Nolawit Belachew’s parents are Belachew Dargie and Sara Negussie. She will graduate from Brighton High School as an Urban League Black Scholar and attend SUNY Binghamton majoring in Biology or Psychology. She aspires to become a Doctor. Her activities include Black Student Union – Treasurer, Key Club – Treasurer, LINK Crew, Helping Hands Club, Model UN – Student Senate Representative and Field Hockey. Nolawit (or Noli as she is affectionately called) attends St. Peter and Paul Coptic Orthodox Church and St. Shenouda Monastery where she is active at the weekly youth meetings, monthly dinners for the homeless, Liturgy and Bi-Annual Theological Conventions.
2019
Jaidyah Brewer’s mother is Chara Beale. She is an Urban League Black Scholar attending Greece Arcadia High School who plans to attend Monroe Community College with Psychology as her major. She intends to become a Counselor within the judicial system. Jaidyah’s activities include Track and Field, Student Council and the Mosaic Club. She attends Bridge Builders Ministries where she is active in their youth group Soldiers Walking According to God (SWAG) and as a support to the Children’s Ministry She volunteers at the Spino Literacy Program.
Shalese Cotton is the daughter of Shelia Cotton. She will graduate from Penfield High School where she participated in the Urban – Suburban program. She is an Urban League Black Scholar and will attend Howard University majoring in Political Science. She hopes to become a Lawyer and one day own her own Law Firm. Her activities include Mock Trial Club, Mosaic Club – founder, Summit on Race – Delegate and Sources of Strength. Shalese attends Love Fellowship Worship Center where she serves as a Praise Team Dancer and in the Children’s Ministry. Shalese also participates in PAR (Prepared, Aware and Ready) Youth Group and the Tutoring/College and Career Readiness Program.
Kyla Cunningham’s mother is Rhona Wallace. She is an Urban League Black Scholar at Gates Chili High School who plans to attend Morgan State University where she will major in Political Science with a minor in English. She desires to be a Prosecuting Attorney initially and then ultimately a Judge. Her activities include the Multi-Cultural International Club, Show Choir, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Cheerleading – Captain, Track and Field and SAVVY. Kyla attends Mt. Vernon Baptist Church where she serves in the Youth Choir, on the Junior Usher Board, as the Great Lakes Baptist Association Financial Secretary, as the Youth Announcement Clerk and in Vacation Bible School.
Cierra McFadden’s parents are John and Scharrenda McFadden. She will graduate from Rush Henrietta Senior High School and then attend Elmira College majoring in Pre-Medicine / Biology. She aspires to become a Pediatrician. Her activities include MLK – Martin Luther King Singers, African American Leadership League (AALL) – Treasurer, Henrietta Youth Hall of Fame inductee and the Henrietta Youth Board. Cierra attends Bibleway Healing Assembly where she is active as a Teacher’s Assistant in Children’s Church, in the Youth department and as a Dream Team member.
Chynna Sharp’s mother is Treva Warren. She is an Urban League Black Scholar attending Greece Athena High School where she is the class Salutatorian. She will attend Nazareth College majoring in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences / Exercise Science in the Fall. She desires to become a Physical Therapist. Her activities include Orchestra where she plays the violin, being a Freshman Mentor and participation in the National Honor Society. Chynna attends the Father’s House where she serves in the Feed my Starving Children and Waddlers Childcare Ministries.
Brianna Wade is the daughter of Terri Owens. She will graduate from Vanguard Collegiate High School as an Urban League Black Scholar, ranked third in her class. She will attend SUNY Brockport majoring in Psychology with aspirations to become a School Counselor. Brianna’s activities include Upward Bound, Senior Student Council; Treasurer, Hillside Work – Scholarship Connection, and the National Honor Society. Brianna attends The Greater Harvest Church where she serves as a Praise Dancer, Youth Assistant and a member of the Adult Choir.
2018
Diamond Carter is the daughter of Pastors Darryl and Viatta Carter. She will graduate from Eastridge High School as an Urban League Black Scholar and attend State University of New York at Purchase, majoring in Journalism. She aspires to become a Travel Journalist. Her activities include Varsity Tennis, Show Choir and the National Honor Society. Diamond attends Joint Heirs Kingdom Ministries where she is active as a Praise Team Leader and a Youth Leader serving in the Youth Outreach Ministry, JHKM Clothing and Food Drives, and the Open Door Mission Ministry.
Nubia Cromartie’s mother is Takisha Times. Nubia is an Urban League Black Scholar attending Pittsford Sutherland High School and plans to attend Nazareth College with Physical Therapy as her major. She intends to become a doctor of Physical Therapy. Nubia’s activities include Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field, Diversity Club, and Sources of Strength. She also works part-time at Freedom School as a Junior Servant Leader and at a local retailer as a cashier. She attends New Life Fellowship where she is active as a Choir Member, a Teacher’s Assistant, a Flag Ministry member, and as a Missionary to Haiti.
Abena Essah is the daughter of Victor and Evelyn Essah. She will graduate from Rush Henrietta Senior High School as an Urban League Black Scholar. She will attend Vanderbilt University where she will major in Biomedical Engineering. She hopes to continue her education in medical school as a Physician with a concentration in Medical Imaging. Abena’s activities include Junior Varsity Basketball, Modified A Soccer, Chamber Orchestra, Celtic Music Ensemble, Tri-M Honor Society and the National Honor Society.
Danitra Dixon’s parents are Rita Gaston and Jeffery Dixon. She is an Urban League Black Scholar at Rochester Early College International High School and plans to attend Buffalo State where she will major in Nursing. She hopes to obtain a BSN degree with a focus on pediatrics. Danitra’s activities include Upward Bound, the University of Rochester Healthcare Technology Youth Apprenticeship and the National Honor Society. She attends First Genesis Baptist Church where she serves in the Youth Choir, Dance Ministry and the Straight from the Heart Community Outreach Ministry.
Arielle Mahoney is the daughter of Susan M. Brown. She will graduate from Young Women’s College Prep Charter School as an Urban League Black Scholar and then attend Nazareth College, majoring in Education. She aspires to become a teacher. Her activities include Bible Club Founder and Vice President of the National Honor Society. Arielle attends Lakeshore Community Church where she is active as a Student Shepard, a Youth Leader for the Flower City Work Camp and as a member of the Ignite Student Ministries Café.
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.
Makalah Sizer’s parents are Kevin and Marcy Sizer. She will graduate from Brighton High School as an Urban League Black Scholar and attend Nazareth College majoring in Business. She hopes to obtain a Master’s Degree in Sports Management. Makalah’s activities include Varsity Basketball, Senior Class Representative and is a Scholar Athlete. She attends Peace Missionary Baptist Church where she serves as a Youth Dance Ministry Choreographer / Dancer, a Sound Booth member and as a Photographer.
Miyah Sizer is the daughter of Kevin and Marcy Sizer. She is an Urban League Black Scholar who will graduate from Brighton High School and attend Nazareth College pursuing a major in Physical Therapy. Her activities include Varsity Basketball, Varsity Outdoor Track and Field, Student Senate. She is also a Scholar Athlete. Miyah attends Peace Missionary Baptist where she heads the Youth Dance Ministry and also serves as a Photographer and a member of the Sound Booth.
Shaneice Suckoo’s spiritual mother is Phillipa Wynter-Stuart. Shaneice will graduate from Edison Career and Technology High School as an Urban League Black Scholar and attend Buffalo State University majoring in Biology. Her goal is to become an Obstetrician/Gynecologist. Shaneice is the Track and Field Student Manager, a Peer Mediator, Choir Member and Edison Step Team member. She attends Glory House International where she is a Choir Member and Praise Team Leader.
Jaylah Wilson’s parents are Eugene and Melinda Wilson. She will graduate from Churchville Chili High School and attend Cazenovia College, majoring in Biology. She aspires to become a Physician. Her activities include Varsity Golf Captain, Choral Vice President and the Foreign Language Honor Society. Jaylah attends Higher Ground Ministries Church of God where she is active as a Praise and Worship Leader, Praise Dance Ministry member and as the Audio and Visual Ministry Director.
Jordan Wynn is the daughter of Jeff and Jill Wynn. Jordan is an Urban League Black Scholar attending Allendale Columbia School and will be attending NY University (NYU) pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Dance and Performance. Jordan desires to become a Professional Contemporary Dancer. Her activities include Student Council President, Community Service Club, the Draper Center for Dance Professional Training Program, and the Rochester City Ballet. She attends New Life Fellowship where she serves in the Choir, Flag Ministry and Dance Ministry.
2017
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.
2016
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 21st 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.
2015
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.
2014
Lyric Calvin
Phoebe Conley
Imani Hunter
Cheyanne Jeffrey
Sydney Kirven
Kristina Williams
2013
Sidnee McDonald
Nialah Owens
Gabrielle Reid
Jordanae Smith
Sable Stewart
2012
Tiara LaShae Jackson
Ms. Tiara LaShae Jackson is a 2012 AKOMA Scholar. Ms. Jackson is currently a rising senior at the University of Dayton, Ohio, where she is pursuing a degree in Human Resource Management. Through her travels abroad to Africa and Mexico, Ms. Jackson has discovered an interest in social justice. She is involved in many organizations: Women Of Remarkable Distinction, Black Action through Unity Alpha Phi Omega, Office Multicultural Affairs Mentoring Program, Gospel Chorus and UD Dance Ensemble. In the fall, she plans to apply for the MBA program at UD which will permit her to continue her studies for an additional year and graduate with a Master’s Degree in Human Management, Marketing or Social Justice.
Fallon Brooks
Kaila Knight
Camaria Long
Jasmine Williams
2011
CleAnn Davis
Moiet James
Amonee Read
Shanice Taylor
Dionna Warfield
This past May (2015), Ms. Dionna Warfield completed a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Nazareth college. She hopes to continue her education by pursuing a Master’s Degree at either the University of Rochester or St. John fisher. Following in her father’s footsteps, Dionna will seek an MBA with a concentration in Accounting. Dionna’s goal is to become an accountant or a Certified Financial Planner.
2010
Tiffany Bakou
Robertha Barnes
Renada Bertram
Dominique Donadelle
Donielle Kelly
Maya Smith
Maya Smith graduated in 2010 from the school of the Arts, where she majored in piano. She then enrolled at Hampton University. While there, Maya was active in many programs and organizations including Enactus, the Student Recruitment Team (SRT) and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. In 2014, Maya received her Marketing Degree with a minor in leadership. May returned to the Rochester area to accept a managerial position as a Service Team Leader (STL) at Wegmans Food Market. She works at the East Avenue location. She also worked throughout high school and college during breaks to learn the business an the skills needed to help her become successful.
Chantelle White
2009
Meghan Cornwall
Brittney Johnson
Isis Mounts
Deneshia Samuda
Jocelyn Williams
2008
Michelle Fletcher
Courtney Green
Angela Ketterer
Tara McCracken
Eboni Robinson
2007
Brittney Hills
Danielle Richardson
Sherrita Wilkins
2006
Porsha Coaxm
Katrina Griffith
Alyshia Thomas
2005
Ashley Brass
Angelica Davis
Tiffany Ellis
2004
Krystal Crawford
Desiree Israel
Ms. Desirée Israel is a 2004 AKOMA Scholar and a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in the state of Maryland. Ms. Israel graduated from Morgan State University. She is currently working as a Child Protective Service worker for the Baltimore County Department of Social Services in Baltimore, Maryland. While Ms. Israel has over 8 years’ experience in child welfare, she has a distinct passion with working with mothers and pregnant women in combating postpartum depression. She has 2 boys, Rasheed and Kingston, and is focusing on pursuing her PhD in social work in the fall.
Leslie Pierre-Philippe
2003
Kierstyn Blair
Kari McCree
Lauryn Minter
2002
Kekeria Achola Bitek
Porcia Nicole Hartzog
Tiffany Nicole Jackson
Tyra Victoria Kelly
Starr Celeste Myers
Nathalie Martin Pierre-Philippe
Angela Yvonne Stockdale
Yolanda Renee Uter
2001
Peta-Gae Andrade
Shemeka Davis
LaTia Dukes
Takara Gray
Aja Houston
Brandi Howard
Shakira Nelson
Natasha Nichole Stevens
Delora Nicole Turner
Ms. Delora Nicole Turner is a 2001 AKOMA Scholar. Ms. Turner graduated in 2005 from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Caroline with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Her college professors saw the hidden talent within and encouraged her to further develop her gift of writing. She continued her education and obtained a Master’s Degree in Technical and Professional writing from the University of North Carolina Charlotte (UNC). Her articles have been featured over the past 15 years in the Charlotte Bridal and WHERE Magazines and Student Newspapers. She currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina and is a free-lance grant writer.
Kirkshinta Turnipseed
Uwem Udofa
2000
Margaret Neal Enis
Lindsey Green
Deidre Hill
Sherell Scott
Leah Thompson
1999
Johnique Ter’esa Billups
Erica Michelle Bryant
After graduating from Boston University with degrees in English and French literature, Erica came home to work as a journalist for the Democrat and Chronicle. She has covered education topics and currently is a columnist and member of the Editorial Board. She has won the New York news Publishers Association Award for Distinguished Column Writing and second place in the columnist division of the New York Associated Press Awards. She is married to Rajesh Barnabas and has a son and a daughter.
Kimberly Alecia Thurman
Sonia Elizabeth Uter
1998
La-Toya Dukes
Katrina Louise Jones
Tamisha N. Smith
Over the last ten years, Tamisha Smith has managed multimillion dollar initiatives as a Project Manager, Consultant and Scrum Master for various Healthcare companies, including BlueCross BlueSheild and most recently at Fortune 500 Company, Aetna, Inc. Her continued education post MBA includes obtaining Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and in May of 2015, Scaled Agile Framework Practitioner (SP) certification.
Melody Terese Williams
1997
Tameka Avant
It brings back such fond memories to hear that AKOMA is continuing her quest for excellence. I am so thankful for the wonderful contribution of music, compassion, charity and love that the women of AKOMA have given to the Rochester community. As the current reigning M. Huntsville Plus America 2015, my platform is Women Empowering change: AKOMA has supported and empowered many young women to seek higher education, while supporting their efforts to “Be the Difference” in their communities. I pray that God will continue to provide the appropriate measure of patience, endurance and faithfulness that AKOMA stands for and that impacts communities in such a positive light.
Danielle Gaston
Yuressa Hubbard
Rashida Moore
1996
April N. Anderson
Donnye Graham
Ms. Donnye Graham is a 1996 AKOMA Scholar. Ms. Graham went on to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice at Clark Atlanta University (CAU). After completing three years at CAU, she transferred to SUNY Brockport and graduated with a degree in Sociology in 2001. Ms. Graham pursued her dream of assisting young adults by becoming a Youth Advocate through the Hillside Work Scholarship Connection.
Shalewa Hardaway