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In 2014, Stephanie was part of our inaugural 18-student Florence County School District 3 Cohort. In December, 2018, Stephanie was the first cohort student to graduate. I owe so much to you [Mrs. Wynn] and Mr. Wynn. You have guided, encouraged, supported, and prayed me through receiving my degree. I graduated with a 3.417 GPA, became of member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and participated in the Carolinian, Trio, CAB, and IMPACT programs. I am on my way to becoming a Secondary English Teacher and continuing my education. I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done! Stephanie D., University of South Carolina-Upstate
In 2014, Devaughn was part of our inaugural 18-student Florence County School District 3 Cohort, through our partnership with the late Director of College and Career Readiness, Ms. Yvonne Scott. Ms. Scott, a longtime educator and resident of Lake City, South Carolina, wanted to see the best for her students. She wanted her students to see beyond the South Carolina State Line and was happy to see Devaughn as one of two students to attend college in other parts of the country. She would be particularly pleased to know that Devaughn is approaching on-time graduation from Winston-Salem State University where he has majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems. The Cohort inspired me to aspire to think big. Consequently, I was intentional in my college research to identify a college where I could learn, grow, network, and be well prepared to continue a family legacy of becoming a business owner. All of these things have happened during my time at Winston-Salem State. The Cohort also provided a great support system where I always knew that I could call, text, or email Mrs. Scott and the Wynns for support, encouragement, and advice. They have been an integral part of my college journey. Thank you!! Devaughn W., Winston-Salem State
During the first semester, I worked for the Math Department as a TA for Multivariable Calculus, and I also worked for the Office of Academic Support as a Peer Tutor and in the MSRC. I liked both of these positions because they allowed me to teach things to other students. I have been told that I am a good teacher, and I like to teach, as well, so these jobs were perfect for me. Although it may seem like I worked a lot, all of my jobs provided me with some time to do my own work, so I never felt like I fell behind during the semester.Kimberly H., Williams College
Damian, the first in his family to attend college, had a stellar first semester as a Torch Scholar at Northeastern University in which he made the Dean’s List and has applied to the Northeastern University Honors College. Damian is majoring in political science and philosophy, and minoring in African-American studies. Damian is involved in such activities as the Northeastern University Alliance of Civically Engaged Students; Northeastern University Black Student Association; Northeastern African Students Association (N.A.S.A.); Northeastern Caribbean Student Organization; Freshman Representative: Northeastern Student Government Association; Northeastern Unity Gospel Ensemble; Students Against Institutional Discrimination; and sang a solo at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Northeastern University African-American Institute. Damian L., Northeastern University Torch Scholar
My first semester at North Carolina A&T State University was awesome. I made the Dean's List, and was offered admission into the North Carolina A&T Honors College. I appreciate all of your guidance, support, and prayers. Akilah W., North Carolina A&T
I applied Early Decision and I was offered admission to Hamilton College. I received a great financial aid package that covers everything but travel. Fortunately, I have received word from the 2019 Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship that I have been selected to advance to the State level of the competition. Christian H., Lake City Early College High School
Aleah had a great first semester at Winston-Salem State University, where she earned a 3.929 GPA and was selected as a finalist for the third cohort of students offered admission to the Winston-Salem State Guaranteed Admission Nursing Program. ‘I am so grateful to the cohort program for helping me navigate the maze of college admissions. I am so happy with my college choice and know that God has placed me in the right place and at the right time.’ Aleah B., Winston-Salem State University
Nadya was upstairs at our home when I heard her screaming. She came running downstairs exclaiming, ‘I got in, mom, I got in.’ She was so happy. Her participation in the college planning summer boot camp and college planning cohort were God sent. Her college list changed so many times and she was so uncertain that she would be offered admission to the University of Miami. This has been an extraordinary experience and such a wonderful Christmas present. Nadya R., St. Petersburg Collegiate High School (FL)
I finished my first semester at Amherst with a 3.85 GPA (2 A's and 2 A minuses). I joined the Concert Choir and Madrigals (the choral society's A Capella group) and joined the Green Room's production of Little Women the musical! I'm having an amazing time and could not be more happy with my college choice. Brenna K., Amherst College
I finished my first semester at George Mason University, where I am majoring in Biology with a double concentration in Molecular Biology and Micro Biology. Achieving a 3.07 GPA required that I adjust my sleeping and studying schedules drastically. With being up until 5:00 am almost every school night studying, I had to find time to sleep which was difficult in the beginning. I participated in the Urbanknowology 101 which is the hip-hop dance team; Club Swim; Teachers for Tomorrow; and the Pre-Med and Pre-Vet Clubs. On top of all that, I had a job working in the Office of Admissions as a Client/Operations Service Representatives. Robert P., George Mason University
I finished my first semester at the University of Richmond with a 4.0 GPA. I have had such phenomenal experiences as the Richmond Scholars Retreat—a weekend-long off-campus retreat for all the Richmond Scholars; Participating in three theatre productions—New Faces (an annual show to introduce first-years and new participants to theatre at UR), Antigone, and The Story; and producing and presenting my first scientific poster on my work in antibiotic resistance through the SMART program. Kristen S., University of Richmond
I am completing my junior year on the Drum Line and majoring in business management at North Carolina A&T State University. I am having a phenomenal experience. I love my school and have support wherever I turn. I cannot say enough about how the cohort program guided me to my school and have continued to assist me in developing my résumé and applying for summer internships.Kenneth C., North Carolina A&T
I finished my first semester with a 3.40 GPA. I participated in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, joined the Education Club, and graduated from FMU Leadership this semester. All of these are great organizations and I was able to be a part of the first group of inductees for the Education Club. As far as challenges, I definitely think that my public speaking class was the hardest class I have ever taken. The teacher was very particular about the way you had to write your speeches and I was surprised when I passed the class with a 'B.' Cathryn A., Francis Marion University
I just completed the first semester of my Post Baccalaureate Dental Program at the University of Colorado. I was able to attain a 3.0 GPA with taking graduate (masters and PhD) level courses. As a Spelman College graduate and Gates Millennium Scholar, I am so thankful of everything that you and the cohort have done to support, encourage, and pray for me throughout this amazing journey. Brittany W., University of Colorado Graduate School
PATERSON, NJ- Aiming to start 2019 on a high note when it comes to instilling a love of reading in Paterson’s children, First Lady Farhanna Sayegh was at Paterson School 2 on Friday as part of her #PatersonReads initiative launched in October.
Invited by Principal Felisa Van Liew and the school’s staff, Sayegh read “The Eagles Who Thought They Were Chickens” by Mychal Wynn in English with a member of the staff providing a translation in Spanish. The audience of 100+ first, second and third graders, along with over a dozen parents, were inspired by the book’s message to encourage young eagles to realize their full potential. To bring the book to life, and in an effort to make reading fun, various illustrations were held up and a life-sized Eagle flew in to greet the students!
To practice active reading, students were asked to retell the story and answer questions.
During the Q&A portion, some children used the opportunity to ask questions about the Mayor and his role, and were treated to a surprise visit by Mayor Andre Sayegh during the final minutes of the event. Building on his wife’s message, Sayegh also shared his own words of advice to further inspire the students to read more at home.
As the children returned to their classes parents huddled with the First Lady to discuss the importance of reading at home and to hear tips to make it more exciting with all committing to doing more in 2019 to build a love of reading in their children, as well as themselves.