VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2020
Dreams An Achievable Dream Class Sponsor Newsletter From the President/ CEO Dear Class Sponsors, I’m sure that in recent months, you have been navigating an emotional roller coaster just as our students, staff, and I have. We are certainly learning every day what it means to adapt and overcome! I hope this update brings a smile to your face and encouragement to your heart. Because of your generous and tireless support, dreams are still coming true. It’s true that none of us know what the future will hold. But we know without a doubt that the future is still bright for our Dreamers. Because the Dream mindset is strong, and our Dreamers are resilient. Not even a pandemic can take away their strength, courage, inspiration, and resilience. We are incredibly proud of these young men and women and with your help, we continue to support them as they build fulfilling lives. Thank you for your support of our program and for believing in our Dreamers. In these pages are just a few dreams achieved — and there are thousands more, because of you. With all my gratitude, Lee Vreeland, Ed.D. President/CEO, An Achievable Dream
ACHIEVED Remarkable... Resilient... The Class of 2020 Newport News Shipbuilding Scholars
On June 19, 2020, 42 students received their diploma from An Achievable Dream Middle & High School. Even though our seniors did not have the traditional end-of-year celebrations and ceremonies, AAD worked with Newport News Public Schools to find creative ways to make our Dreamers’ graduation celebration as memorable as possible! The Class of 2020 Class Sponsors, the executive leadership team at Newport News Shipbuilding, are extremely excited for and proud of the graduating class. The class sponsors were able to watch the graduation via live stream and provided gift bags and a special video congratulating the Class of 2020! Although this school year ended unusually, seniors were still able to have a celebration, and hear their names called as they walked across the stage in front of their families at Todd Stadium!
The Class of 2020 with their class sponsors, the Newport News Shipbuilding executive leadership team, at the 27th Annual Tennis Ball.
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Class of 2020, continued from page 1
Highlights from the
47% Total college acceptances
7%
of the Class of 2020 graduated with a 4.0 or higher grade point average
5% will be
Total amount of scholarship funds awarded
92%
of the Class of 2020 graduated with an advanced studies diploma
will be joining the military
Class of 2020
42
Graduates
192
1,596,909
$
76% will
of the Class of 2020 graduated with a 3.0 or higher grade point average
2
be attending a 4-year or 2-year college
attending a trade school
14%
Keziah Scott:
I’m going to be great one day If you ask Keziah Scott’s friends and family to describe her, you’ll likely hear some of the following words: Funny. Self-confident. Encouraging. Joyful. Helpful. Social. “I’m always looking to cheer and build other people up. And oh —” she says, “I’m a morning person. If it’s 7:30 in the morning, I am the brightest thing in the room!” Keziah graduated in June 2020 from An Achievable Dream Middle and High School. “Sometimes I can’t believe I graduated, I don’t feel any different. But I wake up in the morning and see my cap and gown hanging on my door and realize… I really did it.” Although graduation looked different for the Class of 2020, Keziah describes it as a great ending, regardless of what’s happening with COVID-19. “At the end of the day, even though we had to go on-stage individually, I still saw my friends and got to celebrate with them. It was a great happy ending.” In the fall, Keziah will head to Virginia State University where she will be studying music and visual arts with a future goal of becoming a music producer and eventually owning her own record company. Her plan is long-range. Her main goal after getting her bachelor’s is to go back to school for a business degree and begin building her client base in the recording industry. “I tell my friends, this journey is going to
take a while and it doesn’t come free, so I’m going to work hard and slowly build the equipment and everything I need to succeed.” Keziah’s love for music and writing is the backdrop for her career goals, and she grew up with a musical family. Her father’s best friend has an in-home recording studio where she’s spent time laying down tracks. Her journey with An Achievable Dream began in the first grade. “Everything motivated me, from the morning program to my teachers and the whole environment. I wasn’t super talkative. I kept to myself a lot. AAD brought me out of my comfort zone and helped me realize that I couldn’t keep to myself all the time because then how would I realize all the opportunities out there for me?” She gained confidence,
making friends who are now more like brothers and sisters. She speaks fondly of two staff members whose impact will always stay with her. “Ms. Gofney was my trigonometry teacher. She helped me bring out my true potential. I didn’t consider myself a math person, but I’m actually good at it. Ms. Gofney helped me take it seriously. She motivated me and made me realize that it mattered. And Coach Overbey. She has been with me since day one. If I needed help, she was there. If my family needed help, she was there. She has been a great mentor every step of the way, always worrying about me, always keeping track of me. And she continues to worry about me and keep track of me!” Although Keziah’s high school journey had plenty of obstacles — including helping support her family when her father was injured and out of work for a year — she continued to work hard, and received the Clif Hannah Memorial Scholarship her senior year. “This scholarship means a lot to me because it shows the faith that people have in me and it will allow me to attend college.” “If I had to describe my time at An Achievable Dream in just a few words, I would say... phenomenal journey.” And an important thing you should know about her? “I’m going to be great one day.”
“ If I had to describe my time at An Achievable Dream in just a few words, I would say... phenomenal journey.” —Keziah Scott 3
Alumni Stories Hunger for Greatness: An Achievable Dream Story Zakia Williams, Class of 2003 Ms. Woods’ most striking feature is her skin tone. It’s brown just like mine! In Ms. Woods’ class, we compete with multiplication flashcards often. Ms. Woods holds up a flashcard and whoever shouts the correct answer first, between the two contestants, wins. This is my favorite game. I almost always win! Whenever I get the correct answer, whether in a game or in desk work, Ms. Woods says, “You go girl, great job!” or “I knew you could do it!” This makes me feel special. The year prior, I attended another elementary school. I took way too long on a math test, and the teacher escorted the class to recess, leaving me in the room all by myself. I don’t feel abandoned or left behind in Ms. Woods’ class. In fact, I am a star student! Before we dismiss for Christmas break, Ms. Woods gives the entire class a keychain with each student’s name written in cursive in glitter glue. Mine is a green keychain with my name, Zakia, in gold. The year is 1997. I am ten years old going on eleven. I am in Mr. Mandral Blackmon’s seventh grade homeroom class. Mr. Blackmon is a new teacher. His hometown is Birmingham, Alabama. He is a former Hampton University football standout who enjoys poetry and likes Sanford and Son. I don’t know what Mr. Blackmon has heard about me from former teachers, but I give him a hard time in the beginning. Seventh grade means puberty, and I am ahead of the class. We don’t see eye-to-eye. I’m taller — just kidding. I decide to give Mr. Blackmon a chance. He ends up being a big brother, friend, and teacher all wrapped in one. During free time, he lets us display our talents. It is during these performances that I discover my joy for public speaking and creative writing. I apply to Woodside High School Summer Institute for the Arts, and I am accepted. When the school year concludes, Mr. Blackmon throws a pool party and invites the entire class! He bids us farewell with a poem that includes a special feature of each student. In 1998, I am eleven years old going on twelve. I am in the eighth grade. Mr. Darren Reed is my advanced pre-algebra teacher. He is a tall, darkskinned man with an upright build. He favors Roger
My name is Zakia Williams. The year is 1994, and I am seven years old going on eight. I just passed to the fourth grade. I live in Ridley Circle, a housing project adjacent to Dunbar-Erwin Elementary School, also known as An Achievable Dream Academy (AADA), in Newport News, Virginia. Because of where I live, some label me as an “at-risk” youth. My mom, Carnetta Beanum, a 41-year-old single mom of four girls, works tirelessly. She is a cashier at a nearby convenience store. Our refrigerator stays full and our cupboards, too. We have rainbow-flavored popsicles, cinnamon apple sauce, Fruit Loops, Rice Crispy treats, and sometimes crabs. I love crabs! Although my father Alvin Williams did not live in my household, he was present in my life. An Achievable Dream seems like a fun program. My friend, Shannon Stanley, attends and she goes on field trips to Busch Gardens, Kings Dominion, and Water Country every Friday! I got a letter in June asking me to join AADA’s newest class. I cannot wait! My fourth grade teacher is Ms. Tracie Woods. She is young, short in stature, and a natural beauty. She has almond eyes that beam every time she smiles.
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Zakia Williams, continued from page 4
from What’s Happening an awful lot. Mr. Reed reminisces about his childhood days in Cleveland. He tells us we don’t have fun like they did back in the day. But I do. In my neighborhood, we play hopscotch, Double Dutch, and tag. We do everything the same with a little twist. Mr. Reed tells us often to remember two things in life: short-time pain equals long-time glory; and what you do in the dark shines in the light. There are other great teachers like Mr. Liner, Mr. Griffin, Mr. Arkey, and Mr. Newsome. Mr. Reed writes math riddles on the chalkboard every week. I wish I could get one right, but just getting the hang of algebra is good enough for me. The year prior I maintained a C average in prealgebra but now I get mostly A’s. I comprehend so well that I begin tutoring my friend’s mom after school. She is enrolled in an algebra course at Thomas Nelson Community College. The year now is 2020. I hold a master’s degree in multimedia journalism and a bachelor’s degree in
mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University. I now work for VCU School of Education as an administrative assistant for the associate dean of academic affairs and interim associate dean of graduate studies and inclusive excellence. I often wonder how my life would have transpired without An Achievable Dream. I come from a loving family, a working mother and father. Looking at life from an adult’s eyes, I understand a child’s greatest indicator for advancement stems from a dynamic support system. I am grateful for the genuine love felt in school. My teachers extended knowledge beyond lesson plans. Until this day, there remains a little girl inside of me that aims to make them proud. An Achievable Dream exposed me past the corridors of my neighborhood into new realms. I hungered for greatness, because I saw it was available. My gratitude remains active because An Achievable Dream’s influence is everlasting!
Building Relationships That Last a Lifetime: An Achievable Dream Story Travis Jones, Class of 2006 My name is Travis Jones and I am an alumnus of An Achievable Dream Academy (AADA). I began my journey at the downtown Newport News location, and this was the same time I was introduced and fell in love with the sport of tennis. I was lucky enough to join the infamous “purple group” where I was able to build relationships with my classmates, which have now turned into lifelong friendships that are even stronger today. AADA ensured that their students were equipped with the knowledge to excel in all educational studies. I was able to have a great support system from my advisors at AADA including Dr. Vreeland, Mr. Coleman, Coach Holloway, Coach Overbey, and many more. They ensured that the vision and mission instilled in us from third grade continued our progress as young men and women. I was lucky enough to possess an athletic talent in tennis, which allowed me, along with my peers, to compete in the Peninsula district at a high level. In addition, I became the starting quarterback in my junior and senior years of high school. My athletic skills in both sports allowed me to go to Virginia State University and further my education. In 2010, I graduated Cum Laude from Virginia State University and received multiple accolades, lettered in two sports as well as being part of the CIAA student athlete committee throughout my college years. I am currently a full-time financial consultant and entrepreneur. I married my beautiful wife in November 2019 and I have three amazing children Tori, Taylor, and Tyson. 5
Selected Class Notes
Janeen Graves
AAD Class of 2016 Janeen Graves: Janeen graduated from the University of Virginia in the spring with a Bachelor’s degree in African American and African Studies. During her time at UVA, Janeen was able to travel to Africa to study abroad! While in Africa, Janeen traveled through different parts of Ghana learning about the cultures and conditions that emerged following colonization. She was able to tour historical sites such as Assin Manso in Kumasi, both the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles in the Cape Coast Colony, and the W.E.B. DuBois center in Accra. Experiencing these sites were essential to Janeen’s cultivated understanding of The Year of Return and what it means within the African diaspora. After graduation, Janeen began working as a college advisor for the Virginia College Advising Corps. “My advice to the Class of 2020 is to remember that how you
Candace Mason
Zania Parker
Mekhi Garner
start is how you finish,”
starting college, it would
with the future that you
Janeen said. “That is not
be to stay focused, make
dream of manifesting will
to discourage anyone
many connections, and
always be key and taking
from going out and being
enjoy every bit of it,”
the initiative to build
social; but never forget
Mason said.
connections among your
that every step makes up
Zania Parker: Zania
the journey. Set the tone to
graduated from Virginia
finish strong so that you’re
State University this
not fighting to get over the
spring with a Bachelor of
finish line once fourth year
Science degree in Business
comes around.”
Management. While at
colleagues, professors, and staff will always serve you well. Believe in yourself, stay safe, and never cease continuing to be great.”
AAD Class of 2015
Candace Mason: Candace
Virginia State, Zania served
graduated this spring from
as VANITY’s treasurer &
Mekhi Garner: Mekhi
Virginia Commonwealth
fundraising director for
graduated from Old
University (VCU), earning a
spring 2019 - spring 2020.
Dominion University in the
Bachelor of Science degree
Zania will be embarking
spring with a Bachelor’s
in Forensic Science. Among
on her entrepreneurial
degree in Electrical
her honors, Candace
journey and attending
Engineering Technology.
graduated Cum Laude with
Empire Beauty School
After graduation,
a 3.5 GPA, was a recipient
in the fall to become a
Mekhi began working
of the Black History in the
licensed cosmetologist.
at Huntington Ingalls
Making Award, selected as
“My advice to the Class
Industries. “My advice to
Treasurer of the National
of 2020 preparing to
the Class of 2020 Dreamers
Association of Blacks in
enter college would be
is to never give up,” Garner
Criminal Justice, recognized
to take care of yourself
said. “Many challenges
as a University Student
physically, mentally, and
will arise while you are in
Scholar at VCU, and
emotionally, even on your
college or in your adult life
accepted as a member of
most challenging days.
in general, but it is up to
Delta Delta Epsilon Forensic
College will expose you
you to be resilient and find
Science Honor Society.
to many layers of life and
ways to succeed no matter
Candace will be attending
they will all challenge you
what. That is what builds
Towson University in Fall
to evolve into a bigger and
strong character.”
2020 to continue her
better you, at all costs,”
education! “If I could give
Parker said. “Aligning
advice to fellow Dreamers
your steps and actions
6
Casey Auto Group Provides Career Experience for AAD Alumni
A
n Achievable Dream has always had a wonderful relationship with Art Casey and Casey Auto Group. This summer, Mr. Casey took a challenge and turned it into an opportunity for An Achievable Dream alumni! With the pandemic, extra emphasis was placed on sanitation and cleanliness at all Casey dealerships. To tackle this project, Mr. Casey hired eight AAD alumni to sanitize door handles, waiting areas, and other high traffic areas of the dealership to ensure customer’s comfort and safety in the dealership. The initial group of alumni were so successful that Mr. Casey hired additional alumni as well! These alumni were given the nickname of the “Casey Sanitation Crew” and they immediately made a great impression on all who came in contact with them in their roles. These students’ strong work ethic translated so well in the dealerships that additional opportunities in the parts department and customer service center were also made available to the alumni employees! Jordan Alston is one alumni who now works in the parts department at Casey Chevrolet assisting with call-in orders, inventory checks, and even driving the parts truck. “An Achievable Dream helped prepare me. I learned to pay attention to detail. Also taught me integrity. Here we have the freedom to do what we want at our own pace, but because of the integrity that we learned, we do our work promptly,” Alston said. “It’s like having the perfect last name. It makes a lot of things possible; a lot of doors open because they already know we’re awesome because we went to An Achievable Dream. I’ve always heard to network, but here I’ve learned the importance. We have met a lot of people and they are teaching and helping us with our personal cars as well. This experience reminds me to remember where I came from and connect with it.” Shirelle Linzy, who works at Casey Toyota said, “It’s very important for me to represent AAD very well in
AAD alumnus, Markel Wiggins, sanitizes entrance at Casey Volkswagen.
this position because they are the reason I am here and they stand for something greater than me! I am honored to be able to represent AAD.” Our alumni are excelling in their roles at Casey Auto Group and are truly representing AAD well in doing so! “Casey Auto Group has partnered with An Achievable Dream since its inception. I can truly say that of the things we have done so far, having the graduates of An Achievable Dream intern for us has been one of my favorites,” Art Casey said. “The graduates are customer-facing in our dealerships and they are doing a wonderful job. We are giving them a glimpse into the business side of operations while they are helping us maintain relationships. It’s a win-win.”
“ It makes a lot of things possible; a lot of doors open because they already know we’re awesome because we went to An Achievable Dream.”
—Jordan Alston
7
Remarkable, resilient‌ and headed for bright futures:
The Class of 2020 An Achievable Dream Virginia Beach Class Sponsors 2025: The Copeland Family
An Achievable Dream Newport News Class Sponsors 2001: The Frank and Marie Blechman Foundation
2006, 2015: Smithfield Foods
2002, 2012: Mary Hughes, Owner, Hampton Roads Harley-Davidson
2007: W.M. Jordan Company
2003: Michelle Jacobs, President, Lee Group 2004: Chesapeake Bay Seafood House Restaurants, in honor of Alan and Beverly Diamonstein 2005: Caleb and Virginia West and Dollar Tree Stores
Be sure to connect with us online on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
2016: Charlie and Mari Ann Banks and Ferguson Enterprises
2008: Ferguson Enterprises
2017: Ferguson Enterprises and the Fass Family
2009, 2010: N.C. and Linda Hardee
2018: The Levin and Friedberg Families
2011: Bay Electric Company and the Biagas Family
2019: Charlie and Mari Ann Banks
2013: Aubrey and Peggy Layne
2020: Newport News Shipbuilding Executive Leadership Team
2014: Mike and Nancy Petters
An Achievable Dream, Inc. | www.AchievableDream.org 10858 Warwick Blvd., Suite A, Newport News, VA 23601 (757) 599-9472 | information@AchievableDream.org