VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2022
Dreams An Achievable Dream Class Sponsor Newsletter
ACHIEVED
Congratulations to the Class of 2022!
The N.C. and Linda Hardee Scholars
O
n June 9, 2022, our Newport News senior class walked across the stage at the Ferguson Center for the Arts and received their diplomas from An Achievable Dream High School. We are so proud of these amazing young
men and women, and we know they have bright futures ahead! The late N.C. Hardee and Linda Hardee are the Class of 2022 class sponsors. Mrs. Hardee shares, “I send all of my warmest wishes and congratulations to the Achievable
Dream Class of 2022. I am so proud of what they have achieved, and have no doubt they will go on to live out their dreams. My late husband, N.C., would be incredibly proud of these young men and women. The sky is the limit for them!” Continued on page 2
From the President/CEO Dear Class Sponsors, In June, I witnessed my 21st graduating class walk across the stage and receive their diplomas from An Achievable Dream
High School. The Class of 2022 is yet another reminder that our students are capable of breaking down barriers and accomplishing any dreams they aspire to achieve. I particularly admire the Class of 2022 because they displayed perseverance and resilience during
their high school career as they navigated two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many leaders, including myself, can learn from these young men and women. The members of the Class of 2022 are ending their high school careers, but their journeys into college or the Continued on page 7
Class of 2022, continued from page 1
CLASS OF 2022 STUDENT STATS
365
49
Applications to colleges and universities
Graduates
4,778,962
$
260
Total college acceptances
Total amount of scholarship funds awarded
57%
of the Class of 2022 graduated with a 3.0 or higher grade point average
10%
of the Class of 2022 graduated with a 4.0 or higher grade point average
94%
of the Class of 2022 graduated with an advanced studies diploma
63% will be attending a 4-year college
The Class of 2022 completed
23% will be attending a 2-year college
60
4%
will be attending a trade school
honors courses
2%
will be joining the military
94 2
8%
will be entering the workforce
advanced placement courses
5 23
seniors were early college students attending Virginia Peninsula Community College.
dual enrollment courses
Meet Jasmine Morris Jasmine Morris is a Class of 2022 graduate of An Achievable Dream. She began the program when she was in the third grade, and she appreciates the program’s family-like atmosphere. Jasmine is proud to be a graduate of AAD. She said, “It was a long journey, but AAD supported me throughout the process.” Jasmine is attending Norfolk State University in the fall of 2022 on a full academic scholarship, where she will major in pre-nursing. She is excited about the independence that she will experience in college. Jasmine has received support from many impactful faculty members, especially Chrystal Harris and Elizabeth Aultice, who Jasmine said were always available to assist her. The support Jasmine received from AAD also helped her overcome challenges, including the passing of her sister, Destiny. Destiny, also a Dreamer, passed away when Jasmine was in the eighth grade. “When my sister passed, AAD helped with her funeral, and they were really there for me. My counselor would check on me, even when I wasn’t ready to come back to school. Support systems are the biggest thing to get you through challenges, and this program has been that for me.” Jasmine shared. Jasmine also navigated part of her high school career during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jasmine said, “It was really hard to remain focused while at home. When you’re at home, there are a lot of distractions — you have your phone and TV, and you can do anything because you’re on a screen. I’d
Jasmine Morris
Jasmine with her mom, dad, and brothers
Jasmine with her sister Destiny
say you have to balance your time, honestly, because it’s easy to say that you’re not getting on Zoom or not going to pay attention. Also, I started my first job at Chick-Fil-A during COVID, so I had to manage my time and tell myself that I needed to be on Zoom and reserve time to pay attention in class. It was a struggle to eliminate all the distractions.” Despite enduring challenges, Jasmine was persistent in achieving her goals. She graduated as the salutatorian of her class, was a Christopher Newport University Community Captain, attended a medical assisting program, and obtained a certification at New Horizons Regional Educational Center. Jasmine always knew she wanted to have a career in the medical field. Jasmine’s mom is also in the medical field, so she was inspired to follow in her footsteps. Jasmine attributes her success to her hard work. Being a CNU Community Captain was particularly memorable for her. Jasmine shared, “The experience was great. We got to go on
3
campus, and we had meal cards. It was like a real college experience, and we were like college students.” Jasmine describes leadership as doing the right thing and being an example for others. “At AAD Middle & High School, we have not only high school students but also younger grade levels, so leadership is about being an example for the other people in the building,” Jasmine shared. Jasmine was an example for her peers when participating in AAD’s clubs. “Clubs are not designated for a specific grade level, so you get to meet and advise the younger students if they need anything or are going through something,” Jasmine said. While at AAD, Jasmine participated in a club called S.A.G.E. (Student Advisory Group for Education). In this club, she and other students could speak with leaders, like the Newport News Public Schools superintendent, about their school’s problems and discuss possible solutions to students’ concerns. “I’ve been in S.A.G.E. since the ninth grade, and one of our presentations was on Continued on page 7
Selected Class Notes
Chad Mansell
Candace Mason
Takarai Ford
Keandra Williams
Class of 2002
Class of 2016
Class of 2017
Class of 2019
Chad Mansell: Chad
those lessons is a constant
important to her. She
Virginia Tech in December
graduated from An
reminder in my current
shared, “The teachers
2021. Takarai says An
Achievable Dream in
career that your skillset
and staff were always
Achievable Dream taught
2002. He is the father of
and ability to do your job
available and ready to
him to believe in himself
two beautiful girls, Lauryn
will only get you so far.
help when needed. I was
and prepared him to
and Zora. Chad resides
If you cannot develop
encouraged to take honors
network as a professional.
in Chester, Virginia, and
discipline, you cannot
and advanced placement
He specifically remembers
works as a life insurance
expect to find success in
(AP) courses, and because
the motivation Fridays
final expense agent at
your career.” It means
of that, I tested out of
and the morning program
Lincoln Heritage Life
the world to Chad, to be
college-level statistics by
during his time at AAD. He
Insurance Company. Chad
a member of the second
passing the AP exam.”
said that AAD ingrained
also owns an agency
graduating class of AAD.
Candace also shared
learning and positivity in
that AAD taught her the
him at an early age. Mr.
importance of hard work
Hayden and Mr. Jackson
and dedication to reach
were two of Takarai’s most
her goals. “No matter how
impactful faculty because
challenging life gets, I
they connected with him
push myself to meet my
inside and outside the
goals and beat the odds,”
classroom. The value that
Candace said. Candace
AAD instilled in him that
is proud of An Achievable
carried him into adulthood
Dream for launching its
is resilience. Takarai
thirtieth year of operations,
shared, “Even when things
and she believes the
don’t look like they’re going
program will continue to
your way, you have to
impact students positively
keep going and holding on
and encourage them to
to your dreams.” Takarai
strive for and achieve their
describes AAD as a caring
goals.
family who helped him
through Lincoln Heritage, and he serves clients in New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Chad believes An Achievable Dream taught him the importance of remaining consistent and working diligently to achieve his dreams, no matter his circumstances. He shared that one of the most meaningful elements of the program to him was the visits from AAD’s military partners during the morning program. Chad said, “They taught us discipline and the importance of being presentable. Reflecting on
Candace Mason: Candace graduated from An Achievable Dream in 2016, and she currently works as a medical technologist at Genetworx laboratory in Richmond, Virginia. Candace also lives in Richmond with her dog, Oreo. Her most recent accomplishment is obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in forensic science from Virginia Commonwealth University. Candace became interested in forensic science after
in the program and after
completing a forensics
Takarai Ford: Takarai
course offered at AAD.
graduated from An
Candace shares that
Achievable Dream in
Keandra Williams:
the program’s tight-knit
2017 and obtained his
After graduating from An
community was especially
undergraduate degree from
Achievable Dream in 2019,
graduation.
Continued on page 5
4
Alumni Stories Continued from page 4
Keandra enrolled in Norfolk State University (NSU). Keandra is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in preprofessional biology and has maintained a 3.0 GPA. While at NSU, Keandra is a part of the NAACP, the Norfolk State University Theater Company, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Keandra has completed two internships at Treherne Dermatology & Skin Care Center, P.C. with Dr. Annyce C. Treherne, and Old Hampton Family Medical Associates with Dr. Brandon H. Bowers. She is looking forward to her upcoming senior year and preparing to enroll in graduate school. Keandra remembers Coach Benton as an impactful AAD faculty member. Keandra said, “She always made sure that I knew not to tolerate anything that
I am somebody! Kami’Lah Brown, Class of 2009 I graduated from An Achievable Dream in 2009. I am currently an associate dentist in Washington, D.C. After attending AAD, I graduated from Howard University, Meharry Medical College and completed my postgraduate studies at Johns Hopkins Hospital. AAD taught me the meaning of living in my true passion and helped me develop grit. The program also taught me the ability to see myself in spaces I could never imagine. My experiences at AAD have enabled me to become a resilient person and provider for my patients. Mr. Hayden was someone who inspired me at AAD. He has always been a father figure to many of us. He taught us that learning could be challenging but fun. I still apply so many of his lessons to my life. Dr. Vreeland has and will always be our biggest cheerleader. I can’t imagine this journey without her. The slogan, “I am somebody,” truly speaks volumes. In today’s society,
didn’t benefit me or my future. She taught me to keep pushing when I
28%
didn’t achieve a goal. She taught me to have hope.” Keandra described AAD’s thirty-year milestone as extremely meaningful as it has transformed students’ lives over the years and provided financial
58%
Graduated from or currently attending college
Completed some college and/or are employed
918
7%
attend college. “I hope
6%
this program can continue doing the same for years to
Alumni Statistics Since 2001 An Achievable Dream–Newport News
Graduates
stability for alumni to
we often struggle with self-worth and acceptance. I always go back to this slogan to remind myself, “I am somebody!” It is a privilege and an honor to be an alum of AAD. I feel as though I will always have a family, and AAD is a program that I look forward to my children attending. As I reflect on my own story, I can confidently say, the Dream works. AAD’s thirtieth anniversary is an example that consistency and progressive growth always win. AAD is the foundation of success. Thirty years from now, students will look back and understand the meaning of sacrifice and grit. The AAD program will forever be the catalyst to a continuous stride toward success.
Attended trade school
Joined the military
come.”
1%: Other
5
A Foundation of Hope by Travis Jones, AAD Class of 2006
Travis Jones’ keynote address from the feature video which premiered during the 2022 Spotlight on You Tennis Ball reception.
H
ow did An Achievable Dream change my life? It that AAD gave me by teaching me structure, discipline, gave me hope, opportunities, and ultimately a and how to handle successes and failures. These future. For me, that made all the difference. teachings helped me become the man I am today — a When I think about the beginning, I think about loving husband with three beautiful children, ages downtown Newport News, on 16th Street. Downtown 11, four, and three. When I grew up, I didn’t always Newport News was once known as “bad news,” but I have my father around, and I did not see examples can say that some good of marriage or how news came out of this to truly take care of story. Let’s talk about the a child. Based on my foundation, An Achievable surroundings, things Dream Academy, which were always in disarray, built the man I am today. so I had to figure out life I began the program on my own. in the third grade As I think about the and immediately saw lessons AAD taught a structure change, me, I remember Mr. meaning there was Blackmon, who I discipline and consistency refer to as “Mr. MLB” that I was not exposed because he always to as a young Black child wore a monogram on from my community. his shirt that read, Growing up in downtown “MLB.” When I saw his Travis Jones and his wife, Tracy, at the Spotlight on You Tennis Ball reception Newport News, I was shirt, I immediately exposed to violence, thought of Major League domestic abuse, drugs, and so much negativity, that Baseball. However, I specifically remember him having I believed was normal in my life. I did not realize a conversation with me and telling me that I didn’t have these circumstances could potentially change. My to be a rapper or an actor to be a “major league baller.” circumstances changed when I was introduced to AAD, What he explained to me is that hard work beats talent and so did my outlook on life. when talent doesn’t work hard. This lesson carried me My foundation at AAD consisted of developing tennis through many things because the one thing I knew I skills, greeting members of the police department and could control was how hard I worked. military every morning, and looking individuals in the Mr. Hodge, who I named “Mr. North Carolina A&T,” eye and giving them a firm handshake. Also, while also impacted me. He instilled in me that someone’s attending AAD, I was introduced to the orchestra. I’ve perception of you does not have to be your reality. To traveled to cities including Nashville, Tennessee, and I Mr. Coleman, or Mr. “Who’s Talking?” Coleman, I want learned chess. Being introduced to these aspects of the to thank you for the opportunities where I could talk to program early on allowed me the opportunity to go to you as my principal. He helped me understand different college. I was introduced to Virginia State University values, missions, and goals during our conversations. and awarded a scholarship to play football and tennis. I Occasionally, I beat him in tennis a few times, too. To graduated from Virginia State University cum laude with Dr. Vreeland, I want to say thank you because I don’t a 3.2 GPA. know what I would have done without you in a lot I can now pause and think about the many educators of situations — from tennis camps to football camps, who helped me along my journey and the foundation getting to class on time, eating during the day, and 6
coming to your office to see if you had any more Nutri-Grain bars. Seeing where you are now, as president and CEO, I can’t think of anyone else who would be more suitable for that position, simply because of your love for the people. To the An Achievable Dream program, I want to say thank you. Thank you for helping this young man build a strong foundation not only in academics, not only in sports but also in life. With the lessons taught through this program, I want to utilize those resources and continue to benefit others.
From the President, continued from page 1
workforce are only beginning. Our high school graduates can enter the world knowing the Dream Community is always home. Our Dream Community is not just a home for our students and alumni. Our community is comprised of dedicated leaders and educators who teach our Dreamers to believe in themselves despite the odds against them, to be voices of reason in the midst of the violence in the world, and to inspire others to evoke change in their communities. We could not meet our students’ social and emotional needs without your continuous investment in their dreams. Our community is stronger because of your support. With great appreciation, Lee Vreeland, Ed.D. President/CEO, An Achievable Dream
Honoring the Legacy of Charles Banks
A
s we have collectively mourned the recent passing of a dear member of the Hampton Roads community and the Achievable Dream family, Charles (Charlie) Banks, we have spent much time reflecting on the incredible legacy he leaves. Charlie and his wife, Mari Ann, have supported An Achievable Dream since its inception thirty years ago, and they did so with joy, pride and enthusiasm. As you all know, the Banks were sponsors of the graduating classes of 2016 and 2019. Charlie valued education and knew the importance of providing opportunities for young men and women to fulfill their potential. Our Dreamers — especially the classes of 2016 and 2019 — knew Mr. and Mrs. Banks deeply cared for them and believed in their futures. The pride and joy you see on their faces is absolutely reflective of how they have always interacted with our Dreamers: Charlie was so proud of what these young men and women were achieving, and would go on to achieve, and we know Mari Ann continues to share that pride. Charlie was a pillar in the foundation of An Achievable Dream and the Newport News community. We will forever cherish the memories we’ve shared with Charlie and the difference he made in the lives of our Dreamers and their families. A leader like Charlie Banks is rare, and his legacy will remain. When the instinct to be self-serving arises, we will remember Charlie’s willingness to help others. When we feel uncertainty, we will remember his calm, quiet leadership. When we doubt that one person can make a difference, we will think of his widespread impact. Our hearts are with Mari Ann and her family as they navigate this time. The Dream family joins in the mourning of his passing, and the celebration of a life wonderfully lived. We will always cherish and honor the legacy of Charlie Banks.
Meet Jasmine Morris, continued from page 3
our uniform policy. We saw a lot of change to our uniform policy, which was nice because it meant we were actually making an impact. Sometimes, you speak up, and nothing changes, but you have to keep going, and eventually, you will see change.” When Jasmine isn’t leading others or excelling in school, she enjoys painting, crocheting, and spending time with her family and friends. Jasmine is grateful for her experience at AAD and looks forward to the next step in her journey. 7
An Achievable Dream Does Whatever It Takes for Dreamers and Families
I
n May 2022, our Class of 2019 alumna, Tasia Travis, graduated one year early from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Arts in communication science and social inquiries. Tasia’s grandmother and uncle wanted to support her at her graduation but did not have transportation, so our Director of Alumni Services, Elizabeth Aultice, drove the family to Virginia Tech. At An Achievable Dream, we will do whatever it takes for our students, alumni, parents, and families. We wanted to ensure that Tasia’s family could celebrate her achievements — even if it meant taking a road trip to Blacksburg, Virginia! In addition to her early graduation, Tasia was accepted into Virginia Tech’s communications graduate program and offered a full-time graduate position as a freshman public speaking teacher. She plans to obtain a Ph.D. and will research communication and diversity. Tasia would also like to become a professor and provide resources to help marginalized people enroll in college. Tasia credits An Achievable Dream for teaching her never to give up, regardless of the circumstances. Tasia shared, “There were many times when I thought I didn’t belong or wasn’t smart enough. But, I remembered that I am not alone because I have the support of An Achievable Dream. I could reach out to any faculty member, and they would give me the motivation I need to succeed.” Congratulations, Tasia, from your Dream Family!
An Achievable Dream Virginia Beach Class Sponsors 2025: The Copeland/ Klebanoff Family
Below: Tasia and her grandmother
Above, left to right: Rasheed Pongnon, Class of 2019; Tasia Travis; Haikeem Hill, Class of 2019; Janira Baker, Class of 2022; Brandon Jones, Class of 2018
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.
Elizabeth Aultice with Tasia’s grandmother and uncle
Tasia Travis, 2022 Virginia Tech graduate
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 2022: N.C.* and Linda Hardee *Denotes Deceased
An Achievable Dream, Inc. | www.AchievableDream.org 10858 Warwick Blvd., Suite A, Newport News, VA 23601 (757) 599-9472 | information@AchievableDream.org