2019 YEARBOOK
SCHOLAR LIFE
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UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND INCENTIVE AWARDS PROGRAM Shortly after former President C.D. Mote Jr. began his tenure at the University of Maryland in 1998, he noticed an alarming trend: Few students from Baltimore City public high schools applied to and subsequently enrolled at the state’s flagship university. Of particular concern was the fact that the overwhelming majority of the students who did came from three city high schools: Baltimore City College, Baltimore Polytechnic and Western. There was little or no representation from the other high schools in the city. 2
Mote had encountered a similar situation when serving as vice chancellor for university relations at the University of California, Berkeley. Berkeley initiated a highly successful program aimed at students from underrepresented areas. Indeed, it was a program for which he raised $22 million. In 2000, Maryland created a program based on the Berkeley model. The University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program is designed to recognize and promote scholarship,
leadership and community responsibility among students from select high schools, and to make it financially possible to enroll at the University of Maryland. The program identifies and selects students who have demonstrated uncommon persistence, ingenuity and maturity by maintaining good academic performance in the face of challenging circumstances. Launched as a pilot program in Baltimore, it expanded to select schools in Prince George’s County in 2006. A generous gift in 2012 allowed further expansion to KIPP public charter schools in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Each student is awarded financial support for four years and will benefit from a strong, nurturing community of advisors, mentors and administrative staff while at Maryland. The program is not defined by its scholarship component, however. The distinguishing characteristic is its focus on developing character, critical thinking skills and leadership in the context of an intimate community of peers. This “community within a community” is what sustains students and challenges them to develop the skills that will benefit them and their hometowns. In addition to the advising network, the camaraderie provided by the peer group encourages students to persist. Students have been empowered to assume leadership roles within the group and exercise autonomy in planning social and community-building activities. They are encouraged to shape the culture of the group, with each new cohort making its unique impression on the community.
The University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program values a spirit of reciprocity. Scholars embrace this spirit by maintaining strong ties to their home and school communities, regularly returning to their high schools to serve as role models for younger students. Throughout the year, they engage their peers in discussions, sharing with them their own Maryland experiences and the importance of proper academic preparation for college. The intent is for their success—attained through hard work—to be an incentive for others to persist toward high school graduation, pursue higher education and achieve in the face of adversity. Nineteen years after the program’s inception, the university’s commitment continues under the leadership of President Wallace Loh. “The Incentive Awards Program is a vital part of the University of Maryland, providing opportunities for some of the state’s most talented and dedicated students to excel academically and professionally,” he says. “Ultimately these students give back to their communities, inspiring another generation of highachieving leaders. The combination of service and achievement is what makes this program so exceptional.” As students graduate and the alumni base continues to grow, the positive impact will be even more profound on the communities that these students call home. Throughout all future endeavors, they will hone those skills nurtured through the University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program and use them in every aspect of their lives.
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CLASS OF 2021
CLASS OF 2022
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CLASS OF 2023
SCHOOL PARTNERS At every participating high school, at least one staff member assists the University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program with its outreach efforts and the nomination and selection processes. These individuals are committed to helping students realize their dreams of a college education and have proven to be invaluable partners in the success of the program. We wholeheartedly thank them for their support.
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INTRODUCING
THE CLASS OF 2023 Another cadre of outstanding high school students has been selected to participate in the University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program, designed to recognize and promote academic excellence and leadership among exceptional students from our partner high schools. In this, the 19th year of the program, we are proud to welcome this new cohort of scholars.
Ama-Greg Adjabe
Samuel Ngum
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
High Point High School
Deja Cooper
Bryana Rowley
Western High School
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Elisha Davis
Patrice Shumate
Baltimore Design School
Oxon Hill High School
Mark Dingzon
Liana Stewart
Baltimore City College
Oxon Hill High School
Timothy Dunnock
Leaynol Tiede
Baltimore City College
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
Kylene Hernandez
Jekhia Williams
High Point High School
Fairmont Heights High School
Bakari Mack
Hilina Woldegebriel
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
Bowie High School
Jaylen Moore
Erica Wright
DuVal High School
Baltimore City College
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Ama-Greg Adjabe BALTIMORE POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE PEOPLE SAY: “One of Ama’s greatest characteristics is her natural ability to relate to people, as she is particularly intuitive and sensitive to the needs of others. Peers frequently seek her out for advice in handling stress at school, juggling academics and activities and preparing for college. Ama’s advice is always insightful and optimistic. Due to her exemplary persistence, time management, commitment, positive outlook and talent for helping others to learn and grow, Ama is an excellent candidate for the University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program. I have no doubt that her abilities and determination will continue to grow and represent IAP well.”
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Deja Cooper WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL PEOPLE SAY: “Deja eagerly steps up to the challenge every time and is a quick study. She is an ideal group member and collaborative partner, as she not only has strong lab and organizational skills, but she has the ability to lead ... her peers. She cares very much about doing her very best on any assignment, is committed to improving herself and her projects, and she always produces top-quality work. She is wellrounded, consistent and an accomplished student—and ideal for your campus.”
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Elisha Davis BALTIMORE DESIGN SCHOOL SPECIAL HONOR: First-Year Innovation and Research Experience PEOPLE SAY: “Academically, Elisha is a standout. He is not afraid to take chances and risks, which explains his varied and consistent academic record. Elisha has taken a number of Advanced Placement courses, as well as enrolled in dual-enrollment courses, which demonstrates his ability to challenge himself. Elisha is a leader in his classes and is not shy to ask the questions and to answer the questions everyone may be thinking but are too afraid to pursue. He brings a different perspective not just academically, but personally. Elisha has brought an added value to our school that allows the school community to lighten up during those rough times, and individuals to feel comfortable in their own skin.�
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Mark Dingzon BALTIMORE CITY COLLEGE SPECIAL HONOR: First-Year Innovation and Research Experience PEOPLE SAY: “Mark is one of the brightest young scholars I’ve ever met. He is so excited about his future, and has taken advantage of the rigorous curriculum at City, enrolling in a number of AP and IB courses. Not only did he excel in classes, but he also saw needs in the school and filled them, and that’s exactly the type of person Mark strives to be every day. He is a bright young man with so much promise, and will be an excellent addition to your community.”
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Timothy Dunnock BALTIMORE CITY COLLEGE PEOPLE SAY: “Tim uses his big, compassionate personality to guide his tutoring sessions, urging many, including boys on his football and lacrosse teams, to complete their work and ensure their projects are logical and rigorous. Tim’s always challenged himself to the highest level, and as he’s matured, he’s learned how to lean on others productively to help him achieve his goals. He will be a dedicated Terp and will take advantage of every opportunity he is afforded.”
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Kylene Hernandez HIGH POINT HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL HONOR: College Park Scholars PEOPLE SAY: “I have seen Kylene in a variety of circumstances that demonstrate her tenacity, versatility, intelligence and passion. She pushes herself to do her best every day. Whether in discussion, review, presentations or projects, Kylene has proved her leadership and yearning for knowledge time and time again. This motivation has remained strong, even in the face of harsh obstacles she had to overcome. Out of the roughly thousand students I have taught, coached, counseled or met, I cannot think of a student who is as well-rounded, consistently hardworking or selfless as Kylene.�
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Bakari Mack PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL HONOR: Carillon Communities PEOPLE SAY: “Bakari is a standout in a school of exceptional students. In my 27 years as a teacher and counselor, I have rarely come across a student like him. He is an insightful, inquisitive, dedicated, self-motivated young man. Barkari is not just a highly intelligent, high-functioning student. He is a wise old soul who contributes to the academic setting with his ability to break down information and process it quickly with thoughtfulness and his keen insight. He tempers this attribute with humility and a gentle manner. As a member of the varsity football and winter track and field teams, his teammates follow his lead in their conduct on and off the field. Peers often seek him out to mediate conflicts because of his levelheadedness and strong communication skills.�
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Jaylen Moore DUVAL HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL HONOR: First-Year Innovation and Research Experience PEOPLE SAY: “Jaylen is intrinsically motivated and works well both independently and on a team. He is involved in several STEM-based activities, which support his aspirations to work in the aerospace engineering industry. Jaylen has pushed himself academically, has set his goals high and continues to work hard to achieve them.�
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Samuel Ngum HIGH POINT HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL HONOR: College Park Scholars PEOPLE SAY: “Sam has been an exceptional student. He masters the fundamentals and complexities of the subject matter very quickly and is always willing to help other students. He gets along with his peers and has earned the respect of his teachers. Sam has demonstrated outstanding character, academic excellence and leadership abilities along with time-management skills. He is truly worthy of this award and the many opportunities a college education will open up for him.�
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Bryana Rowley ELEANOR ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL HONOR: Honors College PEOPLE SAY: “Bryana has constantly demonstrated a curiosity and exceptional determination in bettering her understanding, asking multiple questions and attending after-school sessions. She is very driven and determined and would often take a leadership role in the completion of group activities. Bryana is very outgoing and affable, displaying a very positive attitude, whatever the difficulties were. She was a pleasure to interact with in the classroom.�
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Patrice Shumate OXON HILL HIGH SCHOOL PEOPLE SAY: “Patrice has an incredible work ethic and is highly disciplined and organized, and never hesitates to help others. She has a fantastic ability to easily communicate at all levels in a personable and professional manner. In group settings, Patrice makes valuable contributions to discussions and has strong interpersonal skills required to work as part of a team. Her creative and questioning personality and polished demeanor make her an ideal recipient for such an award.�
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Liana Stewart OXON HILL HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL HONOR: College Park Scholars PEOPLE SAY: “When Liana entered my class, she brought high energy and embraced the college-level rigor my course provided. Her positive spirit and can-do mentality easily distinguished her as a top performer in my class. I was particularly impressed with her follow-through in completing tasks on time, and without excuse, when her many extracurricular activities would require her to miss instructional time. Liana’s open-mindedness, compassion, hard work and incredibly optimistic attitude have a magnetizing effect on those with whom she surrounds herself. I am confident that she has the aptitude to succeed in collegiate courses.”
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Leaynol Tiede PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL HONOR: Carillon Communities PEOPLE SAY: “LJ (as he is called) stands out amongst his classmates. He balances charisma, intelligence, humility and drive with grace, which few people his age can manage. These characteristics have allowed him the opportunity to serve as the senior class president and ... led to his acceptance to the Maryland General Assembly Student Page Program. The Page Program may push some students out of their comfort zone, but LJ embraces the challenge as opportunities to meet and interact with peers ... and broaden his base of knowledge. He has the ability to unify people and has enabled his classmates to work together toward a common goal.�
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Jekhia Williams FAIRMONT HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL PEOPLE SAY: “Jekhia has never ceased to amaze me with her tenacity. She always rises to the demanding academic challenges that ultimately help her to learn and grow as a scholar. I have been impressed with her motivation and intellectual capacity. Jekhia is also a phenomenal leader. Her peers look up to her because they can trust her leadership and she holds their respect. In addition to these attributes, she has a deep commitment to her family and her community. She is what the Incentive Awards Program is seeking.�
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Hilina Woldegebriel BOWIE HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL HONOR: First-Year Innovative and Research Experience PEOPLE SAY: “Hilina’s personality reflects an outstanding combination of intelligence, leadership and dependability. She is a highly motivated young lady who works hard in and out of school. Nothing holds Hilina back. When she sets a goal, she achieves it. She is hardworking, dedicated and focused. Her commitment to her academic pursuits, guiding and working with others, and her active involvement in school and the community make Hilina the epitome of a leader and collegiate scholar.”
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Erica Wright BALTIMORE CITY COLLEGE SPECIAL HONOR: College Park Scholars PEOPLE SAY: “Erica's success is a testament to her own personal perseverance and determination. She is a force of nature, determined to reach her goal and willing to sacrifice for her passion. There is no doubt in my mind that she is destined for greatness, and I view the Incentive Awards Program as a step in her journey to get there.�
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INCENTIVE AWARDS PROGRAM 2019 GRADUATES
JASMINE BRAXTON
ASHLEY CLARKE
BRITTANY ESHUN
Family Science Mentor Pamela Allen, University Career Center
Criminology and Criminal Justice Mentor Kumea ShorterGooden, formerly in the Office of Diversity & Inclusion
Journalism Mentor Winona Roach, University Relations
Public Health Science Mentor Georgette Hardy DeJesus, Pre-College Programs
COREY HART
JAHI JONES
Film Studies Mentor Lisa Bradley Klemko, College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences
Accounting and Supply Chain Management Mentor James McShay, formerly in Multicultural Involvement & Community Advocacy
DARIUS LAWSON
KATHERINE MEDINA
JOCELYN NOLASCO
Information Science Mentor Tony Randall, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
Accounting Mentor Maria Pineda, Robert H. Smith School of Business
Government and Politics Mentor Michelle Espino Lira, College of Education
OLATUNJI ONIGBANJO
AJIT SAMRA
ANNYI SANTOS
Film Studies Mentor Tiara Lowe, College of Arts and Humanities
Sociology and Studio Art Mentor Tricia Homer, Robert H. Smith School of Business
QUANIELLE TURNER-MOORE
Finance Mentor Brent Hernandez, College Park Scholars
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DORRIAN GROSS
CELIA BARRIENTOS
Information Science Minor: Technology Entrepreneurs Mentor Andrea Goodwin, Office of Student Conduct
Information Science Mentor Marcio Oliveira, School of Public Health
2019 SELECTION COMMITTEE
Rahn V. Barnes Healthy Neighborhoods
Jennifer Covahey ‘08 CollegeBound Foundation
Jonathan Barrett ’87 Verizon
Carolyn Crews ‘09 GBC Management Group
J. Kenneth Battle Prince George’s County Council
Sarah Grebow Consultant
Christie Bianco ’97 Suitcase Swagger Karmen Walker Brown Business Leader
Sheila D. Jones, Esq. ’74 Law Office of Sheila D. Jones Gary L. Kaplan ’94 Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
Michael F. Canning Sr. ’61 Manis Canning & Associates
Beatrice Key, CPA ’88 Key & Associates
Olivia Coates ‘08 Guidehouse LLP
J. Keith Scroggins ‘79 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Darian Senn-Carter ‘08 Anne Arundel Community College Amara Sillah ‘10 Bridges at St. Paul School Rodney Washington ’87 U.S. Department of the Treasury Kathy Keys Waymmann ‘81 The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George’s County Timea Webster University of Maryland
ADVISORY BOARD
William A. Cohen University of Maryland
Barry Gossett The Gossett Group
J. Keith Scroggins ’79 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Chuck Daggs ’69 KIPP Bay Area Schools
Daniel Millman ’84 Chairman Turner Impact Capital LLC
Craig A. Thompson, Esq. ’92 Venable LLP
Barbara Gill ’85 University of Maryland
C.D. Mote Jr. Honorary Chairman University of Maryland
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TO OUR DONORS It is the power of education and the contributions of many that will help transform students’ lives and secure the future of the University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program. We are grateful to the friends who have joined with us to make this lifechanging opportunity for our students a reality through named scholarships and other support. Thank you.
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Oluwadara and Abiodun Adewole
Jennifer D. Covahey
Robyn E. Grange
Pamela M. Allen
Carolyn W. Crews
Sarah H. Grebow
Roger C. Arangorin Jr.
In memory of Gayle Crews
Quinshay C. Hall
Ronald C. Arangorin
Barry R. Hammen
Wilma A. Arangorin
Grace J. Crussiah and Ralph R. Bauer
Cheryl K. Harrison
Aimee D. Ayers
Genevieve and Francis X. Cuomo II
Alma L. Hernandez
Olivia L. Bankole
Rebecca and Charles Daggs
Diana E. Hernandez
Ann and Jonathan Barrett
Gerard D. Dailey
Tarik S. Bayu
John Davison
Hon. Michelle L. Hettleman and Jeffrey K. Hettleman
Christie M. Bianco
Beverly N. Dawson
Kori E. Hill
Ervin J. Bishop
Camille A. Dawson
Rachel Jackson
Johanna K. and Jeffery T. Black
Deloitte Foundation
Karen A. Jeffries
D. Stuart Bowers
Etosha Denise Dixon
Michele and Michael Johnson
Jasmine N. Braxton
Donna M. Donnell
Jahi D. Jones
Leslie Anne Brice, Ph.D.
Marilynn Duker and Dale McArdle
Elias M. Kallon
Lynda Brooks
Francis P. DuVinage
Fatmata K. Kallon-Harrison
Benjamin A. Brosch
David Egbufoama
Ganiyat Lawal
Dwaine Brown
Shelvia English
Jacqueline W. Lee
Joshua S. Brown
Brittany M. Eshun
John R. Lee
Bunting Family Foundation Inc.
London V. Faust
Steven Leonard
Jemar T. Burden
Diana S. Forbus
Constance and James Loving
Nancy S. Canales
Crystal R. Foster
Rafael A. Lovo Panameno
Ruth and David Carliner
Dorothy Frisbie Irrevocable Trust
Toyia and Robert Lyda
Taneisha A. Carter
Jonathan J. Fuentes
Jane R. Lynn
In memory of Jayanth Charya
Renee E. Funches, M.D.
Sabrina A. Christian
Mark A. Getchis
Henri E. Makembe and Miriam Sznycer-Taub
Jonathan E. Claiborne
Julia C. Gluck
Cynthia M. Martinez
Rachel Roderick Clem
Paul W. Goldstein and Rachel E. Goldstein, Ph.D.
Jeffrey F. Mayer
Jose Granados
Warren McKay
Olivia B. Coates Jenifer Cordon
Connie C. McDonald
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Katherine K. Medina Ashley E. Mena
Alison and Arnold Richman and Family
Shavonta' C. Stratton Alexandra E. Taliaferro
Jasmy A. Methipara and Jeffrey T. Miller
Winona F. Roach
Gabriel J. Michael and Lindsay S. Wallace
Roberto Rosario and Cecilia G. Gutner
Chardonnay N. Terrell
Kathleen M. Michels, Ph.D. and Jerry Kickenson
Rosedale Federal Savings and Loan Association
Shamon Thomas-Green
Daniel I. Millman
In Memory of Mary Gossett
Achu F. Mofor
Juanita Walker Russell
Cheryl and David Morris
Pranav Saha
Anne T. Morrison
Robert B. Schaftel
Patsy and C. D. Mote, Jr.
Donald C. Scheeler
Jocelyn I. Nolasco
Keith Scroggins
Northwestern High School Class of 1956 Reunion
Sierra N. Seabrease
Gary C. Tartanian and Mrs. Ann B. Tartanian
Ladeja D. Robinson
Martha J. Terrell Eileen M. Thompson Miguel A. Turcios Quanielle J. Turner-Moore Antonio M. Tyson Suzanne G. Valenstein Todd A. Waters Teri L. Weathers Wanda Wheeler
Martin Segal and Carol Kasmir Segal
Amy and Jack Wilen
Christine L. Oliveros
In memory of Julia and David Semer
Jason Williams
Olatunji R. Onigbanjo
Darian T. Senn-Carter
Randal L. Williams
Schwanna B. Otey
Usha R. Sharma-Charya
Charmaine J. Wilson-Jones
Stephanie Sprow Owens
Maureen C. Shea
Andrea Wise Oh
Michael A. Patrick
Ann C. Smith
Patrick C. Wu
Jonathan Callaway Peak
Kelly L. Smith
Tiana D. Wynn
Nicole R. Pollard, Esq.
Tamicka A. Smithson
Afia J. Yeboah
Prince George's County Council
Zalandria Spann
Hyon Y. Yi
William F. Ramirez
Brian M. Spates
Robyn and Barry Zeller
Brenda Rever
Maiya Spell
Tonja M. Rice
Cynthia K. Stevens
Camilla N. Obasiolu Chukwuma C. Odigwe
Inga Ferguson Williams
Donors from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019
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INCENTIVE AWARDS PROGRAM SUZANNE G. AND MURRAY A. VALENSTEIN BALTIMORE INCENTIVE AWARDS PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY INCENTIVE AWARDS 1103 Cole Field House, 4090 Union Drive, College Park, MD 20742
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