“Black History Makers of

Today” recognizes students impacting both their school and community

cDonald’s remains a leader in connecting today’s youth throughout Michigan to Black History. Forming this connection includes highlighting students who are doing the work today for the world they want tomorrow.

Each year, McDonald’s of Michigan selects high school seniors across the state for its Black History

Makers of Today scholarship program. The program this year will provide 28 students who exemplify leadership in their school with $1,000 a month to use toward future endeavors such as tuition and school supplies. Qualification for the scholarship stretches beyond grade point average, as candidates must exhibit leadership both in and outside the classroom. These are students who volunteer in their neighborhood, help with their family’s needs, tutor younger kids and more. Recipients are identified by high school leadership — such as principal, counselor or teacher — as exceling students who balance family, school and maybe even a part-time job. The Black History Makers of Today scholarship program aims to recognize these students’ journey and commitment to personal growth. From a student who developed a mental health space at her school to a student who arrived in the U.S. from a refugee camp determined to help his family, here are five Black History Makers of Today.

Judith is a dynamic scholar who holds herself to the highest of moral and academic standards. Judith has maintained above a 4.0 GPA for the duration of her high school tenure while taking multiple advanced placement courses and eight college dual enrollment courses through Grand Rapids Community College. Her positive spirit shows through her work as a member of the UPREP Senior Executive Board and the National Honor Society chapter of Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy. She has volunteered as a peer mentor and collaborated with the staff at her school to create a mental health space. Her personal story and advocacy for the refugee population has given her the skills to become a true change maker in society.

Shionna is a Black History Maker of Today because she doesn’t mind helping others when in need all the while keeping a positive attitude, even in difficult times. She has recently volunteered at the Martin Luther King march, not only to help but to show dedication for her culture. Additionally, she regular volunteers her time doing community service, such as assisting teachers. After school, Shionna works at a childcare center to help the newest generation learn and grow. She has a 4.010 GPA while taking college courses at Macomb Community College as part of the dual enrollment program offered at her school.

This article is part of McDonald’s series on ‘Black History Makers of Today’, find other articles and links on mlive.com/michigansbest

Kobe is a Black History Maker of Today because he uses the blueprint of his ancestors’ leadership, contributions and resilience. He uses their guidelines to encourage people to make this world a fair and better place for everyone. Kobe is exceptionally bright and always brings joy to the people around him. He is very helpful and constantly looks for a way to help people excel as a student, a link leader, athlete and a sibling. After high school, he plans on going into residential construction. He is currently building a house for Habitat for Humanity that will be finished by the end of the school year.

Flint Southwestern Classical Academy – Flint

Everett is a dual-enrolled student who also finds time to work and participate in extra-curricular and community activities. While focusing on his own academic pursuits, he takes the time to make sure his peers understand presented material and invites them to get involved with public functions. There is no obstacle that stands in his way when chasing his dreams. His desire to play hockey did not get shattered by the fact his school doesn’t have a team. Nor was he deterred by the reality that it is uncommon for the urban population to play the sport. Knowing the rules and accepting the challenges describes Everett. He has been a valuable addition to the team of a neighboring school.

East Kentwood High School – Grand Rapids

Bonfils is an excellent student. His family moved here from a small refugee camp in Burundi. He’s worked hard to get his GPA up to a 4.0 so he can pursue an education here for not only himself but also his family. Additionally, once he got to the states, he struggled with keeping his grades up while also having immense family responsibilities. He missed two days of school per week because of those responsibilities. He made a promise to himself to work as hard as he could and now, he has a 4.0. He owes a lot of his success to his mother for being there whenever he needed her. Bonfils plans after high school to attend a four-year university. He wants to teach others and be a positive role model for other students. He is a Black History Maker of Today by being the first in his family to go to college and become a teacher. He is passionate about education and spreading his knowledge to others around him.