The Charlotte Post- Top Seniors 2023

Ardrey Kell High School

Ardrey Kell High School

Peryn Johnson Class of 2023

Ardrey Kell High School

Congratulations Peryn!

We are so proud of you and of your nomination as one of CharlotteMecklenburg’s top African American high school Seniors of 2023! We are ecstatic that you have been honored by the Charlotte Post Foundation in this amazing way! Your academic achievements, leadership and participation in extracurricular activities will serve you well in your future endeavors. Your talent and dedication to Musical Theatre throughout the years is truly inspiring. You’ve been a blessing to our family with your love and kindness. We couldn’t be happier for you and of your success. We’re excited to see what the future has in store for you.

We pray for your continued success!!!

Love, Dad, Mom, Milan, Micah, Your Grandparents and Family

Proud Parents: Maurice and Tori Johnson

Butler High School

Butler High School

Cato Middle College

Don’t forget to unplug for better nights, better days, and better grades

By Jason Wooden, PhD

Well, you did it! Congrats on the new chapter you’re starting. It’s going to be exciting and you’re going to be tested in new ways but you’re up to the challenge.

There is one thing that can REALLY hold you back. It’s something we all need yet 1 in 3 Americans struggle with. The ones who get it right have the extra edge in life and can do what others can’t.

Yep, I’m talking about your sleep and you’ve probably heard how important it is. It turns out that the amount of sleep you get is one of the strongest predictors of academic success in college.

Unfortunately, 60% of college students suffer from poor sleep and pay the price.

Studies continue to show that students who get insufficient sleep perform more poorly on tests and are more likely to drop a class. Researchers have found that every night of the week a student has trouble sleeping is linked to a drop of 0.02 points in cumulative GPA.

That’s no surprise since when you’re sleepdeprived it’s harder to focus and think. You’re also moodier and have a harder time coping with the everyday stresses of college. It’s while you’re sleeping that all that stuff you learned in class during the day is consolidated in the brain.

Would you believe stress and anxiety are two of the biggest reasons we sleep poorly?

That makes it important you take time every night to unplug and unwind before hitting the sack. Among the biggest challenges that keep students from unplugging are social media, binge watching YouTube, and late night text threads. Besides the adrenaline hit you get, there’s nothing better at getting you riled up.

There’s also those famous all-nighters. You may be tempted to pull one but don’t do it. Remember, studies have found that the less students sleep the worse their test scores.

To keep your sleep on track and unplug at night: Scheduling + time management – stick to structured study times, prioritize, avoid procrastinating, and set realistic goals

Stay on schedule - consistent wake up & sleep times will help keep your body’s natural sleepwake clock on track

Maintain a regular bedtime routine - relaxing activities that aid the transition to sleep

Stay active - physical activity fights stress, improves mood, and promotes deeper sleep

Limit your daytime naps - too long or too late can make it harder to fall asleep at bedtime

Avoid electronics at night - the bright light from the screens signals your brain it’s time to wake up Keep your sleeping space dark, quiet, and coola poor sleep environment can ruin your sleep. The better you feel and the clearer you think the more you’ll thrive in college. Why settle for a B when a good night’s rest can give you a shot at the A?

So, be sure to unplug every evening for better nights, better days, and the extra edge at college. Jason Wooden PhD is a sleep advocate and researcher with over 20 years in biomedical & healthcare technology R&D. He’s currently the co-founder of BetterSleepSimplified.com, a health website focused on helping people find practical answers for common sleep issues.

Jayla Akins

East Mecklenburg High School

Congratulations

on your accomplishments, much success in life, and don’t let anything stand in your way. Anything you set your mind to, you will achieve. We are extremely proud of you.

Love Mom and Dad

Proud Parents:DeMarcus and Glinda Akins

Hopewell High School

We are so proud of you and the young woman you have become. Your pursuit of righteousness and excellence is inspiring. May you hold steadfast on your journey to accomplish all your goals and be challenged to dream bigger everyday. Through him whom all things are possible (Philippians 4:13) The Future Dr. Jewel Wood. Go Baby Girl Go!

Love,

Mom, Dad, Joi & Justice

Congratulations to our daughter Jewel Wood

Independence High School

Eric Carr Jr.

GPA: 3.4

Parent(s)/Guardian: Alisha Carr, Eric Carr Sr.

Activities: Independence High School

Concert Band, Rho Kappa National Honor Society, Communities In Schools, Independence High School

Football

Honors: Rho Kappa National Honor Society, A/B Honor Roll, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Youth Leader, Communities In Schools Difference Maker

Saibryn Edgeworth

GPA: 3.6

Parent(s)/Guardian: Yumeko

Edgeworth, Dianne Edgeworth Activities: Marching Band, Music

Theory

Honors: A Honor Roll, A/B Honor Roll, Student of the Month, YBLA Nominee

Kendall Gordon

GPA: 3.5

Parent(s)/Guardian: John Gordon, Gina Coleman Lily Gorum

GPA: 3.6

Parent(s)/Guardian: Danielle Gorum

Activities: Girls Varsity Basketball, Honors Classes

Honors: A/B Honor Roll

Amanye Jinwright

GPA: 3.7

Parent(s)/Guardian: Alteka

Jinwright, Steven Funderburk

Activities: Captain Varsity Cheerleading, HOSA, National Technical Honor Society President, Academy of Health Sciences

Honors: National Technical Honor Society President, A/B Honor Roll, Teacher's Choice Award

Kayla Jones

GPA: 3.3

Parent(s)/Guardian: Jennifer Jones, Frank Jones

Activities: Varsity Volleyball, Varsity Soccer

Honors: Varsity Soccer MVP, Senior Citizen banquet volunteer, Vaiguala Roberts

GPA: 3.3

Parent(s)/Guardian: Famatta Roberts

Honors: A-B Honor roll

Julius L. Chambers High School

Azariah Diagne Levine Middle College High School Class of 2023

Azariah Joi,

Mother Jen and your sister Miyah are extremely proud of you and your accomplishments. You have done well, and I give God all of the glory. From a little girl, you have been compassionate about others and their wellbeing.

You have been an advocate and a voice of reasoning. We all know you will do great things in life. Go out and serve, lead by example, and be the best at whatever you do.

Love you always, Mom, Sister Miyah, and Your Family

Mallard Creek High School

Kai Sharpless

Mallard Creek High School Class of 2023

Celebrating who you are and all you have achieved!

Love, Dad, Mom, Kelly and Grandma

Proud Parents: Sonja and Stephen Sharpless

Sadie Henry Class of 2023

Mallard Creek High School Congratulations

Sadie, It seems like just yesterday that you were headed to Pre-K. Now you’re all grown up! We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments! We know that you will continue to make us proud and that you have a successful future ahead of you. We love you!

~Your Family

MEDIA/MARKETING MANAGER

Proud Parents: Mondarius Henry and Kendra Lipscomb

CONGRATULATIONStoALEX TANNER

We are so proud of you and all of your amazing accomplishments both academically and athletically! You have demonstrated resilience and perseverancewhich are great foundations to your continuedsuccessas you embark on the next stage of your journey. Always believe in yourself and your dreams will become reality.

We love you! Mom & Dad

Myers Park High School

Myers Park High School

Class of 2023

Congratulations!! Derek G McKnight, Jr.

We’ve watched you grow into such a remarkable young man.

We are proud beyond words and are so excited to follow your journey as you matriculate into higher education and beyond! Enjoy this Beautillion Militaire and all the beautiful things that life has to offer you!

We love you!

With All Our Love, Daddy, Mommy, Elisia, Elaina

Northwest School of the Arts

Olympic High School

Olympic High School

Omar Davis Congratulations

On behalf of the Charlotte Post Ambassadors, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations on your graduation! We have watched you grow and learn throughout your academic journey and are immensely proud of your accomplishments.

As ambassadors of the Charlotte Post, we are committed to serving our community and inspiring future generations of leaders. It is with great joy that we celebrate this momentous occasion with you and wish you all the very best in your future endeavors. May you continue to strive for excellence and make your mark in the world. Congratulations again, and continued success.

Kenneth “Omar” Davis Olympic High School

Class of 2023

Proud Father: Otis Davis

Transportation Services

Kenneth “Omar” Davis Davis Top Senior Scholar Class of 2023

Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology

Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology

Jalen Hampton

Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology Class

of 2023

Jalen on being named as one of Charlotte-Mecklenburg's top academic African American high school seniors of 2023, we are beyond proud of you!! From the day you made yourself known to us; we knew you were special. You have always moved to beat of your own drum and now everyone can hear your music. Continue to be true to yourself and everything else will fall into place. We love you and can't wait to witness your continued success.

Love you to infinity & beyond, Mommy, Auntie Nica, Uncle Chris, Grandma, Grandpa, Ayana, Aiden, & Josiah

Providence High School

Alana Hunt

South Mecklenburg High School

South Mecklenburg High School

D’A dLit Congratulations

D’Andre Linton South Mecklenburg High School Class of 2023

Champ, your journey has been one filled with excellent opportunities, and we are so proud of you that you were able to soar higher than our expectations. As you walk into your next chapter in life, always remember that mom and dad love you and are very proud of the young you have become.

Proud Parents: Damone and Romonda Linton

Congratulations

TheCharlottePost

American Business Women Association

The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together business women of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition.

Limitless Ladies Chapter of ABWA Vision: Connect. Engage. Lead Vision: Connect. Engage. Lead

A place for women from all professions to connect, elevate, empower, build, network and develop leaders as we grow. To provide our services as a chapter to help build our community.

Delores Hunt

Jacinta Parrish

Stacy Pugh Tygeria Bell

Tameka Brunson

Valerie Wilson Maggy Wooden Debra Barnes

Jonise Hall

Clarice Lewis

Donna LaFrance Charmaria Gurley

Louise Brunson

Constance Mack

Monayana Finley

Cissy Watkins

Carmen Blackmon

Beatrice E. Burton

Andrea Samuels Ann Marie Powell

Annette Sheriff Andrea Blue

Perita Adams

Stephanie Scott Shannon Burgess Shanda Salaam

Nicole McConico

Micheleen Leggett

Rose Wilson

Katina Smith

Linda Johnson President, Founder

Petra Duvall Treasurer

Charisse Kearse Vice President

Michele Chin Secretary Tami Stewart Joyce Wright Robin Rodgers

Linda Johnson

Nichelle Spears

Patrice Johnson

, Linda John Patrice Johnson