2012
University of Maryland
Incentive Awards yearbook
Introducing
the Class of 2016 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 students who have faced adverse life circumstances and prevailed. In this, the 13th year of the program, we are proud to welcome this new class of scholars. Tarik Bayu Baltimore City College
Kalani Johnson Central High School
Isaiah Bell Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
Ganiyat Lawal Parkdale High School
Taneisha Carter Mergenthaler VocationalTechnical High School
Chijiaku Maduka Fairmont Heights High School
Melva Coles Suitland High School
Fidel Martinez Jr. Northwestern High School (Prince George’s County)
Candace Cooke Oxon Hill High School
Nyakeh Minah High Point High School
Gerard Dailey Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
Veronica Richards Northwestern High School (Baltimore City)
Gabrielle Davis Baltimore City College McAllister Egbire-Molen Baltimore City College Alecia Frye Potomac High School
Joshua Trowell Suitland High School Tyasia Velines Baltimore School for the Arts
* The University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program comprises the Suzanne G. and Murray A. Valenstein Baltimore Incentive Awards Program and the Prince George’s County Incentive Awards Program.
Tarik Bayu Baltimore City College Anticipated majors: Biology and anthropology Aspiration: Doctor People say: “Tarik is a motivated learner who is both reflec-
tive about what she has learned and willing to dig for deeper meaning. She has much more to offer than her intellect. Her willingness to seek out new and sometimes difficult challenges sets her apart from her peers. One of her best qualities is that she is always willing to support her classmates. She has the charisma to guide, and the poise and considerate nature that make it easy for others to follow her. If her performance in class is any indication as to how she will perform for you, Tarik will surely be a positive addition.”
Isaiah Bell Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Anticipated career: Health educator Special interest: Photography People say: “I have found Isaiah to be a very dedicated,
intelligent, enthusiastic and compassionate young man. He consistently lightens and enlivens the mood in any room. He is comfortable being a leader and mentoring other students. Isaiah is patient and a positive influence with whom he comes in contact. He is a strong team player and tries to bring those who may be a bit shy and reserved into the group. He does a good job leading a balanced life, and I have complete confidence that he will be successful. His positive attitude and ability to stay calm in stressful situations will serve him well.�
Taneisha Carter Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School Anticipated major: Pre-law Career aspiration: Family lawyer People say: “Taneisha’s determination and perseverance
will allow nothing to impede her academic progress. Her eclectic spirit allows her to appreciate a variety of cultural experiences, and she is open to new ideas, possibilities and philosophies. Her maturity, resourcefulness and innate desire for improvement will enable her to reach goals she has set. Her quest for knowledge is insatiable, and her desire to achieve is commendable. Her participatory, gregarious spirit, along with her ability to be sensitive and diplomatic, will gain for her the respect and admiration of peers and authority figures. She will induce pride, admiration and respect from all who encounter her.”
Melva Coles Suitland High School Anticipated major: Education Career aspiration: Teacher Special interests: Writing, speech and debate People say: “Melva is a serious and self-motivated student
who strives for excellence in all of her subjects, no matter how challenging they may be. She exhibits admirable qualities on a daily basis, gaining the respect of her teachers and peers. She is mature, speaks eloquently and with confidence, asks appropriate questions in her continuous quest for knowledge, and exhibits a pleasant personality at all times. In spite of the adversity that Melva has experienced in her young life, she envisions a bright future. She will be an honorable ambassador at your institution and will bring character, leadership and a strong focus on academic excellence and achievement.�
Candace Cooke Oxon Hill High School Anticipated major: Food science Special interest: Needlework People say: “Candace is organized, efficient and extremely
competent, and has an excellent rapport with people of all backgrounds. Candace exhibits the traits of a true scholar: She is conscientious, thorough and intelligent. She is an extremely hard worker with a sharp and inquisitive mind. In my class, she was allowed to work at her own pace because she often completed the daily assignments much faster than her peers. She does not take her education lightly and did not allow adversity to discourage her.�
Gerard Dailey Paul Laurence Dunbar High School Anticipated major: Computer engineering Career aspiration: Entrepreneur People say: “I have been consistently impressed with Gerard’s
reliability and willingness to serve others. When most people flounder in tasks, he takes it in stride and is an invaluable asset. He demonstrates the ability and enthusiasm required to perform at the highest level. He is an ideal candidate for the Incentive Awards Program because he is highly motivated, well spoken and dedicated, and I know when he returns to Dunbar to speak to younger students, he will have the respect of his peers. I can think of no better student to serve as a liaison between the greater Baltimore City community and the University of Maryland.�
Gabrielle Davis Baltimore City College Anticipated major: Music Career aspiration: Music production and songwriting Special interest: Poetry People say: “Gabrielle has unrelenting optimism and is not one to shy away from a challenge. Her determination is just one of her many impressive qualities that make her ready for the next step. She is a strong and determined young woman who knows she needs that strength to keep going forward. In her pursuit of a profession where few women are, she already has plans. It is this type of forward thinking that lets me know she is in the right place and ready. Her academic ability and unflagging optimism will make her an excellent addition to your college community.�
McAllister Egbire-Molen Baltimore City College Anticipated Major: Biology Aspiration: Dermatologist People say: “McAllister has shown tenacity of purpose and a
resilient spirit in her young life. She impressed me with her poise and determination. She has been a model student throughout her school career. This young woman has a strong sense of purpose. She is soft-spoken yet self-assured. She is a young woman whose maturity and integrity are deeply rooted in her character. She has a great sense of humor and the work ethic of a person well beyond her years. While she won’t admit it, I believe there is a competitor in her that drives her to be better than she already is. This is why she is a solid candidate as she prepares for her next phase of her education and life.”
Alecia Frye Potomac High School Anticipated major: Criminology and criminal justice Career aspiration: Lawyer Special interests: Public speaking, writing and poetry People say: “I hold all of my students to the highest of expec-
tations, and Alecia is eager to meet each prospect with a deep sense of purpose. She is highly disciplined, self-motivated and sincere. Her comments in class discussion are meaningful and insightful. She is a leader at heart and always goes above and beyond with a mature approach to her responsibilities and sets the best example for other students. If Alecia’s performance in my class is any indication of how she will perform as a college student, then she will be an extremely positive asset to the University of Maryland.”
Kalani Johnson Central High School Anticipated major: Chemistry Career aspiration: Chemist Special honor: University Honors Program People say: “Kalani is a rising young leader whose maturity,
motivation and resilience have allowed her to be so successful despite challenges. She is extremely organized and prepared to juggle extracurricular responsibilities with those of her rigorous academic course load. I constantly hear how students wish they were as smart as Kalani or that they could organize themselves as well as she does, or that they could take on as many responsibilities and see them through like she does. Every comment reminds me of the caliber of student and quality of person Kalani is, in the eyes of not only her peers but her teachers and other adults as well. Her work ethic is truly inspiring.�
Ganiyat Lawal Parkdale High School Anticipated major: Business Special honor: University Honors Program People say: “Ganiyat faces obstacles without complaint and
builds on each experience as a lesson for her next challenge. Despite her challenges, she focused on her education. She is intelligent, talented and mature. I know that Ganiyat will live up to the expectations and standards of your institution and enrich the student body. She is determined to make something out of her life, and she has the potential to accomplish all goals. Your prestigious scholarship will enable her to stay focused and help her to build a better future for herself.�
Chijiaku Maduka Fairmont Heights High School Anticipated Major: Psychology Aspiration: Neurologist Special Interest: Drawing, basketball People Say: “Chijiaku is respectful and amiable, patient and
unselfish. He is persistent, conscientious and motivated. His classmates seem to feed off of his energy, and his presence makes the classroom better as a whole. He is determined to succeed, dedicated to giving his best in all aspects of life and diligent in his studies. He has the undeniable potential to make an indelible mark in his chosen field of study.”
Fidel Martinez Jr. Northwestern High School (Prince George’s County) Anticipated major: Journalism Career aspiration: Journalist Special honor: College Park Scholars Special interest: Wrestling People say: “Fidel is an intriguing young person with a wonderful attitude about education and his future. He is intelligent and knows what it takes to work hard inside and outside of school. Not only does he demonstrate academic prowess, he is also one of the hardest workers I have come across. Fidel’s diverse background and knowledge of English, Spanish and Italian make him an ideal addition to a university that strives on including people from many different backgrounds and personal experiences. He will bring greatness to your institution.”
Nyakeh James Minah High Point High School Anticipated major: Architecture Career aspiration: Architect People say: “James has experienced success through
great determination. From difficult beginnings, he has grown into an outstanding high school student with a great passion for the educational and career opportunities ahead of him. He has great attention to detail, a well-developed work ethic and a love of mathematics. He is focused, intelligent and diligent and displays remarkable drive to achieve his personal and professional goals. James understands how to achieve success without sacrificing balance; he displays a rare sense of focus on his goals despite family adversity. He possesses an endearing personality and is beloved among his peer group. Responsible, friendly and driven, he will surely be an asset to your institution.�
Veronica Richards Northwestern High School (Baltimore City) Anticipated major: Psychology Career aspiration: Lawyer Special interest: Debate People say: “I have been impressed with Veronica’s dedica-
tion and maturity. She is reliable with a strong drive to succeed. As the class president and active member of the debate, tennis and dance teams, she has accomplished a great deal—surely due in part to her amazing leadership and organizational skills. Veronica is a student whose dedication to her school and her education are unmatched by any student I have worked with. She would be an excellent ambassador for the University of Maryland at Northwestern and other Baltimore City high schools in communicating the importance of education in overcoming adversity.”
Joshua Trowell Suitland High School Anticipated major: Chemistry Career aspiration: Physician Special honor: College Park Scholars Special interests: Swimming, Boy Scouts People say: “Joshua is an ambitious, dedicated and self-
motivated student who is committed to academic excellence. His course work is rigorous, but his discipline and time management skills have made it possible for him to be involved in a variety of school- and community-sponsored activities. Joshua is courteous and respectful, works well with authority and strives for excellence in anticipation of achieving his lofty goals. He exemplifies the qualities that your university seeks in candidates, and he will represent your institution honorably. He brings maturity, leadership and much promise.�
Tyasia Velines Baltimore School for the Arts Anticipated Major: Architecture Career aspiration: Architect Special Interests: Music, world cultures People say: “Tyasia is an endearing and mature student. She
has been a highly valued member of our community. She has an active mind, and has excelled in every task offered to her. She is willing to push herself to learn on a deeper level and augment her skills with commitment and drive. She is thoughtful, thorough, mature and responsible, and she invests a great deal of herself into her work. It is rare to come across a student with such self-discipline and motivation.”
For more information about the program and giving opportunities, please contact: University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program Jacqueline W. Lee, Director 1103 Cole Student Activities Building College Park, MD 20742 301.405.9024 www.umincentiveawards.umd.edu Become a fan! www.facebook.com/UMIAP