Jazmine Saunders’ mother is Nyla Saunders. Jazmine is an Urban League Black Scholar attending Greece Odyssey Academy where she is the class valedictorian. She will attend The Eastman School of Music, majoring in Vocal Performance. Jazmine’s goal is to become an Opera Singer. Her activities include Student Council, Odyssey Music and Drama, Symphonic Band, and the National Honor Society. Jazmine attends Faith Temple in Brighton, where she is active as a Praise and Worship Leader, FT Dance Team member and a Nursery team member.

Sydney Barrett is the daughter of Melissa and Basil Barrett. She graduated from Fairport High School as an Urban League Black Scholar and will attend Xavier University and majoring in Biology and Public Health Policy with the goal of becoming an OB/Gyn physician. Sydney is a member of the National Honor and Spanish National Honor Societies as well as being a Board of Education Student Representative. She is a cellist in the Fairport Orchestra and Founding member/Co-President of the Demonstrate Racial Equality 4 All Mankind Club.

Sydney’s numerous honors include (SOAR) Stress on Analytical Reasoning Program at Xavier University of Louisiana, Science Technology Entry Program Scholar at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry. Twice she received the High Honor Roll Academic Excellence Award. Her leadership skills were demonstrated during her tenure as editor of the Dimensions Club.

Sydney is an active member of Aenon Baptist Church and serves in the Alpha Youth Performing Arts Ministry, as a youth usher and Vacation Bible School counselor.

The University of Rochester is the next stop for Olivia Brumfield. She plans to major in Neuroscience and Pre-Medicine. Olivia graduated from Caledonia Mumford High School as the Valedictorian of her class. Olivia is the daughter of Brenda Brumfield and the late George Brumfield.

She is a member of the National Honor Society and is a Urban League Black Scholar. In addition to her academic achievements, Olivia is a scholar athlete in soccer and track. News 10 NBC recently honored Olivia as Scholar Athlete of the Week.

Christian Friendship Baptist Church has experienced Olivia’s service. She has served as Youth President, member of the youth choir, Missionary Board and Youth Praise and Worship Team. She has volunteered in the community service at Food Link, Blood Drives and soup kitchens.

Allea Frazier is the daughter of Roxanne and Saul Frazier. She graduated from Bishop Kearney High School as an Urban League Black Scholar and plans to attend the University of Buffalo where she intends to major in Forensic Psychology.

Allea is a member of the National Honor Society as well as the American Chemical Society. Additional academic achievements include the Nation-al Academy of Future Scientists and Technologist Award of Excellence. She was selected to represent Bishop Kearney High School and the State of New York in the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders.

Her extra-curricular activities include Varsity Track and Field, Varsity Cheerleading and the Key Club. She has volunteered with Submit Senior Living, and Action for a Better Community programs and somehow she managed to accrue an extensive employment history. Allea participates in Memorial AME Zion Church through Bible Study, the teen group and as a service greeter.

Serita Lewis is the daughter of Wardell and Linda Lewis. A senior at Greece Olympia School she will graduate with Salutatory Honors as an Urban League Black Scholar. Her intention is to attend Skidmore College as a Political Science major. Her goal is to become a lawyer or lobbyist.

Soccer, lacrosse, track and symphonic and jazz bands are Serita’s extra-curricular activities. She has maintained her place on high honor roll as well as achieving National Honor Society status. She has volunteered for Foodlink and Relay for Life. Serita finds time for paid employment.

Serita serves her church, Genesee Baptist, by ushering, through her musical gifts of singing, playing her wind instruments and acting in church plays. She also organizes the church’s choir music.

Makaila Marshall will graduate from Irondequoit High School as an Urban League Black Scholar. Her parents are Anthony Marshall and La-Shonda Robinson. She is a member of the National Honor Society as well as the National Technical Honor Society. Makaila will be a freshman at Spelman College who plans to major in Early Childhood Education.

Her school activities have included being a member of the Link Crew, the softball team and captain of the cheerleading team. She is also involved in peer leadership and the prom committee. In addition to her core classes at Irondequoit High she completed classes to obtain her cosmetology li-cense.

Makaila volunteers with the children’s ministry at The Father’s House. She has volunteered as a coach of the Rochester Rams’ cheerleaders, worked as an assistant teacher at the Freedom School summer program as well as being employed at a restaurant.

George and Precious Moses are the parents of Thandi Moses who is graduating from Brockport High School as an Urban League Black Scholar. She achieved consistent high honor roll status and will graduate a year early. The next phase in her life will begin when she enrolls at Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens as a Law and Government major. She intends to become a corporate lawyer. Thandi’s honors include the Principal’s Award and a Sports Leadership award.

During her high school years she has been the leader of the Principal’s Advisory Council a member of the Diversity Club and participated in the activities of FLEC (Focus, Learn, Engage & Connect), a student group which works with incoming freshmen to assist them in acclimating to high school. She also participated in the cheerleading and track teams.

Thandi has made time to be a part of the Southside Cyclones Pop Warner Football League and to be a Junior Servant Leader at Freedom School and its Freedom Café.

At Provision Full Gospel Church Thandi has been a member of the dance/flag team. She assists the Sunday school teacher and participates in Youth Sunday activities.

Telle Seaborn’s parents are Timothy and Jalanda Seaborn. Telle will graduate from James Monroe High School as the valedictorian and a Black Scholar and plans to attend Oakwood University. She achieved High Honor Roll status and perfect attendance throughout her school career. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. Telle’s awards include a Regional Chemistry Award, the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award from the University of Rochester, the Innovation and Creativity Award and Scholarship Pro-gram at Rochester Institute of Technology and the Susan B. Anthony Award from the Rochester City School District.

Her extra-curricular activities include admission to the Hillside Scholar-ship Program, Upward Bound programs, lifeguarding class and the Teen Health and Success Partnership Program. As part of the Seventh Day Adventist Orion Stars Pathfinders Club, Telle volunteered with the soup kitchen and serves as the class teacher/counselor.

At Jefferson Ave. Seventh Day Adventist Church, she is a member of the choir, is the secretary of the Adventist Youth Society and a junior usher.

Elisha Snow’s parents are Robert and Bernadette Snow. Elisha will complete her studies at Rush-Henrietta Senior High as an Urban League Black Scholar and attend Clarkson University to major in Chemical Engineering. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars.

She is a member of the Rush-Henrietta Singers, a select choir, and has traveled to Europe with them. Elisha is President of the African American Leadership League and performs with the school’s MLK Singers. She was student director of the school’s production of “A Raisin in the Sun.” The STEM program at RIT has provided her with other learning opportunities.

In the community she volunteers as a camp counselor. In spite of having a busy schedule she manages part time employment. At Genesee Baptist Church, Elisha is a member of the youth choir, has participated in youth plays and is an usher.

Destiny Williams’ grandmother is Joe-Ethel Williams. She will graduate from Brockport High School as an Urban League Black Scholar and plans to attend Monroe Community College. Her plans include majoring in Physical Education and Exercise Science to prepare for a career as a physical therapist. She achieved membership in the National Honor Society, had perfect attendance and attained the Excelsior Honor Program as well as obtaining High Honor Roll status.

Her extracurricular activities are Mathletes, the Diversity Club and she is a FLEC leader for students transitioning from middle to high school. She assists with the school blood drive and participates with the school’s Peace Day. Destiny’s volunteer activities include the annual Breast Cancer Walk, packing food for Haiti, assisting with the Healthy Hero family event and volunteering at Baird Nursing Home.

Destiny attends St. Luke St. Simon Cyrene Church where as an acolyte she carries the torches and cross. On occasion she is called upon to read the lessons.

Brianna Brown Brianna Brown is the daughter of Norman and Kim Brown. She has graduated from Aquinas Institute of Rochester as an Urban League Black Scholar.   Her activities include basketball, dance, the President’s Club and Honor Roll.  She also works part-time as a youth worker for the Town of Gates Recreational Department.  Brianna attends Aenon Baptist Church where she is active as a leader of the Praise Dance team and the Girl Scouts.  She also participates in the youth choir, Alpha Drama team and as a youth usher.  Brianna will attend the University at Buffalo and plans to major in Political Science and Pre-Law. Kenya Calvin Kenya Calvin’s parents are Mathis and Stacy Calvin, a former AKOMA Sister. She’s graduating from Webster Thomas High School as an Urban League Black Scholar.  Her activities include the Bowling Team, Drama Club, Women’s Choir and Leadership Club.   Kenya also tutors in her spare time.  She attends Pentecostal Miracle Deliverance Center Church where she is active on the Youth Praise Team.  Kenya serves as a leader in the Audio Visual Technical Department and has served as an usher and in the nursery.  Kenya will be attending SUNY Polytechnic Institute and plans to major in Mechanical Engineering. Brooke Duncan Brooke Duncan is the daughter of Trina and Bryon Duncan.   She will graduate from Gates Chili High School as an Urban League Black Scholar.   Her activities include captain of the Varsity Soccer Team, Model UN Best New Delegate and National Honor Society. Brooke attends The Father’s House where she serves in Kid’s Ministry, the Step Team and on the Love Renovation Missions team.  She will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology where she will major in Biomedical Science with the desire to become a Physician’s Assistant. Ashley Hall Ashley Hall’s mother is Ruthie Hall. She is an Urban League Black Scholar attending Gates Chili High School.  Ashley’s activities include the marching band, chorus, the show choir, the Spanish Club, the National Honor Society and Tri-M; the Music Honor Society.  She attends Aenon Baptist Church where she is a Youth Usher, Sacred Dancer and a Praise Team leader.  Ashley will attend Roberts Wesleyan College where she will major in Psychology. Faith Snipes Faith Snipes is the daughter of Fimone and Elijah Snipes.   She has graduated from Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women as an Urban League Black Scholar.  Her activities are Varsity Rowing Team, Youth Government and Spiritual leader for the Junior Retreat.  She attends Bethel Christian Fellowship where she is active as a childcare teacher, youth group worship leader and a missionary to Bogota, Columbia.  Faith will attend Goucher College and intends to major in Political Science and International Relations. Brianna Vasciannie Brianna Vasciannie’s mother is Harriett Vasciannie. She is an Urban League Black Scholar attending Rush-Henrietta Senior High School.  Brianna’s activities include STEP; Science and Technology Entry Program, Dance Club, African American Leadership League, Martin Luther King Singers, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Tri-M; Music Honor Society.  Brianna attends Second Baptist Church of Mumford where she is active as a SAVE Youth Missions leader, with vacation bible school and serves as a violinist.  She will attend SUNY Brockport majoring in Biology and African American Studies.   Brianna’s goal is to become a Cardiovascular Surgeon. Brielle Vasciannie Brielle Vasciannie’s mother is Harriett Vasciannie. She is an Urban League Black Scholar attending Rush-Henrietta Senior High School.    Briellie’s activities include STEP; Science and Technology Entry Program, Dance Club, African American Leadership League, Martin Luther King Singers,  Spanish Honor Society and Tri-M; Music Honor Society.  Brielle attends Second Baptist Church of Mumford where she is active as a SAVE Youth Missions Leader, an usher, Choir member and serves as a violinist.  She will attend SUNY Brockport majoring in Psychology. Jada Williams Jada Williams’ parents are John and Carla Williams. She is an Urban League Black Scholar attending World of Inquiry School.  Jada’s activities include Bowling and Softball, the Spirit of Freedom Award and 21^st Century Abolitionist and National Society for High School Scholars.  She attends Church of Jesus Christ, Inc. Associate where she serves as a Sunday school assistant and illustrator, as Assistant Sunday School Superintendent and with the Junior Young Persons group.   Jada will be attending Nazareth College majoring in Physical Therapy.

AKOMA Descendants AKOMA descendants are children of active AKOMA members who are graduating from High School. In 2016 AKOMA recognizes two AKOMA sons with a love token of congratulations. Elwyn O. Jones, III Elwyn O. Jones, III (Tre’) is the son of Donna M. Jones, AKOMA’s current Treasurer, Scholarship Commission Chairperson and Finance Committee Chairperson.   He is an Urban League Black Scholar who will graduate from Rush-Henrietta Senior High School.   Tre’ will be attending the Monroe Community College / Rochester Institute of Technology two plus two program majoring in Computer Science. Jordan J. McCullough Jordan J. McCullough is the son of John and Gloria McCullough.   Gloria currently serves as AKOMA’s Attendance Clerk and on the Scholarship Commission.   Jordan will graduate from Penfield High School.   He will be attending either SUNY Brockport or Buffalo State majoring in Political Science with aspirations to become a lawyer.

Te’Asia Buckner Te’Asia is the daughter of Alicia Scott and Theodore Buckner. She will graduate from Pittsford Sutherland High School with an Advanced Regents diploma. Her activities include Interact Club, Women’s Chorale and Music Honor Society. Te’Asia’s church home is New Bethel CME Church where she is active in the Youth Fellowship, Voices of Praise and is Present of the Mattie E. Coleman Youth Missionary Society.   She will attend Hampton University and plans to become a Certified Public Accountant. Keela Glover Keela Glover’s parents are Keela and Kent Glover. She is a senior at Gates Chili High School and will graduate as a Black Scholar. Her activities include the concert choir, Active For Autism, the Spanish club and the Villa of Hope.  She attends Mt. Vernon Baptist Church where she serves in the Cornerstone Dance Ministry, as Vice-President of the Youth Choir, the Junior Usher Board and Vacation Bible School volunteer.  Keela will attend Alabama State University and intends to become a Physician’s Assistant.

Emem-Esther Ikpot Emem-Esther Ikpot is the daughter of Zacch and Nseabasi Ikpot. A senior at Our Lady of Mercy High School, she is a Black Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society and has taken a number of Advanced Placement Courses. In school she plays in the Jazz Ensemble and the Mercy Orchestra, is co-captain of the track and field team and is active with the campus ministry board.   Her church home is Central Church of Christ where she is the youth choir director, a member of the youth group, involved with the dance ministry and is a nursery helper.   Emem will major in Biology at Cornell University and plans to become a Pediatric Dentist.

Andrea Johnson Andrea Johnson’s parents are Ray and June Johnson. She will graduate from Brighton High School as a Black Scholar having taken Advanced Placement Courses. Andrea participates in the Yearbook, Art and Photo Clubs and is Captain of the Track & Field Team.   Andrea is a member of Jefferson Avenue Seventh Day Adventist Church where she is active as an usher, a leader of the Pathfinders Club and the Adventist Youth Society.  Her future plans include attending the University of Rochester with the goal of becoming a Pediatric Neurologist.

Jordann Myers Jordann Myers is the daughter of Ernest and Jacqueline Myers. She is a senior at Webster Thomas High School and a Black Scholar who will graduate with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation having taken Advanced Placement Courses. Some of her school activities include Masterminds, Future Business Leaders, Business and Marketing Honor Society, Basketball and Track. In addition, she is a part of the United Way of Rochester’s Emerging Leaders Program, the Society of Certified Public Accountants COAP program and the Girl Scouts.   An active member of New Bethel CME Church, Jordann is an acolyte, a member of the Youth Choir, former President of the Christian Youth Fellowship, the Mattie E. Coleman Missionary Society, a Girl Scout and member of the Liturgical Ministry Dance Team.   She will attend Le Moyne College majoring in Marketing, eventually obtaining an MBA and becoming a Chief Marketing Officer.

Abigail Noel Abigail Noel‘s parents are Samuel and Collette Noel. A senior at Aquinas Institute of Rochester she is an Urban League Black Scholar who has taken Advanced Placement and Honors Courses. Abigail has been a student council Vice-President, member of the Women’s Leadership Pro-gram and the National Honor Society. Her additional activities include being a Big Brothers and Big Sisters Mentor as well as serving as Concertmaster of Hochstein Youth Symphony. She has earned numerous awards.   Abigail is a member of Joy Community Church where she is a member of the Worship Team as well as a Children’s Ministry Teaching Assistant and assists with child-care. She will attend Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania with the goal of becoming a Certified Public Account and Business Lawyer. She will minor in music.

Sarah Peterson Sarah Peterson’s mother is Alberta Peterson. She is an Urban League Black Scholar attending Joseph C. Wilson Commencement High School. Sarah’s activities include cheerleading, tennis, and cross-country. She participated in the Hillside Work Scholarship Connection and Women’s Leadership. She volunteers at Food Link and St. John’s Nursing Home.   At New Bethel C.M. E. Church she is a member of the children’s and youth choir, the Maddie E. Coleman Society and the technical support team.   Sarah will attend Keuka College with the goal of becoming an adolescent Clinical Psychologist.

Taylor Walker Taylor Walker is the daughter of Robert and Tiamesha Smith-Walker. She is a graduating Junior at Irondequoit High School with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Distinction having taken Advanced Placement Courses and is an Urban League Black Scholar. She has a number of awards credited to her. Her after school activities include the Varsity swim team, alternative Energy Club, Clean Sweep and Girl Scouts.   At Christian Friendship Baptist Church, Taylor is Captain of the Spiritual Dance Team, a member of the kitchen committee and the youth department.   Taylor will attend North Carolina State University majoring in Marine Science and Oceanography. She plans to work for the Environmental Protection Agency with an emphasis on Coral Reef protection.