UGA in the 10th grade on a college tour. “It just felt right to be on the campus walking and to talk to the faculty,” she said. – McKenzie Jackson
B8
Graduation
CrossRoadsNews
May 23, 2009
“I am extremely pleased that a number of my adult team members have elected to go back to school and are receiving the scholarship.”
Chick-fil-A operator hands out $14,500 in scholarships to team members Chick-fil-A operator Tony Royal doled out $14,500 in scholarships last week on behalf of his two South DeKalb stores and Chick-filA founder S. Truett Cathy. Cathy gave $10,000 Leadership S ch o l a rs h i p s , and Royal gave $4,500 in Partners in Service Scholarships. Te n h i g h school and college students who work for Royal’s stores, S. Truett Cathy each got $1,000 Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholarships from Cathy at the May 16 Graduate Awards and Scholarship Breakfast. Across his company, Cathy awards Leadership Scholarships annually to team members pursuing continuing education and who exhibit superior leadership, work ethic, customer service and civic qualities. The recipients from Royal’s stores are Natanya Gordon, a senior at the University of Maryland; Jesse N. Oglesby, a senior at Marshall University; Dameya Allen, Shaunte Cook, Kathleen Hall, Melvin Shawn Kelly, Hannah Lemons, Tommy L.
Best Wishes, Keya Hughey
We Are Proud of You Kevin & LaMarion Hughey Dale Pullins And Family
Chick-fil-A operator Tony Royal (center) and his wife, Leslie (left), pose with recipients of the 2009 Chick-fil-A scholarships.
Reese III, Franchez Smith Roberts and Anthony J. Royal II. Hannah Lemons is the first high school junior to get a Leadership Scholarship. Royal said he joins with the parents of his teen employees in encouraging academic excellence and stressing the importance of seeking higher education. He also said that it’s never too late to go back to college. “I am extremely pleased that a number of my adult team members have elected to go back to school and are receiving the scholarship,” he said.
Nine $500 Partners in Service Scholarships went to “the kindest and most considerate graduating seniors” at the high school and colleges that partner with Royal’s Chick-fil-A restaurants. Royal said scholarship recipients exemplify his personal philosophy of service. “It is important to serve others well through being very kind, considerate and helpful to everyone he or she meets in school including students, teachers and other members of the staff,” he said. Partner scholarships went to Terrel Champion of Stephenson
High School, who is headed to Morehouse College; Raketa Dobbins of Lithonia High, who is going to Stillman College; Miya Harvey of Redan High School, who will attend Valdosta State University; Jenise M. King of New Birth Academy, who is headed to Howard University; Calissa R. Ramseur of Berean Christian Academy who is headed to Savannah State University; Dameshia Thomas of M. L. King Jr. High, who is going to the University of Kentucky; and Sherita Walker of Towers High, who will attend Stillman College. The other recipients are Ste-
phen T. Moseley of Luther Rice University and Joseph M. Nzioki of Beulah Heights University. Partner recipients had to write 250- to 500-word essay on the importance of serving other students, teachers and staff by being kind, considerate and helpful. Royal said the scholarships are a way for his restaurants to reinvest in the community that supports them. “Each student not only receives the scholarship, but gets a free Chick-fil-A sandwich coupon for each week of the next school year,” he said.
Three students land Thorton Memorial scholarships Three Lithonia High School students got $4,900 in scholarships from the James L. Thornton Memorial Scholarship Fund on May 12. Sasha Daniels got $2,200, Paige Holmes $1,600 and Kaiesa Peets, $1,100. All three students plan to enroll in college in the fall but have not yet made their final choices. Sasha is contemplating Georgia State University or the University of Georgia; Paige, Georgia State University or University of Missouri -Kansas City, and Kaiesa, Albany State University or Georgia Southwestern
Dazzéa B. Rockmore, Class of 2009 Martin Luther King High School
University. The scholarship, established by Lovell and Ora Thornton, honors the memory of their son, a 2002 Lithonia High rising senior who was killed in August 2002 in an automobile accident. It is awarded annually to Lithonia High School seniors. Applicants must have a 3.0 or higher GPA, write an essay on safety, be in good academic standing, have no moving violations on their driver’s license, and must attend an accredited institution of higher education.
ry,
fe Jef
Congratulations! My Darling Daughter,
Christiana Torere
Stephenson High School Class of 2009
We are so proud of you for all your accomplishments Spread your wings and fly my Dazz, fly….. Love always Your Mother & brother Donald Jr. Big Dad & Big Ma (Robert & Gloria Cook), Jeff & Robin, Wanda, Stacey and your cousins
The 2009 James L. Thornton scholars are from left Kaiesa Peets, Paige Holmes and Sasha Daniels.
Thank you for making us proud. Our prayers and love go with you to Albany State University where you will surely excel. Love, Dad, Mom, Felicia, & Family & Friends
Love, Mom
&Mudea’s Soul Food
Congratulations Reginald! Dazze’a B. Rockmore Class of 2009 Martin Luther King High School
May you always be as humble, confident and successful as you are right now.
We are so proud of you for all your accomplishments Spread your wings and fly my Dazz, fly…..
Love always your Mother & brother Donald Jr. Big Dad & Big Ma (Robert & Gloria Cook), Jeff & Robin,
We are so proud of you! Love Mom and “Lil Brother” Brandon Sharpe
Congratulations, Kelli, Congratulations Reginald! on your promotion from Kittredge May you always be as happy, confident and Magnet School. successful as you are rightWe wish you good luck now. We are so proud ofand continued success you! Love Mom and “Lil in middle school Brother Brandon Sharpe” and beyond! Congratulations Reginald! Love, May you always be as happy, Mommy, Daddy, confident and successful Shari & Jami as you are right now.
B9
CrossRoadsNews
May 23, 2009
Graduation
“I have already touched thousands of readers with stories on social issues ranging from education to pop culture. I strive to empower others with knowledge.”
Gates Scholars can focus on studies without worrying about college costs By McKenzie Jackson
Dashika Ellis, 18, had a good reason to cry last month. $72,238 reasons, that is. Dashika, who will graduate this weekend with a 4.02 grade point average from Lithonia High School, is one of seven DeKalb County Gates Millennium Scholars in the 2009 graduating class. Dashika, who is heading to Emory University’s Oxford College in the fall, said the scholarship will make college possible for her. “I cried and thanked God,” said Dashika, who will be the first person in her family to go to college. “If I hadn’t gotten the scholarship I probably wouldn’t have been able to pay for college.” The Gates Millennium Scholars Program, founded in 1999 by Mi-
Anna Cofie
Dashika Ellis
crosoft Corp. founder Bill Gates, awards 1,000 scholarships annually to students from low-income families who might not otherwise make it to college. The scholarship pays all their costs to attend college. The other 2009 DeKalb County Gates Scholars are Alicia Wilson, Columbia High School; Anna Cofie, Clarkston High School; Aaron Abram, Miller Grove High School; Sythea Lester, Greenforest
Christian Academy; Gilbert Baxley, Tucker High School; and JanMichael Archer, Stone Mountain High School. In the fall, they will join 5,000 Gates scholars who attend more than 900 colleges and universities nationwide. Dashika began her scholarship search during her freshman year after hearing about two Cedar Grove students who got Gates scholarships. Her inquiries led to her counselor nominating her for the scholarship. She plans to major in chemistry. Anna Cofie, 17, is the third Clarkston High School student to get a Gates scholarship. She is headed to New York’s Syracuse University in the fall with a 3.82 GPA. “I’m happy because my mom
doesn’t have to worry about paying my bills and I don’t have to worry about paying things,” she said this week. “I am very grateful.” During an awards ceremony at Clarkston High School on May 16, Ayan Hussein, one of Clarkston’s previous Gates Scholars, who now attends the University of Georgia, said she is proud of Anna. “All of your hard work at Clarkston High School has finally paid off,” she told her. “Getting this prestigious scholarship is a testament to all your hard work.” Alicia Wilson, the 2009 Columbia High School Gates Scholar, is also her school’s magnet program valedictorian. She says she is both “honored and blessed” to have received the scholarship. Alicia, who has a 3.99 GPA, is going to Wake Forest University in
North Carolina. Alicia said she is honored to be valedictorian, but more excited to receive the Gates Millennium Scholarship because it is going to pay for her education. “It will enable me to do what I want to do in the future,” she said. Alicia said the scholarship takes a lot of stress off her parents. “The type of parents I have they would have found a way somehow, because they know how important education is, but it’s a big stress reliever,” she said. Sythea Lester of Greenforest Christian Academy is attending Emory’s Oxford College.Tucker High’s Gilbert Baxley is attending Jackson State. Miller Groves’ Aaron Abram is attending Florida State University. Jan-Michael Archer of Stone Mountain is going to the University of Tampa.
Journalism scholarship helps bring student’s career goals closer to fruition Fennell Wilkins knows a career in journalism beckons her, and she has been in hot pursuit of it. Over the last four years, the 2009 Cedar Grove graduate has written and performed poetry, been a reporter for metro-wide teen newspaper VOX, and interned at an Atlanta radio station. On May 11, Fennell became the first recipient of the $1,000 Elizabeth Andrews Memorial Journalism Scholarship, offered by the CrossRoadsNews Foundation in memory of the late DeKalb County School Board member. Fennell, who is headed to Bethune-
Fennell Wilkins holds a scholarship certificate she received from Jennifer Parker (from left), editor and publisher of CrossRoadsNews; Charis Hanberry, daughter of Elizabeth Andrews; and Sadie Dennard, Georgia Power manager and chair of the CrossRoadsNews Foundation’s Scholarship Committee.
Cookman University in the fall to major in journalism, said the scholarship was her first. “This will go a long way,” she said. “I am so happy.” Fennell, who has two younger siblings, is the first person in her family to go to college. She is passionate about writing and says she takes her pursuit of a journalism career seriously. “I have already touched thousands of readers with stories on social issues ranging from education to pop culture,” she said. “I strive to empower others with knowledge.”
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B10
Graduation
CrossRoadsNews
May 23, 2009
“Coaches are always coming to DeKalb County to recruit..., so there is always a chance to get signed.”
Scholar athletes rely on physical skills to help pay for college education By McKenzie Jackson
Next school year, Southwest DeKalb’s Kia Jackson will be at the University of Tennessee sprinting among the nation’s best and Marcus Vaughn of Columbia High will be driving to the basket in the Great South Atlantic Conference. Cedar Grove’s Jeremy Kimbrough will be chasing down opposing quarterbacks while playing defense at Appalachian State. Cynnamon Bell of Southwest DeKalb will be hitting line drives for the Hampton University Lady Pirates, and Terrance Gaddy of Clarkston High will be wrestling opponents to the mat for Anderson College. As another school year culminates, student-athletes from south and central DeKalb’s 14 high schools continue to advance onto college sports teams across the nation armed with full and partial athletic scholarships. As of Tuesday, the DeKalb School District’s Athletics Department and local schools reported that 159 athletes from the DeKalb Class of 2009 have athletic scholarships totaling in the millions of dollars. This year’s haul is slightly less than the 168 DeKalb athletes that secured scholarships in 2008. The majority of those 2009 scholar athletes – 124 of them – are from south and central DeKalb schools. This year players hail from Avondale, Cedar Grove, Clarkston, Columbia, Lithonia, Martin Luther King Jr., Miller Grove, McNair, Redan, Southwest DeKalb, Stephenson, Stone Mountain and Tucker high schools. Their rides to colleges and universities come because of their skills at football, basketball, baseball, track and field, softball, wrestling, volleyball and cheerleading. Ron Sebree, director of the DeKalb School District’s Athletics department, said any athlete in DeKalb has a chance to get a scholarship. “Coaches are always coming to DeKalb County to recruit,” he said in Febuary. “Our coaches are always sending off tapes and giving colleges players’ information
Southwest DeKalb’s Kia Jackson will run track with the 2009 NCAA Indoor Champions at the University of Tennessee. Clarkston wrestler Terrance Gaddy signed with Anderson College in April.
Marcus Vaughn, a 6-foot-4 forward from Columbia High School, will take his 3.9 GPA and basketball skills to LaGrange College this fall.
also, so there is always a chance to get signed.” As of press time this week, MLK Jr. High had the most scholarship recipients, with 21 athletes earning scholarships. Football players dominated with 11 scholarships; four track athletes, three baseball players and one cheerleader had scholarships. Redan High followed in second place with 19 athletes with scholarships; Miller Grove, 15; Tucker and Cedar Grove, 12 each; Stone Mountain, Southwest DeKalb and McNair with 11 each; Stepheson, nine; Lithonia, seven; Columbia, five; Avondale with four and Clark-
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ston with three. On Thursday, Clarkston High baseball player Jason Wynn, 18, signed a partial scholarship at Alabama A&M University in Normal, Ala., while Clarkston basketball player Isaiah Tyus signed a par-
tial scholarship with Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, Ga. The two joined Terrance Gaddy, a wrestler who signed with Anderson in April. Wynn, a first-team All-County baseball selection, said he is excited
about the chance to play college baseball. “It’s going to be fun to play these teams I see on television – Georgia Tech, Auburn,” he said. “I’m going to go up there and see some good competition.” Wynn, a pitcher and second baseman, said his parents, Jerry and Roxanne Wynn, are happy that they only have to pay half his tuition. “They were shocked that I choose Alabama A&M because they wanted me to stay in state, but they love the campus and trust my coaches,” he said. Ty u s , 1 8 , signed with Emmanuel after looking at Isaiah Tyus several colleges including LaGrange, Life, Albany State and Stillman. The 5-foot-8 guard said he has always dreamed of playing professional and college basketball but had lost some hope coming into his senior year. “I became a leader [this year],” he said. “And coaches like leaders. Our team was hurt some because some of our players left, so I had to step it up.” Tyus added that because of his height and the school he is graduating from, his signing of the basketball scholarship can be inspirational. “Everybody is 6-foot-2 and over,” he said. “I didn’t think I knew that I was at a distinct disadvantage. I don’t know if you know the history of Clarkston, but this is very rare to see someone go to the next level. I think this really opened eyes, not only of people at Clarkston, but some of my friends at other schools.” Another recent signee was Marcus Vaughn, an 18-year-old, 6-foot-4 forward from Columbia High School. Vaughn signed a basketball scholarship with LaGrange College in LaGrange, Ga., on May 11. Vaughn, who has a 3.9 GPA, transferred from Avondale High to Columbia coming into his senior year. He admitted that he thought it might be hard to secure a basketball scholarship because he was playing in a new system. “It was actually kind of easy,” said Vaughn, who was also being recruited by Oglethorpe, Limestone College and the Air Force Academy. Vaughn, who averaged six points a game this season, sent LaGrange coaches information about himself and coaches came and watched two of his games in January. Vaughn said his physical talents should help him on the college level. “I’m athletic, I can run the lane,” he said. “I’m very confident.” Sprinter Kia Jackson was one of the Southwest DeKalb athletes to sign scholarships. The state champion signed with the University of Tennessee, the 2009 NCAA Indoor Track & Field Champions, on May 1. Jackson said she wanted to go to a school that mirrored her team at Southwest DeKalb. “I don’t want to ever go on a team and already be the number one person,” she said. “That is not a true team concept. That is what stands out about the Lady Volun-
May 23, 2009
Graduation
B11
CrossRoadsNews
“Some of my friends tell me that when I succeed it makes them feel like they can succeed.” Fellow students erupt in applause for Dennisa Thomas after her total of $901,300 in scholarship offers was announced at Cedar Grove’s Senior Assembly.
Cedar Grove student rakes in nearly $1 million in scholarship offers By McKenzie Jackson
crowded around her with congratulations, hugs and In the scholarship hall pats on the back. of fame, Dennisa Thomas This fall, she is headed is almost a million-dollar to North Carolina AT&T scholar. University in Durham, The 2009 Cedar Grove N.C. on an $110,00 scholHigh valedictorian raked arship. in $901,300 in scholarDennisa, who has a Dennisa Thomas ships from 15 colleges, 4.18 GPA, said she never universities and organizations from dreamed she would be offered that Texas to Washington, D.C. many scholarships. “It feels really good,” said Den“I thought I may get around nisa, 18, who admits that seeing all $100,000,” she said those zeros is kind of overwhelmDennisa, who wants to be a an ing. It’s just a pity that she can only electrical or biological engineer, go to a single school at a time. said she chose North Carolina When the announcement was AT&T over the other schools bemade during Cedar Grove’s Senior cause of its engineering program. Assembly on May 15, her class- Her scholarship covers full tuition, mates erupted in applause and books, a $1,000 semester stipend,
Kyle Lacy
an internship and a laptop. “I don’t have to pay anything,” she said. “I don’t have to worry about student loans or being a burden on my mom.” Other offers include Howard University, $92,000; Hampton University, $92,000; Florida A&M, $142,000; Tuskegee University, $104,000; North Carolina A&T Dowday Scholarship $80,000; Mercer University, $70,000; Baylor University, $44,000; University of Georgia, $4,000; Delta Sigma Theta–Decatur, $300; Delta Sigma Theta-Lithonia, $500; Texas A&M, $48,000; Tuslusmn, $48,000; Alpha Kappa Alpha-Decatur, $200; and Agnes Scott, $66,300. Her mother, Janice Thomas, is happy about all the fuss over her daughter. She said
Grand Prize Winner
Christopher Haigler ................... $750.................Martin Luther King Jr. HS Alexia Wynn............................... $750............................Decatur HS Berenice Arias ........................... $750............................ Tucker HS Elizabeth Sumpter ..................... $750..................... Stone Mountain HS Michael Abdalla ......................... $750.............................Redan HS Amelia Henderson ..................... $750.............................Redan HS Faith Adams .............................. $500.............................Redan HS Sharqundria Adams................... $500............................ Towers HS Joyya Baines ............................. $500........................ Stephenson HS Yemesrach Tadesse .................. $500............................ Tucker HS Kayla Ward ................................ $500........................ Stephenson HS Ashley Wrenn ............................ $500.......................... Clarkston HS Cedric Brown ............................. $500.............................Redan HS Saree Jones .............................. $500..........................Chamblee HS Phylicia Mills .............................. $500..............................SWD HS Carmen Moon............................ $500........................ Miller Grove HS
$1,000
that last year, Texas A&M officials flew her out to their campus in College Station, Texas. “They treated her like a football player,” she said. “She stayed on campus and they gave her all types of incentives to go there.” Thomas also loves that she won’t have to worry about paying any college tuition. “It is a wonderful feeling,” she said after the senior program. “I am extremely proud of my daughter.” Thomas said that when Dennisa was in the eighth grade, people tried to convince her to send her to a North DeKalb high school. “We wanted to stay in our neighborhood,” she said. “She wanted to set an example that you can achieve your goals if you
work hard even at schools in South DeKalb like Cedar Grove.” Cedar Grove counselor Hycine Robinson, who read aloud Dennisa’s list of scholarships, called her smart and talented. Dennisa, who is the 2009 Miss Cedar Grove, said her friends have been very supportive – not jealous. “Some of my friends tell me that when I succeed it makes them feel like they can succeed,” she said. Thomas said that her daughter has shown Cedar Grove students what they can accomplish. “If one college doesn’t give you what you need, apply to another college until you get it,” she said. “There is no reason that a kid should have to pay for college when there are scholarships out there.”
DeKalb School of the Arts
Dustin Reese ............................ $500 ........................... Redan HS Alexzaundria Batchan .............. $500 ........................... Redan HS Brandon Cosey......................... $500 ........................... Redan HS Timka Lockheart ....................... $500 ........................... Redan HS Jacleena Hunt .......................... $250 ....................... Miller Grove HS Vashun Lemmons..................... $250 ...........................McNair HS Saadiq Yarbrough..................... $250 .......................Miller Grove HS Donna York............................... $250 .......................... Decatur HS Demetrius Edwards .................. $250 ................... Carver Early College Ibrahim Shabazz ...................... $250 ...........................Towers HS Jonathan Davis......................... $250 ........................... Redan HS Akilah Johnson ......................... $250 ........................... Redan HS Imani Morris.............................. $250 ........................... Redan HS Bahjah Morrison ....................... $250 ........................... Redan HS Cayla Roby............................... $250 ........................... Redan HS Danielle Winfrey ....................... $250 ........................... Redan HS
B12
CrossRoadsNews
May 23, 2009
Graduation Scenes
Light rain no match for Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pre-Commencement Exercises
Area churches became a sea of school colors as the Class of 2009 from high schools like (left to right) Columbia, Lithonia and Southwest DeKalb held Baccalaureate exercises.
Ronald L. McNair High School seniors flash smiles for family and frieds as they march out of the sanctuary of Beulah Baptist Church following their Pre-Commencement Exercise on May 17.
Jerry Perkins (left) and his mom, Sheila Perkins, share an umbrella en route to Greenforest Baptist Church Cedar Grove student Constance Ogletree gets a hug from counselor Melanie Callowayfor Towers Highâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pre-Commencement exercise. Davis during Pre-Commencement Exercises.
CrossRoadsNews Photos by McKenzie Jackson, Jennifer Ffrench Parker and Curtis Parker
Towers High senior Tracey Willis (right) helps Michelle Brown with her tassle prior to their PreCommencement program.