VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2021
Dreams An Achievable Dream Class Sponsor Newsletter
ACHIEVED
Celebrating the Class of 2021!
The Alan S. Witt Scholars On June 7, 2021, our Newport News senior class walked the stage at Todd Stadium and received their diplomas from An Achievable Dream Middle & High School. Attending graduation was special guest Alan Witt, recently retired CEO of PBMares, and
now the Dean of the Joseph W. Luter, III School of Business at Christopher Newport University. The accounting firm sponsored scholarships for the Class of 2021 in honor of Mr. Witt, and the class will forever be known as the Alan S. Witt Scholars. We are so proud
of the resilience and determination our students exhibited as they navigated their senior year of high school amid a global pandemic. We know they will continue to excel in their future endeavors and fulfill their Dream! Continued on page 2
From the President/CEO Dear Class Sponsors, This year has shown us that together, we can overcome any obstacle with resilience and strength. Every day,
we are reminded of the power of community and standing together in times of need. Words cannot express the pride I have in each of our graduates and their profound success. Because of your continued support and investment, we are able to ensure
that financial needs never restrict our Dreamers’ higher education journeys as they establish a firm foundation for their careers. I hope this update warms your heart and reminds you that you are constantly making dreams come true. Your support not only funds Continued on page 7
Class of 2021, continued from page 1
CLASS OF 2021 STUDENT STATS
314
48
Applications to colleges and universities
Graduates
2,278,733
$
211
Total college acceptances
Total amount of scholarship funds awarded
42%
of the Class of 2021 graduated with a 3.0 or higher grade point average
6%
of the Class of 2021 graduated with a 4.0 or higher grade point average
96% 54% will be attending a 4-year college
The Class of 2021 completed
12
of the Class of 2021 graduated with an advanced studies diploma
30%
10%
6%
will be attending a 2-year college
will be joining the military
will be entering the workforce
126
honors courses
42
advanced placement courses
4
students were members of Christopher Newport’s Community Captains program.
2
12
dual enrollment courses
of those 12 will be attending Christopher Newport University.
Meet Rickey Taylor If you ask Rickey Taylor’s friends and family to describe him, you might hear words like: playful, loves to laugh, upbeat, always smiling, hard-working, caring, funny, and responsible. Rickey describes himself similarly: “I’m extremely playful and funloving,” he says. But he is also a high-achiever. Rickey is going into the Air Force Reserves and will be working in electrical and operations systems maintenance. He completed basic training this summer. Rickey will attend Old Dominion University in the spring of 2022 after completing his military training. Of his choice to pursue electrical engineering, Rickey says, “I’ve always had a passion for electric work, always been intrigued by the concept of it.” In his free time, he likes to do electric work with cars, systems, and LED lighting. It’s his hobby and a passion. After buying his first car, which he says “wasn’t in the best shape,” he and his friends transformed it, doing engine work, painting it, and adding LED lights. Working on their cars together helped him and his friends cope with the pandemic. “We were saving money from working our summer jobs, and this gave us a chance to be together, working outside on our cars, talking, and spending time together unwinding off of Zoom. It was a really positive experience.” As a member of the Class of 2021, Rickey experienced his entire senior year and graduation during the COVID-19 pandemic. On
Rickey’s senior portrait Left photo: Rickey with his sisters, left to right, Aaliyah, Mariah, and Nasha
Rickey in the fourth grade
navigating this experience, Rickey said, “At first it was definitely a challenge because I’m more of a hands-on, face-to-face learner. I never could have imagined my senior year like that. But my classmates and I quickly adapted to the new norm.” Rickey shares that it felt amazing to finally walk across the stage, finish a chapter of his life, and open a new one. “Our whole class definitely motivated each other, because at times it was extremely hard. Especially for it to be our senior year. But we relied on each other. We stuck together, and we got through it.” AAD has undoubtedly shaped him into the young man he has become. “Without AAD,” Rickey says, “I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Although many teachers and leaders have impacted and inspired him during his time at AAD, Rickey says he has to give special credit to Mr. McKeithan, his sixth-grade math teacher and mentor. “When I first met Mr. McKeithan, I was an extremely
energetic and playful sixth-grader. Mr. McKeithan really took me under his wing. He had started a club called Young Men of Distinction, and he asked my mom if I could be part of it. The next thing I knew, I was taking trips, hearing guest speakers, and receiving mentorship from positive male role models. They really pushed me to become the young man I am today, and Mr. McKeithan became a father-figure to me. We would do yardwork together. He and his step-son would talk to me about college, careers, and all the opportunities that were available to me.” “I have some funny memories at AAD, too,” Rickey says. “I remember going to Busch Gardens for the first time in elementary school as a reward for passing our SOLs. The first ride we went on was the Loch Ness Monster, and we thought we looked pretty cool on the ride. Well, then we saw our faces on the camera and we couldn’t stop laughing at how scared we looked!”
“I’m special, and I’m going to strive for nothing but greatness.” 3
Continued on page 7
— Rickey Taylor
Alumni Stories Without this program, I would not have the mentality to achieve my dreams. Doris Jones, Class of 2007
I started at An Achievable Dream in the third grade. I was part of the “blue group” throughout elementary and middle school. Many of us stayed together under the AAD program at Heritage High School. We all grew up together and it made us feel close, like family members. More than 20 years later, a lot of us are still in
contact with each other. With great role models and proper guidance in our lives, the program taught us to never give up on accomplishing our goals. Years later, my AAD family is still in contact with us to help with whatever they can. I am a mother of three children and because of my great experience in AAD, my daughter is enrolled in the school as well. After graduating from AAD, I was employed with Newport News Shipbuilding’s Process Engineering department for 13 years until I became an entrepreneur. I am now the owner and braider at Braid Anatomy, a beauty salon in Newport News, Virginia, offering quality natural hair care and protective styles to our community and beyond. We are currently offering classes and mentorship
programs for beginner and intermediate hair braiders. I am also the founder and CEO of Hustle & Motivate Expo which was created to bring entrepreneurs and small business owners together to network, learn business tips, and gather the resources and tools needed to excel in their businesses. Outside of my businesses, I enjoy giving back to my community and my AAD family. Before the 2019–2020 school year, I volunteered along with my other salon suite owners, to style AAD students’ hair. I must thank An Achievable Dream for helping me become the woman that I am today because without the program, I probably would not have the mentality to achieve my dreams.
Without An Achievable Dream, I would not be the person I am today. Quamara Grady, Class of 2018 I am currently in Los Angeles, California, attending The American Musical and Dramatic Academy for Acting (AMDA). I am most proud of myself for not giving up on my dream during the pandemic. As an acting major at AMDA and an independent, growing young lady, there are many life skills and tools An Achievable
Dream equipped me with and prepared me for. These include a sense of commitment, leadership, building positive character traits, maintaining ethical behaviors of a student, teamwork, time management, maintaining outward appearance, displaying appropriate behaviors in the home, college campus, and on set; effective 4
communication, and active listening skills, as well as utilizing support and coping skills to overcome challenges. Without An Achievable Dream I would not be the person I am today. In this next chapter of my life I will continue to build myself and my craft in acting.
Selected Class Notes
David Riddick
Lakisha Carney
Jeff Newsome
Katelynn Brownlee
Class of 2002
Class of 2007
Class of 2010
Class of 2013
David Riddick: After
Lakisha Carney: Lakisha
Jeff Newsome: Jeff
Katelynn Brownlee:
graduating in 2002, David
graduated from An
graduated from An
After graduating in 2013,
served as a Security
Achievable Dream in 2007,
Achievable Dream in 2010.
Katelynn obtained a
Forces specialist in the
and resides in Florida with
He is currently serving in
Bachelor of Arts degree
United States Air Force,
her husband and two-year-
the United States Army
in English from Virginia
and was deployed to
old daughter. She is the
as a Military Intelligence
Commonwealth University.
Iraq, Afghanistan, and
CEO of a nonprofit, TTEOL
Warrant Officer at Fort
She is currently employed
Jordan. As a Security
Wellness Counseling, Inc.
Carson, Colorado. Some
at CarMax as a Customer
Forces specialist, he
She obtained a bachelor’s
of his proudest moments
Specialist and a Business
protected nuclear weapons,
degree in graphic design
are earning a bachelor’s
Office Lead in Training. “As
patrolled Iraq searching
with a concentration in
degree in intelligence
someone who is typically
for Improvised Explosive
videography, and a master’s
operations from American
more reserved, my current
Devices, and earned six
degree in organizational
Military University and
job challenges me daily to
medals for his service.
communication with a
earning a place on the
step outside of my comfort
After medically retiring
concentration in public
Fort Carson Army 10-miler
zone, and put myself in a
from the military, he
affairs from Bowie State
Team. “Earning my degree
position of leadership and
completed a bachelor’s
University. “An Achievable
was a huge step for me
mentorship among my
degree in psychology
Dream Academy taught
because I want to use it
peers. I owe a tremendous
with a minor in sociology.
me that education and
as a good example for
amount of thanks to An
Currently, he lives in
good character go a long
my children to know that
Achievable Dream which
Waldorf, Maryland and
way!” Lakisha believes
anything is possible.” Jeff
helped to build my ability
attends Bowie State
that An Achievable Dream
plans to attend the National
to lead others and, in turn,
University, studying mental
prepared her to never
Intelligence University
nurture those same skills
health counseling. After
give up. “I remember the
to obtain a Master of
in others.” Katelynn plans
graduating from Bowie
atmosphere was always
Strategic Science degree in
to obtain a Master’s in
State, David plans to
encouraging us that we
Intelligence. He also plans
Business Administration,
return to law enforcement
could do the impossible if
to work for the Defense
and publish her first novel
and pursue a career as
we just try. If we failed, at
Intelligence Agency in the
in the near future!
a mental health first
least we’d figure out what
North Capitol region.
responder. He also dreams
doesn’t work, and then try
of buying a house and
again.” Lakisha is excited
investing!
for the next chapters in her life and looks forward to sharing her experiences with others.
5
The Power of the Dream by Dr. Brian McGowan, AAD Class of 2001
Dr. Brian McGowan’s keynote address from the 2021 A Night to Dream virtual gala.
H
ello, An Achievable Dream! It is my honor to be in community with each of you this evening. It is always good to be back in the Tidewater area. I am happy to hear that An Achievable Dream has expanded its footprint to Virginia Beach. This program has played a critical role in the lives of thousands of students, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story. Before doing so, I would like to thank Dr. Lee Vreeland and her team for organizing what has been thus far a fun and fulfilling night. Although we are here to celebrate an amazing cause to continue the important work of AAD, I want to create a sense of urgency tonight. A sense of urgency that is rooted in empathy. We have been in a period where racism continues to play a role in the lives of Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities in more overt ways. A period where COVID-19 has disrupted all of our lives. While some are thriving, others are suffering. This is a period where students are forced to learn in virtual environments that may or may not be suitable for learning. One where some families may not have access to adequate resources. I urge you to understand these realities even though they may not be your own. To this end, supporting AAD is even more critical than before. Events such as A Night to Dream are both timely and necessary. Let’s create a memorable night. I titled this talk ‘Power of the Dream: Past, Present, and Future.’ My inspiration for this speech comes from a song that I learned at Hines Middle School in
Newport News called ‘Power of the Dream.’ I love this song. Some of you may remember Celine Dion singing it years ago. The song has four verses and I will read words from the first verse and the chorus:
Deep within each heart There lies a magic spark That lights the fire of our imagination And since the dawn of man The strength of just ‘I can’ Has brought together people of all nations. There’s nothing ordinary in the living of each day. There’s a special part every one of us will play. Feel the flame forever burn Teaching lessons we must learn To bring us closer to the power of the dream.
The power of the dream. When reflecting on these lyrics, I think about AAD. I think about the firm handshakes and eye contact that we made with each of the AAD staff members. I think about the banners that we recited every morning which impacted many of my life choices. I think about the college tours that made attending them plausible possibilities. I think about the tennis lessons AAD offered and my 29-1 regular season record at Heritage High School. I think about the AAD staff and knew they cared about me. They encouraged me even at times when I was not feeling inspired. AAD taught me how to dream. To dream beyond my immediate circumstances. These formative experiences were game-changing. I will briefly discuss some of the formative experiences that placed me on the path to pursuing my dream. After graduating from AAD in 2001, I attended Old Dominion University and majored in music education. I was a voice major. To this point, I could have performed 6
From the President, continued from page 1
our Dreamers’ educational opportunities, it instills in them the confidence they need to impact their communities and the world. In the pages ahead, you will find stories of the greatness that lives in our Dreamers! Thank you for sponsoring a class of An Achievable Dream. Your ongoing support propels us further as we work to bring equity to education. As always, we could not do this work without you.
my own rendition of ‘Power of the Dream’ but decided not to on this night! To make a connection to Virginia Beach, my student teaching assignment was at Green Run High School. Although my experience was positive overall, I did not enjoy waking up at 6:00 every morning during final semester in undergrad. Given my passion for education and leadership experiences in undergrad, I pursued a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs from The Ohio State University. I often tell people this is one of the best decisions that I could have made: the decision to leave my immediate surroundings and chase my dream. It solidified my passion for higher education, my desire to help others pursue their dreams and pay it forward. I later went on to pursue a Ph.D. in higher education from Indiana University and have spent the past eight years being a college professor. People often ask me two questions. The first question is, thinking back on your career, could you have been successful without AAD? Absolutely, I would have been successful, but AAD makes it easier by providing resources to help youth to dream beyond their circumstances. The second question is, would you be where you are today without AAD and the answer is no. I am proud to be an AAD alum. This program changed my life. The difference between the next kid and me in my community was that AAD gave me access to opportunities. AAD works. Think of this event as a vehicle to help the dream run. A vehicle that can help those who are often neglected or marginalized, dream. These impacts may not be immediate but the long-term impact of your giving can lead to success stories like my own. There are so many success stories coming from AAD alumni and as the song stated, ‘There is a special part every one of us will play.’ I end with the final words of the song, which states:
With all my gratitude, Lee Vreeland, Ed.D. President/CEO, An Achievable Dream
Meet Rickey Taylor, continued from page 3
The positive male mentorship Rickey has received has inspired him to be a leader in his own neighborhood and in school. One day, Rickey noticed a young boy two doors down, playing in his yard, tossing a football by himself. “I went over and talked with him, tossed the football with him a little bit. I asked him how school was going. And I began to connect with other younger male students in school, talking in the hallways between classes, asking them if they were maintaining good grades and encouraging them.” Rickey also credits his success and character to his strong family support system — his mother and sisters. His home is the place friends and family want to gather because of the loving atmosphere. Around the holidays, Rickey, his mother, and his sisters help provide for neighbors who are in need. He also has a strong group of friends who encourage each other. “Eventually,” he says, “I want to come back and give back to the community. I want to be a positive role model to the Young Men of Distinction club, and show them a positive path. Show them that you can be successful in life if you work hard and keep a good group around you.” As he prepared to head off to basic training the following day, Rickey shared that he was a little nervous, but mostly excited. His time at An Achievable Dream, he says, was a memorable experience, extremely impactful, and something he will never forget. “I’m excited for what the future has in store for me.” As he prepares to step into his next chapter, Rickey shared one important thing the world needs to know about him: “I’m special, and I’m going to strive for nothing but greatness.”
The power of the dream Faith in things unseen Courage to embrace your fears No matter where you are To reach for your own star To realize the power of the dream Almost 30 years later, AAD helped me realize the power of my dream. And for that I say, thank you. 7
Franklin Roberson Promotion Ceremony Held at An Achievable Dream Middle & High School
F
ranklin Roberson, An Achievable Dream Class of 2004 and United States Naval Academy Class of 2011, invited family and friends to attend his promotion ceremony to the rank of Lieutenant Commander (LCDR), held at the AAD Middle and High School. LCDR Roberson is a designated Supply Officer who is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Defense and Strategic Studies at the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.
Left to right, members of the Dream family, John Hodge, Brittany Lavalleur, Franklin Roberson, Richard Coleman, Quentin Jackson, and Abbie Schaefer
An Achievable Dream Virginia Beach Class Sponsors 2025: The Copeland/ Klebanoff Family
An Achievable Dream Newport News Class Sponsors 2001: The Frank and Marie Blechman Foundation 2002, 2012: Mary Hughes, Owner, Hampton Roads Harley-Davidson 2003: Michelle Jacobs, former 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.
2006, 2015: Smithfield Foods 2007: W.M. Jordan Company 2008: Ferguson Enterprises 2009, 2010: N.C.* and Linda Hardee 2011: Bay Electric Company and the Biagas Family 2013: Aubrey and Peggy Layne 2014: Mike and Nancy Petters 2016: Charlie and Mari Ann Banks and Ferguson Enterprises
2017: Ferguson Enterprises and the Fass Family 2018: The Levin and Friedberg Families 2019: Charlie and Mari Ann Banks 2020: Newport News Shipbuilding Executive Leadership Team 2021: PBMares, LLP, in honor of Alan S. Witt
*Denotes Deceased
An Achievable Dream, Inc. | www.AchievableDream.org 10858 Warwick Blvd., Suite A, Newport News, VA 23601 (757) 599-9472 | information@AchievableDream.org